The UMSL Public Policy Administration program recently named Mary McMurtrey and John Shaw distinguished alumni. McMurtrey is the director of community engagement for the Greater Saint Louis Community Foundation, and Shaw is the city manager for Ferguson, Mo.
Ferguson, Mo., City Manager John Shaw and Greater St. Louis Community Foundation Director of Community Engagement Mary McMurtrey have been selected as recipients of the University of Missouri–St. Louis Public Policy Administration Distinguished Alumni Award for 2013.
McMurtrey earned a master’s degree in public policy administration along with a graduate certificate in nonprofit management & leadership in 2006. She recently joined the Greater St. Louis Community Foundation after serving more than six years, first as vice president, then as president, at the Gateway Center for Giving. In addition, McMurtrey is a member of UMSL’s Nonprofit Management & Leadership Program’s Advisory Board. Previously, she was executive director at Boys Hope Girls Hope and the Wildlife Rescue Center.
Shaw earned his master’s degree in public policy administration with an emphasis in local government management in 2003. He has served as city manager for the city of Ferguson for nearly seven years. Prior to that, he was assistant city manager in Shrewsbury, Mo., for five years. He is credentialed by the International City/County Management Association, serves as vice president of the St. Louis Area City Management Association and is on the board of several other professional and nonprofit organizations, including the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL. In addition, John serves as the practitioner-advisor for the UMSL student chapter of ICMA
“We are recognizing and honoring both McMurtrey and Shaw who over the years have distinguished themselves in their careers, in their service to the St. Louis region, and in their service to the PPA program,” said Deborah Balser, director of PPA program. “Their dedication to public service is inspiring.”
McMurtrey and Shaw were presented with the awards at the PPA annual fall reception.
The UMSL Public Policy Administration program offers a master’s degree in public policy administration as well as graduate certificates and professional development programs in nonprofit management and leadership and local government management.
