Maria Fitzpatrick, an associate professor in the Department of Policy Analysis and Management and a member of the Public Affairs Field at Cornell, has been named the new director of CIPA. She will begin a five year term effective immediately. 

Fitzpatrick has a PhD in Economics from the University of Virginia and was a postdoctoral fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research prior to joining PAM as a faculty member in 2011.  She is an internationally-known scholar with expertise in the economics of education, public finance and labor economics.  Some areas of particular expertise include pension policies and the early child care market.  She has published widely in top academic journals and regularly attends and presents at the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM) among other professional organizations. 

Fitzpatrick teaches courses in the Economics of Education as well as courses in microeconomics and the economics of education more broadly, which attract CIPA students.   

“I have enjoyed teaching CIPA students,” says Fitzpatrick.  “Also, I have met many CIPA students and alumni outside of the classroom, especially through my involvement with policymakers in New York State and throughout the country.  Interacting with current and former CIPA students has been most rewarding, and is much of what motivated me to become more involved as Director of CIPA.”

Rachel Dunifon, Senior Associate Dean for Research and Outreach in the College of Human Ecology, announced Fitzpatrick’s new role on Friday, March 16. “With her strong academic background in areas directly relevant to CIPA and her commitment to the CIPA program and mission, I am confident that Maria will serve as an outstanding director,” Dunifon said.  “Please join me in welcoming and congratulating Maria.  I know that Maria is looking forward to working with all of you in her new role.”

Over the next few months, Professor Fitzpatrick looks forward to connecting with alumni, faculty, staff, and students as she transitions into her new role.  

CIPA’s immediate past director, Sharon Tennyson, completed her three-year term last July and returned to teaching and serving as director of graduate studies for the Field of Public Affairs.