MIA J. BARNES
Lakewood,OH
Summary
Strategic communications and public affairs professional with experience across political campaigns, state legislative policy, and research within a public relations environment. Brings a strong foundation in policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and message development to support executives, elected officials, and organizational leadership. Proven ability to translate complex legislative and regulatory issues into clear, actionable insights in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Research Associate
Burges and Burges Strategist
01.2025 - Current
- Conduct qualitative and quantitative research to support client communications, public affairs, and reputation management initiatives
- Track and analyze legislative, regulatory, and political developments impacting client issue areas
- Support senior consultants with issue analysis, stakeholder positioning, and media preparation
- Prepare research summaries, talking points, and strategic memos used in client and campaign decision-making
- Supported development of content for social media platforms, ensuring alignment with brand voice.
Senior Legislative Aide
Ohio Senate
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Served as senior policy advisor to an Ohio State Senator, providing analysis and recommendations on legislative and regulatory matters
- Drafted legislation, amendments, policy memos, briefing documents, and constituent communications
- Managed relationships with advocacy organizations, state agencies, industry representatives, and community stakeholders
- Managed schedules and communications for senior legislators, ensuring timely responses to constituents.
- Prepared the Senator for hearings, floor debates, public events, and media engagements
CAMPAIGN MANAGER
Re-Elect Nickie J. Antonio
08.2023 - 11.2023
- Coordinated grassroots outreach initiatives, fostering community involvement and support for candidates.
- Collaborated with volunteers to implement event planning logistics, ensuring seamless execution of fundraising activities.
- Managed social media platforms, creating content that increased audience reach and engagement metrics.
- Developed and executed communications strategies including digital outreach, direct mail, and earned media
- Built coalitions with donors, community leaders, and advocacy groups to expand campaign reach and voter engagement
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies
Kent State University
Kent, Ohio08-2022
Skills
- Government Affairs & Public Policy
- Legislative & Regulatory Analysis
- Strategic & Executive Communications
- Stakeholder & Coalition Building
- Political & Issue Advocacy
- Research & Data Analysis
- Policy Briefing & Speechwriting
- Media & Public Relations Support
- Project & Campaign Management
- Constituent services
Accomplishments
- Panelist at the Lakewood Women in Politics Forum featuring Congresswoman Shontel Brown
- Presenter at the Ohio State University's New Leadership Ohio Program, 2024
- Presenter at Ohio State University's New Leadership Ohio Program, 2025
Certification
- Hootsuite Platform
Timeline
Research Associate
Burges and Burges Strategist
01.2025 - Current
CAMPAIGN MANAGER
Re-Elect Nickie J. Antonio
08.2023 - 11.2023
Senior Legislative Aide
Ohio Senate
01.2023 - 01.2025
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies
Kent State University
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Experienced in politically sensitive and fast-paced environments
- Strong written, verbal, and analytical communication skills
- Comfortable interfacing with executives, elected officials, clients, and external stakeholders