The Latin American Group for Public Administration (LAGPA) has announced the election of its new President, marking a key moment for the organization and its continued mission to advance public administration research and practice across Latin America.

Prof. Edgar Varela Barrios, Full Professor at the Faculty of Administrative Sciences, Universidad del Valle (Colombia), has been elected as LAGPA President. Prof. Varela brings a distinguished record of academic excellence and institutional leadership, combining his expertise in public governance, public policy, organizational theory, and administrative sciences with decades of experience in higher education leadership.

Prof. Varela served as Rector of Universidad del Valle from 2015 to 2023 and held senior positions including Administrative Vice-Rector, Director of Planning, and Dean of Graduate and Master’s Programs in Administration and Organization Sciences. Internationally, he has contributed as Regional Vice-President for Latin America and the Caribbean of IASIA and as a board member of LAGPA and the Colombian Center for Public Policy and Government (CCPP).

With a PhD in Administration (Management) from HEC Montréal, a Master’s in Andean History, and a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Universidad del Valle, Prof. Varela is a leading scholar and administrator in Latin America. Fluent in English, French, and Portuguese, he has authored over 30 books, including the influential series La Hegemonía del Management, and has been a frequent keynote speaker at IIAS, LAGPA, AUIP, and CLAD conferences worldwide.

In his new role as President, Prof. Varela will guide LAGPA’s strategic initiatives, foster collaboration among member institutions, and continue strengthening the impact of public administration research and education throughout the region.