As a partner and Senior National Strategist at Majority Strategies, a leading national political consulting firm, Josh Kivett is no stranger to pressure. “Politics is like sports; the energy, competition and teamwork are what I love about our industry.” Originally intending to major in business, Josh has cultivated a career that relies on business acumen but provides connection to his love for political and issue campaigns. He majored in Political Science and History, both of which laid the foundation for his professional career. He first got involved with campaigns volunteering for a close family friend, the late Senator Johnny Isakson, and he hasn’t looked back since. This relationship also taught him the importance of mentorship and surrounding yourself with people who will build you up – personally and professionally. “It all goes back to the relationships you build and maintain,” and those start during your college years. 

Although a self-proclaimed Georgia boy, Josh now lives in Oklahoma with his wife and daughter. However, the distance hasn’t stopped him from getting involved and giving back to his Bulldog family. A member of the SPIA Alumni Board of Directors Mentor Committee, Josh looks to connect with students who may want to get involved in politics and campaigns, regardless of their political ideologies or partisan affiliation. One piece of advice that he would give to students is that school is about more than just academics. “The relationships you make at UGA will be with you for the rest of your life.” He wants students to connect with professionals who can guide them and help elevate their careers.

Josh joined the SPIA Alumni Board of Directors with the goal of giving back to students and encouraging other alumni to get involved – regardless of where they live now. He hopes to inspire SPIA Dawgs from across the country to reconnect with the school that has provided them with so much. “There is nowhere else in the world like Athens. I want people to remember that, especially in this day and age. Athens is just an email, text or phone call away.” 

For alumni looking to get involved and give back they can sign up to mentor through the UGA Mentor Program, financially support students through one of the many SPIA funds, or even share internship and job opportunities with our Career and Internship Coordinator Kathryn Veale. Want to build even more connections and give back more consistently by participating in the SPIA Alumni Board of Directors? Applications launch every spring, and you can learn more at spia.uga.edu.