The Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, in collaboration with the Department of Political Science, has long been a training ground for students who wish to pursue careers in politics. Two alumni of the Master of Applied Politics (MAP) program, Claire Jimerson, B.A. ’22, M.A. ’23, and Brandon Plaza, B.A. ’21, M.A. 22’, now serve as executive directors of the Summit County Republican and Democratic Parties, respectively. Their journeys highlight the diverse paths that Bliss graduates can take and the significant impact they are making on local politics.
Claire Jimerson: Executive director of the Summit County GOP
U.S. Representative Jim Jordan and Claire Jimerson. Photo credit: Claire Jimerson.
Claire Jimerson has rapidly ascended in her political career since graduating with her Master of Applied Politics and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. As executive director of the Summit County Republican Party (SCRP), Jimerson wears many hats. She oversees the daily operations of the SCRP, coordinates with candidates to ensure their campaigns are successful, and plans high-profile events that draw hundreds of attendees.
“The SCRP is one of the only party headquarters that operates a full-time office, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday,” she explains. Her role requires her to juggle multiple responsibilities, from managing the party’s finances to planning fundraisers featuring nationally recognized public officials.”
Jimerson credits her education at UA and the Bliss Institute for her career success. Her involvement in Congressional Debate during high school sparked her interest in politics, but it was her internship with Ohio state Sen. Bill Reineke and mentorship from Dr. Matt Akers, associate director of the Bliss Institute, that solidified her path.
She encourages current students to “begin by getting involved at a grassroots level,” emphasizing that small steps can lead to significant opportunities, such as her current leadership role in the SCRP.
Brandon Plaza: Executive director of the Summit County Democratic Party
Brandon Plaza and U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown. Photo credit: Brandon Plaza.
On the opposite side of the political spectrum, Brandon Plaza serves as the executive director of the Summit County Democratic Party, a position he has held since April 2023. Plaza is also a two-time graduate of UA, holding both a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Applied Politics.
Before assuming his current role, Plaza worked for the Democratic Party as an intern and organizer, gaining valuable experience during the 2022 midterm elections and the Cleveland mayoral race. His involvement in politics dates back to his undergraduate days when he interned for former Congresswoman Marcia Fudge. He exemplifies the kind of hands-on experience and practical knowledge that students can gain through the Bliss Institute’s internship program, which prepares them for impactful careers in politics.
Both Jimerson and Plaza demonstrate the versatility of a Master of Applied Politics degree and the powerful role Bliss Institute alumni play in shaping the political landscape at the local and national levels.
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- Department of Political Science
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Story by: Lisa Craig, BCAS Communication and Marketing