Meet a Roadrunner: Alum Caitlin Buchanan is working with the city on a fellowship
(May 21, 2014) -- Meet Caitlin Buchanan. This recent UTSA master of public administration graduate will spend the next 16 months as a fellow in the prestigious City of San Antonio City (CoSA) Management Fellowship program.
Each year, more than 100 professionals from across the country apply for the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in big-city government. Buchanan is only the second UTSA alum to achieve a placement in this nationally recognized, fiercely competitive program.
As a City Management Fellow, Buchanan will spend six months in the CoSA budget office, six months in the City Manager's office and four months in a city operating department to be determined.
"I'm very, very excited to represent UTSA in this program and also to learn more about the processes of municipal government," said Buchanan. "To my knowledge, there's no other opportunity that provides such great access to the behind-the-scenes look at city government in action. It was the logical next step in building a strong foundation to becoming a future city leader."
Buchanan's ultimate goal is to take the knowledge and the experience gained through the program and apply it to her own burgeoning career in city government, specifically with the parks and recreation department.
Buchanan is a major proponent for the necessity of parks to a healthy city. She currently works full-time with the CoSA Parks Department as a recreation supervisor at the Phil Hardberger Urban Ecology Center.
"I cherish the connections that parks help establish within communities. Parks enhance people's lives, wellness and overall community well being," said Buchanan.
"Parks give children a place to run around and have fun, and they give families a place to gather to spend a day in the outdoors," she added. "Those moments are invaluable."
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