The Public Policy and Management Center (PPMC) employs a permanent staff along with project associates in the field. Faculty and graduate assistants also provide research assistance, and the Center partners with content experts from other academic units at Wichita State University.
Morgan Barnes Program Manager
morgan.barnes@wichita.edu | (316) 978-6535
Morgan Barnes provides support and assistance with professional development, community
service and programming for the Public Policy and Management Center by delivering
professional trainings and conference planning. Prior to joining Wichita State, Morgan
worked in higher education in several capacities but always with the same goal: helping
people change their story and make a difference. Morgan received her bachelor's degree
from Wichita State University in Integrated Marketing Communication.
Misty Bruckner Director
misty.bruckner@wichita.edu | (316) 978-6527
Misty Bruckner leads the programs and staff of the Public Policy and Management Center.
For more than 20 years, she has served in various public service capacities including
as the City of Wichita's Assistant to the City Manager and Neighborhood Services Director.
Misty was recipient of the Excellence in Public Service Award from the City of Wichita
and Bronze Medal Award for Public Service from the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office.
She holds a Master of Public Administration from Wichita State University.
Lisa Dodson Research and Program Evaluation Manager
lisa.dodson@wichita.edu | (316) 978-3126
Lisa Dodson served as a Project Associate for the Public Policy and Management Center
for three years before joining the team full-time in 2016. As Research and Program
Evaluation Manager for the PPMC, she provides program management, evaluation, consulting
and research services. Prior to joining Wichita State, she owned an independent consulting
firm and held roles at Kansas State University Institute for Academic Alliances, Kansas
African American Museum and Tabor College. Lisa earned a M.Econ. and M.Ed., both from Wichita State University.
Paula Downs Talent and Professional Services Manager
paula.downs@wichita.edu | (316) 978-6678
Paula Downs joined the Public Policy and Management Center in 2012 with more than
25 years of experience in the public sector, 13 of those as a project manager. In
her current role, she oversees special projects; develops and delivers training on
a wide range of topics; and assists local governments and nonprofits with board trainings,
strategic planning, facilitation services and professional development. In addition,
Paula has spent the last several years involved in community engagement efforts including,
stakeholder interviews, focus group facilitation, survey development, citizen feedback
sessions, and developing and utilizing tools that increase participation around identified
topics. Paula holds a Master of Public Administration from Wichita State University.
LaShonda Garnes Community Development Manager
lashonda.garnes@wichita.edu | (316) 978-6834
LaShonda Garnes joined the Public Policy and Management Center in April 2018 with
more than 15 years of experience in both the public and private sector. For more than
10 years, LaShonda has served in various public service leadership roles including
the Business Operations Manager, Community Liaison and Neighborhood Services Manager.
In her role as the Community Development Manager, she works to engage in diverse initiatives
that drive and influence change. She is responsible for developing, implementing and
directing project/program initiatives primarily for nonprofits, local, state and federal
constituents related to community engagement, strategic planning, organizational assessments,
planning and facilitation. LaShonda received her Master of Public Administration from
Wichita State University and her bachelor's degree in Business Administration from
Chicago State University.
Sarah Shaffer Business Manager
sarah.shaffer@wichita.edu | (316) 978-6526
Sarah Shaffer provides operational management and program evaluation support at the Public Policy and Management Center. Prior to her role at Wichita State, she was a Senior Accountant in the Division of
Finance at Sedgwick County. Sarah’s passion for public service can be recognized in her previous work experience,
including as English as a Second Language (ESL) Coordinator for the Valley Center School District,
Research Assistant for University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, Psychosocial
Group Coordinator for Mental Health Association of South-Central Kansas, and Children’s
Education Specialist for Kansas Children’s Service League. Sarah holds BA and MA degrees
in Sociology from Wichita State University.
The Public Policy and Management Center (PPMC) is housed within Strategic Engagement and Planning at Wichita State University.
PPMC Organizational Chart
Office hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Physical address:
Lindquist Hall, 3rd Floor
Map to Lindquist Hall
Visitor Parking at WSU
Mailing address:
Wichita State University
Public Policy and Management Center
1845 Fairmount St.
Wichita, Kan. 67260-0211
