Why Public Service?: A Conversation Featuring Polis Distinguished Fellows John Hillen, Michael Regan, and Danny Werfel

On Wednesday evening, members of the Duke community joined POLIS for a discussion exploring the question: “Why Public Service?” The conversation, moderated by Sanford Professor of the Practice Jenni Owen, featured POLIS Distinguished Fellows Dr. John Hillen, a former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State and decorated combat veteran; Michael Regan, former EPA Administrator; and Danny Werfel, former IRS Commissioner.

Drawing on nearly a century of combined public service, the panelists addressed questions ranging from “What does public service mean to you?” to “How can Duke students prepare for a career in government?” Each guest offered a unique perspective: Administrator Regan emphasized that “public service is when you give your time and talents to uplift society,” while Dr. Hillen reminded the audience, “we are a country with a government, not vice versa.”

Throughout the discussion, one theme emerged: anyone interested in public service, student or otherwise, must be ready when the call to serve comes. All three panelists stressed that their preparedness and diligence in their current roles allowed them to rise to the opportunities presented. As former Administrator Regan put it, “success is being prepared for opportunity.” Commissioner Werfel reinforced the importance of humility and collaboration in leadership, noting that “your success in the role you’re about to take has very little to do with you. It has everything to do with the people you surround yourself with.”

Students engaged actively throughout the event, asking thoughtful questions and remaining long after the formal discussion ended to continue conversations with the panelists. The evening underscored POLIS’s mission to inspire and equip the next generation of leaders committed to serving the public good.

The recap was written by Sherman Criner (PPS ’26)