Meet your Executive Board! Elected by the Senate, our team is dedicated to ensuring graduate students receive better representation and higher engagement in the campus community. Find out more about our team below.
President, Kavin Sakthivel
Kavin is a graduate of Georgetown’s Master’s in Real Estate program and is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in Business Intelligence at the School of Continuing Studies. He previously served as Vice President of Finance and now serves as President of GradGov, where he works to strengthen student representation and engagement across Georgetown’s graduate community. Kavin was recognized with the “Spirit of Georgetown” Award for his commitment to community leadership and service. He brings together his background in innovation and student leadership to drive inclusive, forward-thinking solutions for the graduate community.
EVP, Keaton Ballard
Keaton Ballard is a graduate student leader and marketing and communications professional who was recently elected Executive Vice President of GradGov, following her service as a GradGov Senator. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Integrated Marketing Communications at Georgetown University. She also works as a Marketing & Communications Consultant at the Washington International Trade Association. Organized, collaborative, and detail-driven, Keaton brings a strategic communications lens to Senate operations, with a focus on transparency, accessibility, and effective engagement across the graduate student community. She is especially committed to strengthening internal communication, amplifying student voices, and supporting systems that allow GradGov to operate more efficiently and inclusively.
VP of Engagement, Melissa Myrtaj
Melissa Myrtaj is a master’s candidate in Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, specializing in European Affairs and International Business with a focus on Development Finance. As Vice President of Engagement, she is committed to expanding opportunities for graduate students. Her agenda includes strengthening the Grad Mentor Program, coordinating professional site visits, and supporting international students through cultural events and career workshops. Melissa also seeks to secure additional funding for research and travel grants and to launch a cross-university symposium that encourages interdisciplinary academic collaboration. She aims to cultivate an inclusive community where every student can connect, learn, and grow.
VP of Finance, Ricky Fauntleroy
Ricky Fauntleroy serves as Vice President of Finance for GradGov, where he oversees financial strategy and resource allocation across nine graduate schools, representing and supporting more than 8,000 students. He is committed to transparency and equity, ensuring every budget decision delivers measurable value to the graduate student community. Beyond GradGov, Ricky sits on the Board of Directors for Georgetown’s Reconciliation Fund, helping guide equitable investment and impact initiatives. He is also active in the startup space as the co-founder of ventures in technology and automation. At Leidos, Ricky is a Microsoft SME and Engineer IV, where he drives digital modernization across contracts supporting the department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
VP of Administration
Chief of Staff (Appointed by the President), Benjamin Racz
Benjamin Racz, a U.S. Coast Guard officer with eight years’ active service, is in Georgetown University’s Cybersecurity Risk Management program through the Information Assurance Advanced Education initiative. He led a 24-person watch at Joint Interagency Task Force South, integrating intelligence to disrupt drug trafficking and dismantle transnational crime. Previously, as Intelligence Operations Officer for Sector New York, he oversaw collection for the port and served as the first maritime-intel liaison to the FBI’s Cyber and Joint Terrorism task forces. A 2017 Coast Guard Academy graduate with JPME credentials, Racz will return to service in a cybersecurity role.
Come meet our Executive Board at GradGov events or at the GradGov office in the Leavey Center. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at gradgov@georgetown.edu if you have any questions or comments.
