mperezmunoz@ufl.edu, Author at Political Campaigning

David Rancourt (UF/PC 1990) Founding Partner- Southern Strategy Group, Tallahassee, FL

David came from a family devoted to community service but averse to politics, so his choice of a career may seem surprising. He got an early start, registering students to “vote” in 6th grade, played the role of George H.W. Bush in high school debates, and befriended Florida Attorney General Jim Smith. These experiences led […]

Lyndsay (Jones) Monstur (UF/PC 2003) Associate Director for Major Gifts- Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA

“As an international student, the campaigning program at UF provided me with a unique opportunity to gain practical U.S. campaign experience and to make valuable connections. It taught me the value of professional relationships, provided me with mentors, and the academic coursework gave me confidence in my decisions. Although I no longer work in politics, I still employ the skills learned at UF in my career as a major gifts fundraiser, for example, building my case in a way that might appeal to a specific set of potential donors and cultivating relationships. In addition, the practical campaign experience I gained gave me a tenacity that is often lacking outside the political arena, as well as the ability to thrive under pressure and juggle multiple projects without losing focus on the overall goal.”

Jenny (Materio) Mesirow (UF/PC 2006) Vice President, Government Affairs at Farm Credit Council, Washington D.C.

“The UF Political Campaigning Program provided me the perfect balance of political theory and tactical skills I needed to launch a career in politics. The curriculum ensured that I was exposed to all aspects of political campaigns while allowing me the flexibility to dive deeper into the topics that were of particular interest to me. Whether managing a congressional race, serving as legislative staff on Capitol Hill, or now as a lobbyist, I frequently rely on the knowledge I acquired and the relationships I built through the Campaigning Program. I strongly recommend this program to anyone who is hoping to have a successful career in politics.”

Joe Pileggi (UF/PC 2005) Political Director, Republican National Congressional Committee

“The Campaigning Program really fostered a desire to work in electoral politics and has thus far led to an exciting career. Having a degree in Political Campaigning definitely got a lot of people’s attention when I was first getting started in the field, and the relationships I made in the program led to several campaign opportunities and are contacts that I maintain to this day. It’s always great to be a Florida Gator, but especially so when you combine that with the chance to study electoral politics and apply that knowledge to the real-world experiences that elections bring. The Political Campaigning Program at UF is a tremendous opportunity for anyone looking for a career in that field.”

Scott Simpson (UF/PC 2003) Managing Partner- Resonance Campaigns, Washington, DC

“The Campaigning Program at UF was one of the best decisions I ever made when choosing to pursue a career in politics. It helped to give me a strong foundation and better understanding of the things that happen in politics every day. The network of alumni is wide but tight-knit, and continues to be as valuable a resource as the coursework itself.”

Lee Concha (UF/PC 2000) Senior Vice President for University Enhancement Rosalind Franklin University

Right out of the gate after receiving her M.A., Lee took a position in the Office of the Governor of Illinois. She left briefly to work on the Victory 2000 presidential campaign, then returned to Illinois to join the Office of State Treasurer. “Illinois politics is as real as it gets,” Lee says. “Coalitions are […]

Samantha Sexton (UF/PC 2013) Director of Governmental Relations at UF

Samantha grew up in a civically engaged family that is still regularly involved in their community. Like many individuals interested in politics, she volunteered on local and state races during high school and college, both partisan and nonpartisan. It was these experiences that allowed her to find her voice, passion, and the principles that kickstarted […]

Nikki Fried (UF/PC 2003) Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services

As with many program alumni, Nikki’s love for politics and public service came at a very young age, asking her parents to see the White House for her 10th birthday. A passion for service is clearly evident in her unconventional, varied career in politics. At UF, she became the first female Student Body President in […]

Elizabeth Sena (UF/PC 2004) Partner, Greenberg Quinlan Rosner

Elizabeth likes to say that she grew up on politics and CNN. There is nothing better to solidify an early interest in politics than running a good friend ’s high-school student body presidential campaign, which she did. That’s when Elizabeth decided that she was destined for a career in politics. As a 19-year-old student at […]

Scott Laster (UF/PC 2006) Managing Partner, Kairos Government Affairs

Scott got his start in politics by working as the campaign manager for former state Representative Doug Holder of Sarasota 2006 and 2008. Those experiences led to an interview with the North Carolina Republican State House Caucus for a position as Political Director going into the 2010 elections, after which he was named Executive Director […]

Political Campaigning

Author: mperezmunoz@ufl.edu