State of State 2019-2020 Executive Board
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ERIC BILBROUGH Eric is a senior majoring in Political Science and Communication, Arts & Sciences (CAS). He is from Media, PA. Eric has had the complete Penn State experience, from marching in the Blue Band, scooping ice cream at the creamery, serving on THON committees, and is a former Committee Director for the Lion Ambassadors. He looks forward to furthering the organization's growth and fostering meaningful dialogue both within the Penn State and greater State College communities. - Some of Eric’s hobbies include: Philadelphia Sports, hiking, registering voters, and meeting new people. During quarantine, Eric has been a YMCA Camp Counselor and preparing for an impactful year with State of State. Eric is always seeking constructive feedback and ideas to improve the conference, so please feel free to reach out to him at executive.stateofstate@gmail.com. |
INTERNAL DIRECTOR
SYNTHEA HAIRSTON Syn is a senior majoring in Biology Vertebrate Physiology and Biological Sciences and is from Pittsburgh, PA. This is Syn’s first year in State of State, but definitely not her first year making an impact on campus. Syn has been instrumental in several different organizations at Penn State, demanding change and taking action. - In her free time, Syn is a lab rat! You can find her researching chemistry and biology. During quarantine, Syn has been cooking, spending time with her nephew and Mom, virtually interning, rereading her favorite books, catching up on her favorite Netflix series, and working with an exceptional State of State Executive Board. You can contact Synthea at internal.stateofstate@gmail.com. |
CONTENT DIRECTOR
NATALIE GRAHAM Natalie is a senior at Penn State majoring in Broadcast Journalism and Entrepreneurship & Innovation. She is from Princeton, NJ. - During her first year as a part of State of State, she was involved in the Content Committee and was able to work with our speakers one-on-one. Last year, she was the Partnerships Director and was able to build personal and financial relationships with other organizations on and off campus. - On campus, Natalie is also involved with PSNTV, Kappa Delta, and has been volunteering with THON. Some of her hobbies include: concerts, photography, and baking! During quarantine, Natalie has been staying busy by watch Outer Banks and Selling Sunsets. She also got a new puppy! You can contact Natalie at content.stateofstate@gmail.com. 
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR
STEPHANIE FLEITZ Steph is a sophomore majoring in Finance and is originally from Thornton, PA. - As a member of the 2019-20 Community Engagement Committee, she helped organize and staff our Fall Conference and various outreach events throughout the year. Steph is a member of Phi Beta Lambda Business Fraternity and the Family Relations Chair for THON Rules and Regulations Committee. - Some of Steph's hobbies include: running, photography, cooking, and hiking. During quarantine, Steph has been taking an online class, hiking, kayaking, and bingeing Netflix. You can contact Steph at: engagement.stateofstate@gmail.com 
PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR
SYDNEY GIBBARD Sydney is a sophomore majoring in Biomedical Engineering and Pre-Medicine. She is from Yardley, PA. - This is Sydney’s first year in State of State, and she is really excited! She oversees the social media and other public content State of State releases. At Penn State, Sydney is the College of Engineering Representative in PSU’s Student Government (UPUA). She is also a part of a THON committee, in Club Swim, and an orientation mentor. - In her free time, Sydney loves to read (just finished Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore), bake, and workout. During quarantine, Sydney has been rewatching Gilmore Girls, working, and taking her dog for many walks. You can contact Sydney at pr.stateofstate@gmail.com. |
Content Director DIRECTOR
JOSEPH CRUZ Joe is a junior International Politics major with a Minor in Security Risk Analysis. He is from Charlotte, North Carolina. - Joe has been a part of State of State since his sophomore year on the Content Committee. On campus, Joe is involved with various political organizations. - Some of Joe's hobbies include: political research, self improvement, and straight-up chilling (don’t we all secretly love this?). During quarantine, Joe has been working at a pizza place! You can contact Joe at content.stateofstate@gmail.com. 
PARTNERSHIPS DIRECTOR
COURTNEY VANDERGRIFT Courtney is a junior majoring in public relations. She is from Lumberton, NJ. - Courtney’s first year in State of State was her sophomore year. She was on the Public Relations Committee. At Penn State, Courtney is also the Director of Community Relations for her sorority, Pi Beta Phi. - Courtney loves to cook, bake, and spend as much time as she can at the beach. During quarantine, Courtney has been watching Netflix and organizing her room, closets, etc. You can contact Courtney at partnerships.stateofstate@gmail.com 
PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR
MANAV KHANDELWAL Manav is a sophomore majoring in Finance and Math. He is from Bangalore, India. - Manav was a member of the Public Relations committee last year, and he absolutely loved his time there. From the very first event, the Fall Conference, he had the pleasure of being a part of the team. Manav helped record the conference, conduct speaker auditions, and create a recruitment video. At school, Manav loves playing Club Soccer and going to the IM Building. Throughout quarantine, Manav has been busy with a few summer classes and binge-watching Billions on Disney+. - As Manav puts it, “being a cinephile is at the core of my personality and I absolutely indulge in watching movies”. In his other free time, he loves playing soccer and was introduced to trekking about 4 years ago (and has learned to love that too!). You can contact Manav at pr.stateofstate@gmail.com. |
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
MATTHEW MCHUGH Matt is a sophomore Biobehavioral Health (BBH) major. He is from Horsham, PA. - Matt was previously on the Content Committee his freshman year, where he worked with speakers to present their talks at the conferences. On campus, Matt is a TA for a class, and he's involved in a few service organizations at Penn State. - Some of Matt's hobbies include: reading, watching television, writing, and editing videos. During quarantine, Matt has been reading, working, and he even created a podcast! You can contact Matt at: operations.stateofstate@gmail.com. |
