As the LBJ Washington Center begins our 10th anniversary celebration, we are excited to announce that Christopher Purdy (MPAff-DC ’19) has been chosen as the recipient of the 2025 LBJ Rising Leader Award, one of the Outstanding Alumni Awards.
Given annually by the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin, the Rising Leader Award recognizes the efforts of our more recent alumni who exemplify the LBJ mission of “improving the quality of public service in the United States and abroad at all levels of governance and civic engagement.” Purdy’s selection marks the first time the award has been given to an alum of the DC Concentration program, which began in fall 2015.
Purdy is the Founder and CEO of The Chamberlain Network, an organization dedicated to mobilizing veterans to protect democratic values and institutions. A former Combat Engineer in the Army National Guard and Iraq War veteran, he has leveraged his lived experience to shape national conversations around democracy, security and civic engagement. Before founding his own nonprofit, Purdy led veterans’ initiatives at Human Rights First, an international human rights organization, and built a career as both an advocate and educator.
His work exemplifies the LBJ School’s mission to improve the quality of public service and address critical challenges in society. By empowering veterans as leaders in civic life, Purdy is forging innovative pathways to strengthen democracy at a time when it faces growing threats.
“My time at the LBJ School gave me the skills to take on complex challenges and the confidence to pursue a career in public service. During my policy apprenticeship with Human Rights First, I saw firsthand how veterans’ voices could shape policy, and that experience opened the door for me to later lead their veterans' program and ultimately start my own non-profit,” Purdy said. “The professors, mentors and classmates I met at the LBJ School were essential in helping me grow as a collaborator and expand my professional network.”
Purdy will receive his award during a ceremony on Thursday, September 25, along with Distinguished Public Service Award recipient Corrie Stokes (MPAff ’00). Click here to attend.
The LBJ Washington Center will celebrate our 10th anniversary during the 2025-2026 academic year with events, alumni spotlights, and more. Stay tuned for details!