Meet Benjamin Limmer (MUPDD '03)

Degrees:

M.U.P.D.D., Cleveland State University

B.A., Geography, University of Northern Iowa

B.A., Public Administration, University of Northern Iowa

When did you graduate? 
2003

Where are you currently residing?
Tampa, Florida

Where are you from?
East Grand Rapids, Michigan

Current Employment:
Chief Executive Officer, Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority

Why did you decide to attend Levin?
It was the perfect mix of a urban/downtown campus location, a brand new graduate school building (at the time) and a top planning program in a city that was very welcoming for an out-of-state student.

How did your experience at Levin influence your career path? 
Levin set me up to be highly successful in the planning field by connecting me with numerous internship opportunities. One of these opportunities was at the Greater Cleveland RTA and now I am a CEO of a Regional Transportation Authority.

What is your favorite Levin memory? 
Living in Downtown Cleveland as a student allowed me to be very accessible to Levin. While in graduate school, I primarily had evening classes. Being a downtown resident allowed me to live, work, play and learn all around Levin and Downtown Cleveland.

What piece of advice do you have for current Levin graduate students? 
Get as much experience as you can. Find your niche and round yourself out by utilizing internships and other experiences.

What was the most valuable lesson you learned at Levin? 
While considering planning initiatives and policies, always keep in mind who pays and who benefits.

In your opinion, what is Northeast Ohio’s best kept secret? 
The fabulous neighborhoods throughout Northeastern Ohio. Comparable neighborhoods are difficult to find elsewhere.

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