Meet the 25-26 GPAC Board! Meet the students leading the Graduate Public Affairs Council (GPAC). Our board represents the voices of graduate students working to create an inclusive, informed, and connected community at the LBJ School of Public Affairs. Learn more about who we are and how to get in touch! Devarier “Dee” Smith, President Program and Year of Graduate: MPAff ’26 Hometown: Hopkinsville, Kentucky Policy Interests: Urban Issue Policy (Homelessness, Gun Violence Prevention, Economic Development, Public Transit) GPAC Responsibilities: As President I am the chief representative of GPAC and the LBJ School student body. I also lead and manage the GPAC board. Background: I have previously interned at the Texas House of Representatives and at a Regional Planning Organization in Kentucky. I also served one year as an AmeriCorps VISTA with an organization that was dedicated to ended homelessness in Louisville, KY. Last academic year I served on the GPAC Board as the Student Access & Belonging Director. Email: devarier.smith@utexas.edu Julius McIntyre, Vice President Program and Year of Graduate: MPAff ’26 Hometown: Columbus, Ohio Policy Interests: Criminal Justice Reform, Reentry and Rehabilitation, Welfare Policy and Poverty Reduction GPAC Responsibilities: As Vice President, I lead GPAC’s election processes, revise bylaws to improve clarity and participation, and serve as a liaison between students and the administration through regular meetings with the Associate Dean of Academics. Background: I am a first-generation college graduate with a strong commitment to public service and academic engagement. Currently, I serve as a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Sociology, where I support undergraduate learning in topics related to social inequality and institutional systems. My professional background includes experience in local government as a Legislative Intern for Columbus City Council, where I assisted with policy research and constituent services. During my undergraduate career at The Ohio State University, I held several prominent leadership roles within student government, actively collaborating with university administrators to shape campus policy and goals. Email: Jmcintyre3772@utexas.edu Delaney Gates, Communications Director Program and Year of Graduate: MPAff/MBA ’27 Hometown: Sacramento, California Policy Interests: I’m a generalist but interested in healthcare, agriculture, and business interests. GPAC Responsibilities: As Comms Director, I oversee all external communication platforms, including GPAC’s social media, newsletter, website, and Slack channels. I’m working to make GPAC comms more engaging so let me know what you want to see from us! Background: Prior to LBJ, I competed as a Division I track and field athlete at the University of Utah, serving as team captain in my senior year. I’ve gained policy and communications experience through internships with Congressman Ami Bera, former Congressman Colin Allred’s U.S. Senate campaign, and a healthcare-focused public affairs firm based in Sacramento. Email: delaneygates@utexas.edu Antonio Garzon Amadei, Finance Director Program and Year of Graduate: MGPS ’26 Hometown: Genova, Italy Policy Interests: International Development GPAC Responsibilities: As Finance Director, I manage GPAC’s annual budget. I work closely with LBJ School student organizations to understand their funding needs. I also coordinate with UT and the LBJ School to allocate university-provided funds that support student-led events. Background: I am an Italian and Colombian citizen that moved to Austin right after graduating with a degree in Economics in Milan, Italy. Previously, I interned at an NGO in Lesotho where I analyzed their budgets and devised strategies to make donor funds go a longer way. Email: agarzonamadei@utexas.edu Peyton Daniels, Student Life Director Program and Year of Graduate: MPAff ’26 Hometown: Round Rock, Texas Policy Interests: Public Education, History, Fine Arts GPAC Responsibilities: As Student Life Director, I am responsible for cultivating a sense of community within the LBJ School through events, apparel, and other gatherings. Background: I’m a Texas native and earned my undergraduate degrees from Texas Tech University, where I was actively involved in the Student Government Association and my sorority. Professionally, I’ve gained experience through internships with the U.S. Department of State and the Office of the 20th Congressional District of Florida. Since starting at the LBJ School, I’ve worked at a consulting firm, served as a Teaching Assistant, and will be spending the summer with Humanities Texas. I’m passionate about cultivating relationships and working on policy that brings people together. Email: pgd379@my.utexas.edu Aria Stiefelmaier, Professional Development Director Program and Year of Graduate: MGPS ’26 Hometown: Round Rock, Texas Policy Interests: National Security and Intelligence GPAC Responsibilities: As Professional Development Director I plan and coordinate career-focused events, workshops, and networking opportunities for LBJ students. I collaborate with career services, alumni, and external partners to support students’ professional growth and internship/job placement. Background: I have held internships with the Department of Justice, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia’s office, and Cheniere Energy’s Government Affairs team. My academic and professional experiences have centered on national security, including research I co-authored on a study of foreign fighters in the Russia-Ukraine War. Email: aria.stiefelmaier@utexas.edu Valerie Ferguson, Community Engagement Director Program and Year of Graduate: MGPS ’26 Hometown: Taylor, Texas Policy Interests: National Security, the Environment, and Human Rights GPAC Responsibilities: As community engagement director, I will facilitate monthly volunteer opportunities for LBJ students and manage the outpost at the school. I will seek to provide a wide range of events like diversity month celebrations in Austin, community clean-ups, tree planting, and helping with the city’s food pantry. Background: Email: Valerie.ferguson@utexas.edu Student Access & Belonging Director More information coming soon! Elections for this role will be held during the Fall ’25 semester.
