Kayla Burgess

MPA Fellows, Class of 2021

Grants and Contracts Pre-Award Manager, University of Connecticut

Kayla Burgess is a UConn MPA alumna with a financial background spanning both the public and private sectors. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts double major in Economics and Political Science from the University of Connecticut, Kayla began her career in banking, managing two branch offices before transitioning to public finance in 2015. She joined UConn’s Office of Budget and Planning as a budget analyst, where she supported budget planning and financial oversight for academic and administrative units.

After earning her Master of Public Administration from the University of Connecticut, Kayla transitioned into Research Administration and currently serves as a Grants and Contracts Pre-Award Manager at UConn, supporting the development and submission of sponsored research proposals and helping faculty and staff navigate the pre-award process.

Committed to public service and community engagement, Kayla also serves the Town of Brooklyn as a Selectman and as a member of the Board of Education. She is passionate about effective government, responsible stewardship of public resources, and strengthening the communities she serves.