Eight students from Florida State University have been selected for the 2025 Florida Gubernatorial Fellows Class XXI. This yearlong program places ten emerging leaders in state agencies, offering them practical experience in policymaking and government operations.
The FSU fellows come from the College of Law and the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy. Their placements include several state departments: Sean Happel at the Department of Environmental Protection, Sydney Goldberg at the Division of Emergency Management, John Waters at the Department of Health, Cole McLellan at the Department of Law Enforcement, Alexa Kays at the Department of State, Lucas Piroli at the Executive Office of the Governor (General Counsel), Andrew Otanes at the Department of Commerce, and Kate Rumisek at the Department of Corrections.
Throughout their fellowship, students work with senior leaders across these agencies. The program ends with a formal presentation where fellows share their policy research findings and recommendations with state leadership.
Sydney Goldberg described her experience: “Being a part of this program is a way to represent Florida for me, and to continue to express my interest in politics,” she said. “This experience is for students in the next class of young professionals who want to be invested in public service.”
Goldberg credited her academic background for preparing her: “I do not think I would be in the position that I am without the guidance and the mentorship from my undergraduate professors, administration and fellow students,” Goldberg said. “I took a lot of classes that helped build my foundational knowledge, giving me an applicable understanding of what we were going to be doing in the real world. My experience really helped me build my career skill set.”
Cole McLellan is working at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement after earning his undergraduate degree in cyber criminology from FSU. He noted that rotating between divisions within FDLE has broadened his perspective on criminal justice issues.
McLellan spoke about being part of a group with other FSU fellows: “It is reassuring because we are bouncing what we’re feeling off each other, and it keeps our motivation going,” McLellan said. “It’s definitely nice to have people to talk to that are right there with you, so you don’t feel as alienated.”
Lucas Piroli is completing his fellowship in the Executive Office of the Governor’s General Counsel after previously studying finance. He highlighted how working on legal matters for such a large state offers significant professional growth.
“This is a prestigious program and getting to work in the government for the third largest state in the country is just really special,” Piroli said. “It’s a great administration and I’m really proud to be able to serve Florida and contribute and to learn from some impressive leaders.”
Piroli added: “I’m learning a lot being able to work with such talented professionals right now, which gives me the opportunity to gain some great leadership skills and learn what it means to be a public servant, which I know will be great to bring with me into my career, whatever that may be,” he said.
Florida State University continues its tradition of supporting student involvement in governmental activities by providing hands-on opportunities like this fellowship program. These experiences help prepare students for careers as policymakers within Florida.
More information about this program can be found at floridafellows.com.
