York alumnus Fausto Natarelli (BA ‘84) has been awarded the Alumni Recognition Award from York’s School of Public Policy & Administration. The award recognizes Natarelli for his contributions to public policy and management, and for his role as a mentor to students and new professionals.
The award was presented to Natarelli by Professor Joanne Magee, director of York’s School of Public Policy & Administration, in front of 90 graduate students enrolled in the Master of Public Policy, Administration & Law Program, during a special luncheon on Sept. 27.
Left: Fausto Natarelli
After completing his studies in public policy and administration in York’s Faculty of Arts, Natarelli joined the Ontario Ministry of Transportation where he has held a variety of positions, including leadership roles in policy, strategic and business planning, communications and issues management. For three years he was executive assistant to the associate secretary of cabinet in the Centre for Leadership at Queen’s Park.
Currently, he is director of the Windsor Border Initiatives Implementation Group of the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. In this capacity, he is responsible for the day-to-day progress of one of the province’s largest and most complex transportation infrastructure projects – the building of a new international gateway between Windsor, Ont., and Detroit.
After receiving his award Natarelli delivered a special lecture to students and faculty. In it, he outlined the critical role that analysis and consultation plays in ensuring effective public policy and administration. He presented a case study to students that provided an overview of transportation issues at the Canada-US border at Windsor and highlighted the challenges and opportunities inherent in developing solutions for not only longstanding transportation problems, but also in addressing other public policy concerns.
Throughout his career, Natarelli has remained active within York’s Public Administration Alumni Association, increasing the profile of York graduates within government, and has been a mentor to dozens of York University students through their internship courses.
On many occasions, he has been a guest speaker for courses, most recently in York’s new Master of Public Policy, Administration & Law Program. Additionally, he has introduced other managers in the Ontario public service to York’s public policy and administration programs, which has resulted in internship and employment placements for York students.
Natarelli was nominated for the award by York Professor Thomas Klassen of the Atkinson School of Public Policy & Administration and the Department of Political Science in York’s Faculty of Arts.