Staff Profile: Meet Vincent Mack

Vincent L. Mack is the Program Officer for the Nelson A. Rockefeller Center for Public Policy. Prior to joining the Rockefeller Center's staff, Vincent lived in Germany, working extensively for the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals, a program partnered through the United Nations and the Department of the State. An avid traveler, he thoroughly enjoys one-on-one conversations, exploring other cultures and places, and has been to nearly 25 countries. His experiences abroad continually inspire him to encourage Dartmouth students to widen their global perspective through leadership and public service.

Where are you from? What was your hometown like? 
I'm originally from Boston, but I grew up in a town not too far from Atlanta, Georgia.  I lived in an Air Force town, and so every three years there was a major shift in how the community looked. My friends always changed every few years because they would get shipped off to different parts of the world. As an Air Force kid, I've gained exposure to the sacrifice for what it means to be an American and how our privileges come at a cost.

Did growing up in a military base town where your friends were always leaving to live in different parts of the world influence your interest in global leadership?
Even though I never moved, I was given the exposure to that global lifestyle. In my childhood friendships, people were always moving, so I learned the importance of being mobile. Everyone I interacted with were the type of individuals that could adjust easily. Even though I didn’t have to do that personally, all of my friends were growing up around the world and I saw how easily they adjusted to their new lifestyles.

What is the best part about working at Rocky? 
It's a twofold answer. The students are really engaged, not only in their interests but also civic and current issues, and they have a strong desire to prepare themselves for whatever field they are interested in. I also love the staff that I work with. They are very driven and determined to provide programs at the best they can to improve and enhance the competencies that students have.

What's the weirdest food you've eaten? 
Recently, I went on a cruise to Mexico and we sampled escargot. It was rough. But I like chicken hearts. I think they’re delicious and they are a delicacy in Brazil.

If you could live somewhere, anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Definitely Italy, because I can have easy access back to Germany which is where I lived for four years. I love quality of life in Italy, including the food culture and mindset of Italians.  Not to mention the sheer beauty of the country, which I think Italians have more of than in any other country. I admire their true sense of community and the pride they place on family. I could definitely see myself living in downtown Rome or some suburb near Rome.