Finance
Zachariah Brevis '99
Employer
Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts
1. Tell us about your journey since graduation.
A month after graduation I joined the U.S. Peace Corps where I
volunteered as a small business advisor in the Republic of Armenia
from 1999 to 2001. I met my wife there - she was a fellow trainee
recruited to teach English as a foreign language. Since Peace Corps,
I've had a rewarding career in public management, earning an MPA from
The George Washington University and working primarily for the federal
judiciary as the Administrative Officer for the Federal Public
Defender program for the Middle & Western Districts of Louisiana
and more recently as a budget analyst for the Defender Services
Office. I live in Lafayette, Louisiana, with my wife, daughter, and
our rescue dog. I feel very blessed.
2. Share a favorite Grand Valley memory.
Traveling by passenger van to Wichita, Kansas, with a motley
group of GVSU students to frame a house as part of the Alternative
Spring Break (ASB) program has to be among my favorite college
memories. I met some amazing people on that trip, and the
service-learning experience helped solidify my decision to join the
Peace Corps after graduation.
3. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Following your passion is an oft-repeated but incomplete piece of
vocational advice--passion is something you develop with time and
diligence. Find and fill a valuable niche where you become
indispensable. I don't know if I've accomplished that, but I think
that's excellent advice.
4. List three words you would use to describe your Grand
Valley experience.
Culture, harmony, and friendship.
5. What difference would you like to make in the world?
In 2023 we lost our 13-year-old son Josiah to bone cancer after a
brave and grueling 28-month battle. He was a special young man with so
much promise, and every day since I've struggled with how best to
honor him and keep his memory alive. Ultimately, I'd like to do
something that raises funds for pediatric cancer research and relief.
No parent should have to hear their oncologist say, "your child
is out of options."
February 2025
Interest Area(s)
Business Administration, Finance, History
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