The George Washington University’s Center for Excellence in Public Leadership (CEPL) has announced a significant addition to its leadership team with the appointment of a new Director of Administration. This strategic role is pivotal in ensuring the Center's operational efficiency and financial sustainability as it continues to empower public leaders through impactful educational programs and partnerships.
The Director of Administration is responsible for providing strategic, operational and administrative support to CEPL. Key responsibilities include grant writing, proposal development, budget management, compliance oversight and staff supervision. This role is integral to the Center’s mission of developing public leaders who make a positive difference in their organizations and communities.
This appointment comes as CEPL continues to evolve under the leadership of Dr. Natalie K. Houghtby-Haddon, who assumed the role of Executive Director on January 1, 2025. Dr. Houghtby-Haddon brings extensive experience in leadership theory, ethics, and organizational development, having served as Associate Director of CEPL since 2001.
With this new addition to the leadership team, CEPL is poised to further its impact in developing innovative programs and fostering partnerships that enhance public sector leadership.
About Rachel Mahmud, Director of Administration, CEPL
Rachel Mahmud brings over 15 years of experience in program management, strategic planning, and partnerships. Throughout her career, she has fostered leadership and expanded opportunities for underrepresented groups. She is passionate about developing programs that build capacity and create lasting impact in local communities. She has led the design of initiatives focused on empowering women and youth, with a particular emphasis on leadership training, enterprise development, and building sustainable networks.
For the past five years, Rachel served as Strategy Lead at USAID, where she led the design and implementation of global initiatives promoting inclusive economic growth and sustainable agriculture. She has also advanced women’s and youth leadership across sectors at organizations such as the United Nations Foundation, Banyan Global, and ACDI/VOCA.
Rachel holds a Master’s in Public Management from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor’s in International Affairs from George Washington University. She speaks French, studied abroad in Aix-en-Provence, France, and has worked on programs in five Francophone countries across Africa.
After living in DC for 15 years, Rachel recently moved to Silver Spring. In her free time, she enjoys staying active – soccer and rock climbing are her favorite sports – and exploring different parts of the DMV with her family. She is excited to bring her passion for leadership development and social impact to CEPL.