Jacob Rizzio is from Yorktown, Virginia. He is majoring in leadership and public policy and minoring in urban and environmental planning. He has extensive policy experience working in local government for York County as a Long-Range Plan Steering Committee member and as a planning intern. He also has experience working with federal policy implementation as an intern at the National Association of Counties in Washington, D.C. focusing on resilient economies and communities.
In addition to his studies at Batten, Rizzio is involved in programs at the Karsh Institute of Democracy and Miller Center for Public Affairs.
What drew you to the field of public policy, and what has kept you passionate about it throughout your studies?
I think it comes down to my drive to solve problems to create a positive impact. In middle school, through the Student Council Association, I worked with others to set up a program that donated leftover cafeteria food to a local food bank. Seeing the impact of that initiative was incredibly rewarding. But my interest in policy really developed through my service in local government on the York County Board of Supervisors’ Student Youth Commission and as the first youth representative on my county’s Long-Range Plan Steering Committee. These experiences showed me how policy directly affects people’s daily lives and that I have the ability to make a difference. That potential for impact, whether at the local, national, or international level, is what has kept me passionate about strengthening my skills and expanding my ability to create change through my studies at Batten.
What has been your favorite memory at the Batten School? What will you miss most about Batten?
I don’t think I have one single favorite memory, but if I had to pick, it would be just spending time in Garrett Hall. It’s not really about the building itself, but the sense of community within it. Studying and working there, and running into classmates, professors, and Batten administrators always brightens my day, no matter what kind of day I am having. What I’ll miss most is that feeling of connection, friendliness, and supportive environment that culminates in the building that makes Batten such a special place.
What specific public policy issue are you most passionate about, and what change would you like to see in that area?
I wouldn’t say there’s one specific policy issue I’m most passionate about. What drives me more is designing policy that is efficient, effective, and truly accountable to the public. Whether it’s healthcare, economic policy, or social issues, my focus is always on how to help the most people in the best way possible. If I could see one major change, it would be ensuring that government programs operate efficiently and deliver the maximum public benefit.
What has been your proudest achievement during your time at school, and how has it influenced your journey in public policy?
My proudest achievement was writing the sea-level rise section of a comprehensive plan for my local government during an internship. The coastal region I’m from has the second-fastest rising sea levels in the United States. It was my first experience being directly involved in researching, drafting, and finalizing policy that would actually be adopted. Seeing York County approve my work as part of the comprehensive plan was incredibly validating and reinforced my passion for public policy.
What has been the most rewarding project or initiative you’ve worked on, and what impact did it have on you or others?
The most rewarding project I’ve worked on was the Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities program, run by the National Association of Counties with federal funding. This initiative helped coal communities by providing resources, technical support, and opportunities to diversify their economies and build a more sustainable future. It really shaped how I think about policy — not just in theory, but in how it actually gets implemented at the local level. Seeing firsthand how communities were working to adapt, and learning from experts and one another was inspiring. It reinforced how important it is to design policies that actually help people and communities in the real world, not just on paper.
As you look to the future, what are your career aspirations, and how do you plan to make an impact in the field of public policy?
Right now, my biggest career goal is to work in government to help advance public policy goals and objectives. Last summer, I interned with the Government Accountability Office and really enjoyed the work. In the near future, I hope to find a similar opportunity where I can continue contributing to public policy in a meaningful way.
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