For the second year, the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) at the University of Pittsburgh invited graduating students to apply for the opportunity to speak at the School’s commencement ceremony. Jill Stemple (MPPM '26) was chosen by the selection committee to speak on behalf of her class at the event.
"This role is awarded through a competitive selection process, recognizing a student whose voice reflects the spirit, commitment, and impact of our graduating class," Dean Carissa Slotterback said in an email announcing the news to the SPIA community. "Jill brings both professional depth and lived experience to her work... We look forward to celebrating Jill and all of our graduates at this year’s commencement ceremony."
Learn more about Jill ahead of this year's ceremony, taking place Friday, May 1, at 3:30 PM at Soldiers and Sailors Hall and Museum.
Jill Stemple holds a BA from Franklin and Marshall College and will graduate with a Master of Public Policy and Management from the University of Pittsburgh School of Public and International Affairs in May 2026. She pursued her MPPM part-time while serving in various roles at the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS).
Jill is currently appointed as the Bureau Director for Policy, Planning, and Program Development in the DHS Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. In this role, she provides executive leadership for Pennsylvania’s behavioral health Medicaid program, manages federal grant funding, develops regulations for mental health provider licensing, oversees county mental health programs, and develops mental health services.
Jill worked her way up through DHS starting as an Income Maintenance Case Worker determining eligibility for Medicaid and SNAP and has held a variety of roles including grant manager, Section Chief of Planning, and Executive Policy Specialist. She is proud to bring lived expertise to her work alongside her depth of professional experience and education.
Above all, Jill’s most important role is being “Aunt Jill” to Iva Jane, Julia, and Theo.