Alumni Spotlight: Lexi Hartranft '22

Current Role: Analyst, Government Accountability Office 
Location: Arlington, VA 

Lexi's Journey 

After graduating with dual degrees in Health and Exercise Science and Public Health from Roanoke College, Lexi earned a Master of Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Today, she serves as an Analyst at the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). This independent, nonpartisan agency supports Congress by providing objective and fact-based information about the federal government’s operations. In this role, Lexi conducts research and analyses to evaluate the effectiveness of federal policies and identify opportunities to improve efficiency.

Impact of the Center 

“My experiences with the Center for Community Health Innovation had a pivotal influence on my early career path. My involvement at the Center sparked an interest in pursuing a degree in public health and reinforced the value of evidence-based research as a driver of meaningful change. Working firsthand with data and engaging directly with community members provided a strong foundation for understanding the connection between research, empowerment, and community impact. These lessons continue to shape my approach to systems-level work by keeping both the individual and community perspectives at the forefront.” 

Advice to Students

“Get comfortable with the uncomfortable. Change happens when we push beyond our comfort zones and engage in challenging work. For those pursuing careers in community health innovation, success is only driven by personal motivation, collaboration, and commitment.”