Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership

The Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership reflects GSPIA’s commitment to producing professionals who adhere to the highest standards of ethics and public accountability. The Johnson Institute provides students, faculty and the community at large with opportunities to engage in disciplined reflections and rigorous inquiry on issues of ethics and accountability that are of particular interest to the public and nonprofit sectors.


Our Mission The mission of the Johnson Institute is to enhance professional and institutional ethics and accountability in public leadership. We accomplish this mission through an integrated portfolio of programs including: Teaching: The Johnson Institute provides classroom instruction and experiential learning opportunities for GSPIA students and for experienced public service executives. The Leadership Portfolio Program is a 15 month leadership development program for exceptionally promising and motivated students. Research: The Johnson Institute conducts basic and applied research on leadership and accountability in public service leading to publications in top journals. We also regularly publish case studies profiling the accomplishments of winners of our Exemplary Leader Award. The cases are available for classroom use here and at other institutions. Outreach: The Johnson Institute promotes discussion and debate on timely public policy issues that involve leadership in the public sector. When possible also provide leadership consulting services, usually free of charge, to public and nonprofit organizations. The Nonprofit Clinic gives graduate students the opportunity to serve as management consultants to nonprofits in the Pittsburgh region. These three aspects of the Johnson Institute mission work in concert to enhance the quality of public leadership in government, nonprofit, and nongovernmental organizations in Pittsburgh, the Nation, and abroad. Upcoming Events Featured Video Jim Withers, M.D., 2017 Johnson Institute Exemplary Leadership Award Winner Dr. Withers’ selfless efforts through Operation Safety Net have saved lives and conveyed a message of hope to the most marginalized and isolated members of our community. Moreover, he has steadfastly adhered to the principle of meeting people where they are, listening to their needs, and delivering services in a manner that is completely devoid of judgement or pity. Watch Video Close Popup Recent News August 09, 2018 Leader to Leader Journal Receives APEX 2018 Award of Excellence The Frances Hesselbein Forum has announced that the quarterly Leader to Leader Journal received the APEX 2018 Award of Excellence in the category of Magazines, Journals & Tabloids — Writing for the #86 Fall 2017 issue. Read more January 26, 2018 Accepting Applications for Fall 2018 Do you have the passion to make a difference in the lives of others? Consider taking the first step toward a rewarding career in public service by applying to the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public & International Affairs (GSPIA). Founded in 1958, GSPIA is one of the most recognized and comprehensive schools of its type in the world. GSPIA's 8,000 globally connected alumni hold prestigious positions in government, nonprofit organizations, business, and academia worldwide. Read more November 15, 2017 Johnson Institute honors Fagan Harris, CEO Baltimore Corps The Johnson Institute recently honored Fagan Harris, the founder and CEO of Baltimore Corps, with its Emerging Leader Award. The Emerging Leader Award is granted annually and recognizes the accomplishments of people who, relatively early in their professional careers, have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and high promise of future accomplishments. This year’s recipient Fagan Harris is an incredibly compassionate, innovative emerging leader who seeks to address the multifaceted challenges that faced his home town. Read more October 30, 2017 Inaugural Hesselbein Lecture features Col. Diane Ryan On Thurs., Sept. 28, Colonel Diane Ryan, the inaugural speaker for the Frances Hesselbein Forum Lecture Series, met with students of the Johnson Institute’s Leadership Portfolio Program for a Q&A session. Col. Ryan is an esteemed veteran who has moved up the ranks of the US Army serving 29 years before moving into academic roles. She spent the last nine years as a faculty member and senior administrative leader at the United States Military Academy at West Point (USMA). There Col. Ryan was instrumental at implementing programming and coursework with a focus on civic engagement. Read more September 15, 2017 Dr. Diane Ryan to deliver Inaugural Hesselbein Forum Lecture Dr. Diane Ryan will deliver the inaugural lecture of the Hesselbein Forum at 5:00 p.m. on Thurs., Sept. 28 at the Twentieth Century Club. During her talk, Dr. Ryan will explore values-based leadership development as well as share research that demonstrates the importance of quality, character, mind-set, values, and principles in today’s rapidly evolving world. Read more See All News Featured Research The Johnson Institute’s Case Study Series features the accomplishments of the Institute’s Exemplary Leadership Award Winners. This is its most recent case study in the exemplary leader series and it documents the leadership of John and Susan Collin Marks of Search for Common Ground. Read more. Featured Publications Johnson Institute Announces 2016 Annual Report The Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership is pleased to release its 2016 annual report featuring exemplars of leadership, teaching, research, and the ongoing public service efforts of the institute. Read More



Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership 3917 Wesley W. Posvar Hall, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260 Privacy Policy \| Pitt Home

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