Chapter 7 – Career Options in Local Government Management
7.8 Paid Fellowships Designed for Recent Graduates
One example is the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Management Development Program, which focuses on cultivating public managers. This program provides fellows with the chance to rotate through various departments within the RTA, such as operations, planning, and finance. Participants learn about public transportation management and are mentored by senior leaders, which prepares them for future leadership roles in the organization or other local government agencies.
Tariq Mohammed, Levin MPA alum, is a prime example of how the Greater Cleveland RTA’s Management Development Program empowers future leaders in public transit. After earning a spot in this competitive program, Tariq spent over two years rotating through key departments, gaining hands-on experience in operations, planning, and finance while being mentored by senior RTA leaders.
His work in the program prepared him for increasingly complex responsibilities, leading to his current role as Business Operations Administrator. In this position, he applies the skills developed during his fellowship to support the agency’s strategic and operational initiatives. Tariq’s career path demonstrates how structured development programs like RTA’s can provide a direct pathway to leadership roles in public service.
Another outstanding opportunity is the Cleveland Foundation Fellowship Program, which places recent graduates with public and nonprofit agencies in Northeast Ohio, including local governments. Fellows work on significant projects, such as community development initiatives, policy analysis, or strategic planning efforts. This program allows participants to make meaningful contributions to their host organizations while gaining an understanding of how local governments operate and collaborate with other sectors to address community needs.
Katura Pleasant, a Levin MPA alum, leveraged the Cleveland Foundation’s Public Service Fellowship to launch her career in local government. Through this prestigious program, she was placed with Cuyahoga Job and Family Services (CJFS), where she worked on initiatives that provide vital social services to residents. Her experience at CJFS allowed her to develop expertise in public benefits administration, workforce programs, and community outreach, while gaining firsthand insight into the complexities of county government operations.
Luke Ols was accepted into the fellowship program immediately after earning his undergraduate degree from the Levin School. At the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission, he works on projects that support sustainable development and community growth across the county. He assists local governments with land use planning, transportation strategies, and economic development initiatives. As he pursues a master’s degree in urban planning and development at Cleveland State, Luke continues to develop the skills and experience needed for future leadership roles in shaping the region’s growth and development.
Elizabeth Katavich was also accepted into the program after completing her undergraduate degree at the Levin School. As a fellow with Cuyahoga County, she worked across multiple sectors, including housing, transportation, public works, and sustainability, assisting with policy analysis and service delivery improvements. Her work focused on critical issues such as affordable housing, workforce development, and strategies to address homelessness. The fellowship provided her with hands-on experience in local government operations and cross-departmental collaboration. Now serving as the Lead Advocacy Coordinator at the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland, Elizabeth continues to apply her knowledge and skills to serve others.
Their trajectories highlight how programs like the Cleveland Foundation Fellowship serve as a springboard for emerging leaders.
For those willing to explore opportunities across the country, the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Local Government Management Fellowship Program is an excellent choice. This competitive program pairs fellows with host governments in various locations nationwide, offering immersive, full-time placements for recent graduates in public administration, public policy, or related fields. Fellows gain direct exposure to local government management, often working closely with city or county managers on high-impact projects. The ICMA program requires flexibility and a willingness to relocate but provides unmatched experience and networking opportunities in the field of local government.
Christian Lamielle, a Levin MPA alum, secured a coveted spot in the highly competitive ICMA Fellowship Program in 2021. As a fellow in Sedgwick County, Kansas, he worked directly with senior government officials and gained hands-on experience in local government operations, policy implementation, and data analysis. His fellowship projects included producing data visualizations for the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, managing county social media platforms, and coordinating advisory board meetings.
Leveraging the experience gained through this prestigious program, Christian advanced within Sedgwick County Government, first as a Grant Analyst and now as an Operations Manager, where he oversees election office facilities, budget administration, and human resources functions. His rapid career progression underscores the value of the ICMA Fellowship as a launching pad for future leaders in local government.
These fellowship programs are invaluable for building the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to advance. Whether staying local in Northeast Ohio or exploring opportunities nationwide, these programs provide a foundation for success.
