Meet Austin Madden ’27

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Where are you from and what is your background?
I grew up in Rhode Island as the oldest of four siblings, which meant I learned responsibility and leadership early on. I attended the U.S. Naval Academy for undergrad and, after graduation, served as a Marine Infantry Officer in Southeast Asia and Iraq. After my military service, I earned my MBA at Wharton and became an investor focused on developing markets and sustainability. In 2023, I moved to the Bay Area, where I ran a congressional campaign in Palo Alto. Afterward, I joined a startup focused on flight automation and now work at Abelian Group, a boutique consultancy that delivers AI strategy to clients.

Why did you apply for this graduate program and decide to study at USF?
After leading a congressional race, I wanted to step back and study the core competencies of public leadership more deliberately. USF’s Public Leadership program stood out for its balance of rigorous academic coursework and practical application, as well as its flexible structure, which has allowed me to continue working full-time while advancing my studies.

What impacts has the Dean's Scholarship had on your ability to further your studies?
The Dean’s Scholarship was a critical factor in my decision to attend USF. Since I do not have full access to the G.I. Bill benefits, additional financial support was essential to make graduate school feasible. The scholarship has allowed me to focus on my studies without the constant concern of whether the financial commitment was sustainable.

What are your career ambitions?
My long-term ambition is to blend my passion for public leadership with my professional experience in emerging technology. I want to help the United States stay at the cutting edge of innovation and competition while serving the public good. Much of my career since business school has been in private sector roles, but through this program I am learning how to apply those skills more deliberately in public leadership.

What is something unique or interesting about you?
I have a wide range of interests, cooking, music, sailing, hiking, and I’ve always sought opportunities that push me outside my comfort zone. That same curiosity has shaped my professional journey. While working as an investor at United Airlines, I chose to leave finance to pursue politics more directly by running a campaign. Later, rather than staying in a familiar industry, I moved into a startup role to learn more about AI and its potential. I thrive in situations that challenge me to grow, and my pivot into public policy reflects that same drive to pursue paths that are not always standard but deeply meaningful.