ASU IOP Fellows
Fall 2026 IOP Fellows
The ASU Institute of Politics Fellows are distinguished leaders from across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors who bring real-world experience to campus. From diplomats and governors to journalists, advocates, and policy experts, these Fellows engage directly with students—offering mentorship, leading discussions, and sharing insights that inspire the next generation of civic leaders.
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Lisa Fernandez
Strategy, Communications and Organizational Development Leader,
Okland Construction
Lisa Fernandez has built her career at the intersection of politics, public service, and strategic leadership. She currently serves in a senior leadership role at Okland Construction, where she leads strategy, communications, and organizational development initiatives.
Previously, Lisa served as Chief of Staff to Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, helping guide policy, communications, and operations during pivotal moments for the city, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Before entering municipal leadership, she worked in public affairs and political consulting, supporting campaigns and advocacy efforts across Arizona and nationally.
Over the course of her career, Lisa has worked with leaders including Raúl Grijalva, Cheri Bustos, Greg Stanton, and Ruben Gallego. She is recognized for her collaborative leadership style, commitment to mentorship, and ability to bridge politics, policy, and implementation.
Education: Bachelor’s Degree — Arizona State University
Dr. Evelyn Farkas
Executive Director, McCain Institute
Evelyn Farkas is the Executive Director of the McCain Institute at Arizona State University. She brings more than three decades of experience in national security, foreign policy, and international affairs across government, academia, and the private sector.
From 2012 to 2015, Dr. Farkas served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia under President Barack Obama. She has also served as a foreign policy analyst, author, and national security contributor for NBC and MSNBC.
At the McCain Institute, Dr. Farkas leads initiatives focused on democracy, human rights, character-driven leadership, and global security. Her work emphasizes bipartisan leadership and civic engagement in addressing global challenges.
Education:
- Ph.D., Public Administration — The Fletcher School at Tufts University
- M.A., International Relations — The Fletcher School at Tufts University
- B.A. — Franklin & Marshall College
Dr. Sethuraman “Panch” Panchanathan
Former Director, National Science Foundation
Professor of Computer Science and Engineering,
Arizona State University
Sethuraman Panchanathan is a computer scientist, educator, and innovation leader who served as the 15th Director of the National Science Foundation from 2020 to 2025. During his tenure, he led national efforts advancing scientific discovery, STEM education, artificial intelligence research, and technology innovation.
Prior to his federal appointment, Dr. Panchanathan served as Executive Vice President of Knowledge Enterprise at Arizona State University, where he helped expand ASU’s global research and innovation footprint. His research has focused on artificial intelligence, machine learning, assistive technologies, and inclusive innovation.
Dr. Panchanathan is widely recognized for his commitment to advancing accessible technology and expanding opportunities in science and engineering education.
Education:
- Ph.D., Electrical and Computer Engineering — University of Ottawa
- M.S., Electrical Engineering — Indian Institute of Science
- B.E., Electronics and Communication Engineering — University of Madras
Judge Danielle Harris
Judge, Pinal County Superior Court
Danielle Harris serves on the Arizona Court of Appeals and has built a distinguished career in law, public service, and judicial leadership. Prior to joining the bench, she worked extensively in litigation and public law, earning recognition for her thoughtful approach to legal interpretation and civic responsibility.
Judge Harris has been actively engaged in mentoring future legal professionals and promoting civic education throughout Arizona. Her work reflects a commitment to integrity, public trust, and ensuring access to justice within the legal system.
Through her leadership on the bench and in the broader legal community, Judge Harris continues to contribute to conversations around ethics, governance, and public impact.
Education:
- J.D. — Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
- B.A. — University of Arizona
Steve Voeller
Arizona Business and Civic Leader
Steve Voeller is an Arizona business and civic leader with extensive experience in organizational leadership, community engagement, and public-private collaboration. Throughout his career, he has worked across sectors to strengthen partnerships between industry, education, and civic institutions.
Known for his practical and community-centered leadership style, Steve has contributed to initiatives focused on economic development, workforce growth, and civic engagement throughout Arizona. His work emphasizes relationship building, strategic thinking, and creating opportunities for long-term community impact.
Through his leadership and mentorship, Steve continues to support emerging leaders and foster collaboration between the private and public sectors.
Education:
B.A., Political Science — Arizona State University
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Fall 2025 IOP Fellows
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Doug Ducey
CEO, Citizens for Free Enterprise
23rd Governor of Arizona
Doug Ducey is known as one of America’s most successful entrepreneurs and most successful governors.
Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, Ducey began his career in business with Procter & Gamble, and later served as CEO of Cold Stone Creamery. There, Ducey led the expansion of the ice cream franchise from one single store into a business with 1,400 locations in the United States and 10 other countries.
Elected Arizona’s 23rd Governor in 2014 and reelected by an even wider margin in 2018, Ducey successfully championed historic policy initiatives, enacting the lowest flat income tax rate in the nation, introducing a first-in-nation law that requires students to pass a Civics test before graduating from high school, knocking-down licensing requirements that stood as a barrier to work, and eliminating or improving over 3,365 regulations resulting in the equivalent of a $183 million dollar tax cut.
Ducey may be best known for pioneering Education Scholarship Accounts and universal school choice – providing every family with the opportunity to have their student attend whatever school is best for them. As the Hill reported, Arizona’s program “has become the standard that school choice advocates argue other states need to emulate.”
Legendary Conservative Columnist George Will described Ducey as the “most successful 21st century governor.”
Under Governor Ducey’s leadership, Arizona also experienced unparalleled growth with the state’s economy having boomed while the size of government has shrunk. When Ducey left office, Arizona’s government employed 5,000 less state workers than when he took office, and the state’s economy added over 500,000 private sector jobs.
Governor Ducey also welcomed record amounts of investment by leading various economic development initiatives that have attracted businesses from all industries, especially international semiconductor manufacturing and healthcare. While Arizona governor, Ducey served as Chairman of the Republican Governors Association, and was the first Governor since Ronald Reagan to be elected by his peers to serve multiple terms in that role.
A passionate Arizona State Sun Devil, committed Catholic and proud father, Governor Doug Ducey resides in Paradise Valley, Arizona with his wife, Angela. They are parents to three sons.
Randi Charno Levine
U.S. Ambassador to Portugal (2022–2025), cultural diplomacy leader and arts advocate.
A passionate defender of the arts and an accomplished diplomat, Randi Charno Levine served as the United States Ambassador to Portugal from April 2022 to January 2025, following unanimous confirmation by the Senate and appointment by President Biden.
During her tenure, she strengthened U.S.–Portugal cooperation across defense, innovation, renewable energy, and cultural diplomacy, including the high-profile “Art in Embassies” exhibition opened by First Lady Jill Biden.
Prior to her ambassadorship, Levine chaired the Meridian Center for Cultural Diplomacy, served as Commissioner at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, and held board roles with various cultural institutions. An alumna of the Missouri School of Journalism, she holds a B.A. in journalism and brings to her public service a powerful blend of storytelling, cultural insight, and civic leadership.
Sherri Wolson
Veteran public servant, civic organizer and nonprofit leader
Sherri Wolson is a veteran public servant, civic organizer, and nonprofit leader whose career experience has spanned government service, grassroots democracy, and mission-driven philanthropy. Her journey in civic life began as an undergraduate student at Stanford University, where she chaired Stanford in Government and encouraged fellow students to explore careers in public service and policymaking. Today, she continues to champion democratic engagement as an Arizona Team Lead with the civic advocacy group Common Power, and she has led volunteer initiatives in Phoenix and Tucson to encourage voter participation, including overseeing hundreds of volunteers who knocked on over 45,000 doors during the 2024 election.
Sherri served as a trial lawyer in the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and co-authored amicus briefs submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court. She has held leadership roles on numerous nonprofit boards serving the education, philanthropy, and civic engagement sectors and has deep expertise in governance, fundraising, and organizational strategy.
Sherri earned an A.B. in Public Policy from Stanford University, a J.D. from Stanford Law School, and is a Truman Scholar. As a Visiting Fellow, she enjoys working with students to provide insight into careers rooted in civic purpose, public service, and nonprofit leadership. Her work at ASU focuses on cultivating civic courage, expanding democratic participation, and empowering the next generation of changemakers.
The Reason Interview with Jeff Flake
Gillespie sat down with Jeff Flake to reflect on why he chose principle over power (and how he feels about that now), his time representing the U.S. in Turkey as Russia invaded Ukraine, his push for reforming America’s broken political system, and why he believes the fever of grievance politics must—and eventually will—break.
Nick Gillespie
Libertarian journalist, editor at large at Reason,
and host of The Reason Interview podcast
Nick Gillespie is a journalist, cultural critic, and longtime advocate for free expression and individual liberty. He serves as editor at large at Reason, the libertarian magazine of “free minds and free markets,” where he also hosts The Reason Interview with Nick Gillespie, a podcast featuring conversations with leading thinkers in politics, culture, and media.
Gillespie previously served as editor in chief of Reason magazine, Reason.com, and Reason TV, where his work garnered multiple National Magazine Award nominations and recognition for innovation in digital journalism. His co-authored book, The Declaration of Independents: How Libertarian Politics Can Fix What’s Wrong With America, explores the rise of individual choice in a post-partisan world. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Time, Slate, and many other major outlets. Known for blending pop culture sensibility with serious political inquiry, Gillespie has interviewed figures ranging from Ozzy Osbourne to Nobel laureates like Milton Friedman and Vernon Smith.
He is a frequent commentator on networks including NPR, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, and PBS, and has been praised by The New York Times Magazine as “the quintessence of [libertarianism’s] outlaw spirit.” Gillespie holds a Ph.D. in English literature from the State University of New York at Buffalo and lives in New York City.