The Public Policy Graduate Student Association (PPGSA) was founded in 2010 by Benjamin Deitchman and Wes Staley. With the aim of representing the interest of students in the School of Public Policy and connecting students with fellow classmates, PPGSA is rooted in improvement of the school, community, and service.
Founder
Benjamin Deitchman
Benjamin Deitchman was the Founding President of the Public Policy Graduate Students Association (PPGSA) at the Georgia Institute of Technology and graduated from the School of Public Policy in 2014. He has since worked at the Rochester Institute of Technology and the Georgia Public Service Commission, where he is now the Assistant Director of the Electric Unit. He is currently involved in the community with Trees Atlanta, as an elementary school room parent, and as a youth sports coach. He is the author of “Climate and Clean Energy Policy: State Institutions and Economic Implications” and his next book should be available in 2025.
Past Administrations
Fall 2024-Spring 2025
Key Highlights and Major Initiatives
Creation of PPGSA
Public Policy Graduate Student Association (PPGSA) was created in 2010 by Benjamin Deitchman (Ben) and Wes Staley. At the time of its inception, PPGSA had only a couple of officers who all served in a voluntary capacity. The main focus of PPGSA was to connect with students and provide a way for students to participate in casual and professional events. Since its creation, the work of the PPGSA has evolved, with the number of officers expanding to meet the needs of the School of Public Policy and the role of the PPGSA becoming more important to the administration of the school’s goal, values, and communication. The work of Ben and Wes still carries on today.
PPGSA Website and Social Media Creator
Prior to the Fall 24 semester, the Public Policy Graduate Student Association had no official website. Today, the PPGSA website stores everything, from townhall events, officer and alumni information, and PPGSA history.
Undergoing many changes throughout the years, the Public Policy Graduate Student Association’s official website and social media pages were officially created by President Marquise’ Collins during the Summer of 2024. These platforms exist as a way for student’s to connect with the School of Public Policy, our social media pages help students network with alumni, build community with fellow students, and find ways to participate in fun events.