I joined GOPC in the fall of 2016 as I entered my senior year at Ohio State University where I studied Economics and Urban Planning.  Upon graduation, I was hired on full-time as a Research Associate and a year later, promoted to Manager of Research.

The past few years at GOPC have granted me unmatched opportunities for personal and professional growth. It has truly been a pleasure to meet and engage with local leaders in Ohio’s communities, and see the work they are doing to make their community a better place to live. There has been no shortage of inspirational moments during my years in this niche community of legacy cities.

As I prepare to leave GOPC to attend graduate school at New York University’s Center for Urban Science and Progress, I am reminded how unique GOPC is in its message and approach.

It took me some time to fully appreciate the necessity of GOPC’s message. The policy priorities are not often as “sexy” as other topics, but taking a step allows one to realize these issues touch everyday life.

It also took me time to realize just how different GOPC was in its approach to state policy. As an organization, GOPC has no interest in political grandstanding.  Instead, it focuses entirely on delivering results to Ohio’s communities by giving local change makers the tools and resources they needed to execute on their work. A refreshing approach in today’s political climate.

GOPC’s vision of creating communities that are prosperous and fair is invaluable to Ohio and is a vision I will carry with me as I move on to my next chapter.

Thank you to all who have made my time at GOPC so valuable.