Meet our D.C. Team

Matthew Bango manages the delivery of Amtrak's new high-speed rail fleet. His professional experience has focused on advancing public policy initiatives within private, public and nonprofit organizations in Washington. He holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy Analysis and is a Certified Project Management Professional.

Courses:

• PUBAFRS 4020 – Contemporary Issues in Governance
• PUBAFRS 4021 – Washington Academic Internship Program Research Paper

Mark Gaspar has a 38-year career in business and government relations, specializing in naval, airborne and land-based law enforcement and military systems. He has extensive international governance expertise and has conducted business in over 18 countries, providing support to various US government entities and think tanks.

Courses:

• PUBAFRS 4020 – Contemporary Issues in Governance
• PUBAFRS 4021 – Washington Academic Internship Program Research Paper
• PUBAFRS 5545 – Make a Difference in Washington
• PUBAFRS 6540 –Professional Development Skills, Washington, DC
• PUBAFRS 7600 – Federal Policy & Administration
• PUBAFRS 7980 – MPA-DC Capstone

Dr. Girth is a policy expert in government acquisition and a public management scholar who studies implementation and accountability challenges at the intersection of the public and private sectors. She has a doctorate in public administration, a master of business administration and is a certified project management professional. She was previously a manager at a global management consulting firm overseeing information technology transformation initiatives for clients such as the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Agency for International Development. She also served in the executive and legislative branches of Michigan state government.

Courses:

• PUBAFRS 4020 – Contemporary Issues in Governance
• PUBAFRS 4021 – Washington Academic Internship Program Research Paper
• PUBAFRS 7600 – Federal Policy & Administration
• PUBAFRS 7980 – MPA-DC Capstone

Melissa Harto has significant expertise in public budgeting and financial management with experience working within various government organizations. She has served in prominent roles at FEMA, CISA, ICE and the NEH, providing strategic guidance on budgeting and performance management.

Courses:

• PUBAFRS 7610 – Follow the Money: Making Sense of the Federal Budget

Sarah Holbert oversees the academic and professional development of students at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs Fellows in D.C. With a Master's in Public Administration, her expertise includes policy and advocacy, legislative tracking, and managing relationships with federal agencies.

Courses:

• PUBAFRS 4191.02: Student Internship in Public Affairs (WAIP)

Margaret K. O’Hora is an attorney and writer with extensive experience in local government focused on labor and employment policy. Since 2023, Margaret has served as a Legislative Analyst for the Congressional Research Service, researching and writing about federal legislation. 

Courses:

• PUBAFRS 4020 – Contemporary Issues in Governance
• PUBAFRS 4021 – Washington Academic Internship Program Research Paper

Dr. Wise, the founding director of the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, is renowned for his contributions to public administration education and research. His expertise has been leveraged in various academic and governmental roles, including as the special assistant for policy analysis in the Office of Legislative Affairs and then as director of Intergovernmental Relations with the U.S. Department of Justice. Dr. Wise has been recognized internationally for his scholarly work and impact on governance across the globe.

Courses:

• PUBAFRS 7600 – Federal Policy & Administration
• PUBAFRS 7980 – Federal Policy & Administration Capstone

Their vast experiences and profound knowledge contribute significantly to our goals of preparing Buckeyes to be national leaders and improve public governance and the field of public affairs.