LSC Fellowship Program

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Sean McCann was a 2019 Fellow assigned to the Ohio House Democratic Caucus (Ohio House Dems). Sean graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor's degree in political science. Sean is a policy strategist at ACLU of Ohio.

Sean shared the following with the program:

🔘 What made you apply for the LSC Fellowship Program?

I interned at the House for a few semesters and already was interested in the program from that experience. Former fellow Jessica Valsi was with the OSU Department of Political Science at the time and put on a great info session for the program, which cemented for me that I wanted to apply!

🔘 When you applied, what did you think you would end up doing as a future career?

I honestly was not sure. Policy/advocacy or communications work, in some form or fashion, definitely appealed to me, but I really did not have a firm idea.

🔘 How did your experience in the LSC Fellowship Program shape your career path? Or, did it change your mind regarding your career path?

The program really solidified my interest in policy and advocacy work at the state level–I love living here–as opposed to pursuing a job in DC. It feels cliché to say several years later, but after just a couple of weeks on Capitol Square, you immediately are struck by how much more state government directly impacts our lives than the federal government.

🔘 What is your best memory from your time in the program?

I think I’d have to say softball games! Our team had so much fun, and it was such a great way to get to know both your fellow fellows and others on Cap Square in a more relaxed environment.

🔘 What surprised you most from your experience in the program?

The breadth and depth of work that fellows often take on, in many cases early in the year. That is especially true for odd-numbered years, when the state operating budget process is on the docket!

🔘 Do you have any advice for current and/or future fellows?

Working in the legislature can be incredibly stressful. Lean on those around you for support in those difficult times, and do what you can to return the favor to them! One of the best aspects of this experience is meeting so many great people who want to support you and see you succeed. I had some phenomenal mentors when I was getting started at the House, and in turn I tried my best to help new fellows and aides find their footing. Many of my closest friends are former OGA coworkers, too!

Dave Shull was a 1982 Fellow assigned to the House Democratic Caucus. He graduated from Carleton College (Northfield, Minnesota) with a degree in political science. Dave currently serves as pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Columbus, Ohio.

It's ! We are catching up with 2023 Fellow, Matthew Berning.

The Fellowship was a fantastic introduction into the inner workings of government at the state level, and I've been able to translate that into building a great network for myself and the Portman Center locally, statewide, and even nationally. The different exposure to so many parts of state government has proven to be so helpful too. I find myself connecting with other LSC Fellows so much more frequently than I would have expected, and we are able to instantly connect based on that shared experience. Fellowship alumni have been so helpful to both me personally and for some of the students I work with at UC. I have also found myself to be a sort of point person for UC students who are interested in the Fellowship and have advised and assisted several students with applications and prep.

I'm the program manager for career development with the Portman Center at UC, and the LSC Fellowship was instrumental in setting up my success here at UC and in helping me expand opportunities in public policy, government, and politics for our students. My biggest driver of getting into public service was the desire to help others, and I've found a very rewarding lane here at UC, helping set our students up for success.

Ohio Senate Democrats
Ohio House Dems
University of Cincinnati

Hannah (Stanbery) Marozzi was a 2018 Fellow assigned to the Ohio House Republican Caucus (Ohio House GOP Caucus). Hannah graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor's degree in political science and a Master of Public Administration degree. Hannah is the Director of State Government Relations at Bowling Green State University.

Hannah shared the following with the program:

🔘 What made you apply for the LSC Fellowship Program?

A BGSU alum (Nick Derksen!) who was a fellow encouraged me to apply when we met at a university networking event at the Statehouse!

🔘 When you applied, what did you think you would end up doing as a future career?

I thought it was possible I would eventually move to DC to work in federal government. It became clear very early on that there are plenty of opportunities to work in politics in Ohio, and moving to DC quickly fell off my radar.

🔘 How did your experience in the LSC Fellowship Program shape your career path? Or, did it change your mind regarding your career path?

I didn’t have an alternative plan if I didn’t get the fellowship. The LSC fellowship is the beginning and reason for my career in state government. I never had an internship or worked on a campaign in politics before the fellowship, so I owe it all to this program!

🔘 What is your best memory from your time in the program?

Meeting my husband who was a fellow too.

🔘 What surprised you most from your experience in the program?

The fellowship can be so much more than a job. Some of my closest friends are people I have met around Cap Square. If you are moving to Columbus for the first time, the fellow cohort and your other colleagues really feel like a built-in community that is rooting for your success. It is a great way to start not only your career but your personal life after college.

🔘 Do you have any advice for current and/or future fellows?

I think taking the time to build your network and connections is one of the most important parts of the job. I also think being timely in your responses over email or phone is an underrated quality that everyone appreciates and notices!

Élise deLanglade-Spriggs was a 1993 Fellow assigned to the Senate Republican Caucus. She graduated from Wittenberg University with a degree in history and minors in political science and biology, and she graduated from Capital University Law School (night program). Elise currently serves as senior public affairs officer and director of strategic policy enablement for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company.

Josh Williams was a 2008 Fellow assigned to the Senate Democratic Caucus. He graduated from Denison University with a degree in political science and a minor in French, and following his Fellowship, he graduated from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Josh currently serves as deputy legislative counsel for the Ohio Judicial Conference.

Bri (Brianna) King was a 2021 Fellow assigned to the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus (Ohio Senate Democrats). Bri graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.S. in fashion merchandising, and from Cleveland State University with an MPA. Following her fellowship, she completed her juris doctorate at Cleveland State University College of Law. Bri is currently studying for the July 2026 Bar Exam. She previously served as a law clerk at Mansour Gavin, LPA.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannaking792/

Bri shared the following with the program:

🔘 What made you apply for the LSC Fellowship Program?

I was in my last semester of graduate school when Covid hit. This period of isolation allowed me the space and time to really figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I had previously heard about the LSC Fellowship Program on a class trip to Columbus and decided that I would look into it. Initially, I decided not to apply, but when the deadline for applications was extended, I knew that was a sign for me to take a risk and put my newly earned Master of Public Administration to use!

🔘 When you applied, what did you think you would end up doing as a future career?

When I applied, I imagined myself running for office or working in the background as a research analyst.

🔘 How did your experience in the LSC Fellowship Program shape your career path? Or, did it change your mind regarding your career path?

After a few months of being in the Senate, I knew that I was not interested in working as a legislative aide and that solely conducting research was not the path for me either. On many occasions, I worked with the Senate's caucus attorney (Scott), and somewhere in the midst of things, I decided that I wanted to become an attorney. I thought I'd stay in government and become somewhat of a "policy whisperer" to help the legislature pass good, equitable laws.

🔘 What is your best memory from your time in the program?

I had a great time with all of the friends that I made. There were so many young legislative aides that I worked with in the Senate and in the House. We spent a lot of time out of the office together, and many of those friendships are still intact today.

🔘 What surprised you most from your experience in the program?

The pace at which legislation, or really anything, moves in state government. I feel that many constituents do not understand the process of lawmaking, and even a highly educated person wouldn't know the ins and outs of state government without having worked there.

🔘 Do you have any advice for current and/or future fellows?

Be open to all experiences, across party lines! It is fine to have your own political beliefs, but when you are at work, you are there to protect and provide for the constituents of Ohio. Also, say yes to the after-work events; I know you're tired, but the networking opportunities are priceless!

🔘 Would you like to share anything else?

If there's an issue that you think is important, bring it up. My cohort did not have free parking when we started, and many of my peers were parking really far away. I spoke up, and through several meetings with caucus leadership, I was able to get everyone free parking for our year.

Remembering and honoring the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Abby Schafer was a 2016 Fellow assigned to the Ohio House Republican Caucus (Ohio House GOP Caucus). Abby graduated from Xavier University with a bachelor's degree in political science with minors in gender & diversity studies and peace & justice studies. Abby is the legislative director at the Ohio Department of Commerce.

Abby shared the following with the program:

🔘 What made you apply for the LSC Fellowship Program?

My experience at Xavier University gave me access to incredible educators and mentors who truly wanted to see me succeed. I developed a strong passion for the social sciences and for helping others, and I initially thought I would pursue graduate school. At the time, I was advised to spend a year or two gaining real-world experience before deciding whether I missed the academic environment enough to return for further education. When Professor Mack Mariani recommended the Fellowship, I realized that graduating early and joining this program would provide not only valuable professional development but also an opportunity to experience life in Columbus, Ohio, and learn about state government.

🔘 When you applied, what did you think you would end up doing as a future career?

When I applied, I thought I would stay in Columbus for a year and then move back to Cincinnati, to Cleveland, or even out of state. I wasn’t from Ohio and lived in many states, so I knew there were endless possibilities for where I could go. At the time, I envisioned I might attend graduate school and become a professor or teacher. At one point, I even considered law school to become an immigration lawyer. I had a strong drive to work, but no clear path I was committed to. I was also leaning into someone else’s career aspirations and believed his goals mattered more than mine.

🔘 How did your experience in the LSC Fellowship Program shape your career path? Or, did it change your mind regarding your career path?

During the interview process, I spoke with current fellows, and one shared how he was assigned to the Vice Chair of Finance in the House, a demanding and tough member. That conversation intimidated me, and I immediately thought this program might not be for me. I couldn’t imagine surviving if I had to work for someone like that. When I accepted the Fellowship, I prayed to be placed in the Senate, but I was assigned to the House. When I was asked what my policy interests were, I told them education and health policy, not finance, yet I was ultimately assigned to then Representative Kirk Schuring, the Vice Chair of Finance, the very role I had hoped to avoid.

What I thought was a strategic failure turned out to be a life-changing opportunity. That assignment taught me a valuable lesson: when you have the right people and programs supporting and challenging you, and you trust their guidance, you can accelerate your career far beyond what you believe is possible. If it weren’t for the foresight of the LSC staff and House Republican Caucus staff, I might have chosen the easiest path or stayed in my comfort zone. Instead, their confidence in me fostered tremendous professional and personal growth, and it remains a foundational stepping stone in my career.

I don’t think I’ll ever be able to justly describe my experience working for Kirk Schuring. It truly was an honor to witness his effectiveness and be a small part of his long career. He had high expectations for his staff and taught me the importance of showing people empathy, always following up with someone by telling them the steps you were taking, admitting when you are wrong, and growing from it. I was also lucky to work with his aide; he taught me how to navigate the trenches of working with a demanding member. He showed me that kindness, inclusion, and humor go a long way in getting things done and getting through a tough day at work.

The Fellowship steered me to a career in Columbus, and one year wasn’t enough. After the program, I found myself wanting to stay and learn more. I loved Columbus, the people I worked with, and the glimpse I saw of what my future could be if I continued working hard and building a solid foundation.

I carried the skills I developed as a fellow and legislative aide into my role at the Ohio Department of Commerce. Much like the Fellowship, this position allows me to help others, work on a wide range of policies, and collaborate with exceptional leaders while building meaningful friendships. Each day brings new challenges that push me to learn, adapt, and excel in my role.

🔘 What is your best memory from your time in the program?

I have two. Most fellows get to move around to different offices. I covered another office for a couple of days and was told that I wasn’t going to do that again. I took pride in that because it showed I had become a valuable team member in the office I was in. My hard work holding down the fort had allowed the Representative and his aide to achieve what they needed to and more.

Second, being a part of the LSC softball team. Although we were terrible, it was a fun way to get to know my peers outside of a work environment.

🔘 What surprised you most from your experience in the program?

What surprised me the most about the Fellowship was the atmosphere of having a group of people around the same age starting our careers together. It created a space to share common experiences and learn from one another. While the fellowship can easily divide people based on political beliefs, setting that aside reveals something greater: everyone is learning about state government, discovering what it means to be a professional, and exploring future opportunities. After completing the Fellowship, that sense of community expands into a broader network of former Fellows/Interns, which becomes a lasting resource for advice, job opportunities, or even an unexpected connection in a meeting.

🔘 Do you have any advice for current and/or future fellows?

No task is beneath you. To be valuable, irreplaceable, and attract prospects, you must demonstrate that you are a team player at every point in your career. The moment you act as if a task is beneath you based on your perceived worth is the moment doors begin to close. The Fellowship opens many doors, but it is up to you to stay humble, maintain a positive attitude, and work hard enough to keep them open and walk through them.

🔘 Would you like to share anything else?

The LSC Fellowship Program is just the beginning. Honor its purpose, and you will reap its rewards.