- Hometown: Pensacola, Fla.
- Role: House director of the Office of Legal Services for the Tennessee General Assembly
- Years of legislative service: 18
“I am not a policy person, but when someone has a desire to effectuate some kind of change to help improve the lives of others, it really inspires me.”
Campbell
Why did you choose to work at the Legislature?
I chose to work at the Tennessee General Assembly because helping others through government service was something I had always wanted to do. My father is a retired state judge, and my mother is a retired social worker. They both have many years of service working for the state of Florida, and so public service was part of my upbringing. When I saw the ad for the job of Tennessee General Assembly Legislative Lawyer, I thought it might be a good way to combine my love of legal research and writing with my fondness for watching my parents work to help others through government service. It seemed like a perfect fit.
What skill or talent are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my ability to creatively solve problems through statutory drafting. When a member brings a problem to solve, I first research and understand the law well enough to identify the practical and legal issues. Next, I find a way to resolve the problem within the practical and legal constraints for the particular issue. I also attempt to avoid as many political and legal challenges as possible. All of this requires the ability to imagine a solution that doesn’t seem to exist. I love the think-outside-the-box aspect of statutory drafting, and I think it is a skill I have honed over the years.
What’s the best advice you were ever given?
A few years ago, after going through a challenging time at work, a friend said “trust yourself.” I had just experienced a difficult transition into the role as one of the directors, and I was constantly second-guessing myself, almost unable to move forward because I was overthinking every move I made. I was in fear of making a mistake. He told me several times that he had confidence in my abilities, and he thought that I would be missing out on the input of a great advisor if I didn’t listen to my instincts, trusting my own thoughts and opinions. I eventually took his advice. Now during difficult decisions, I remind myself to trust my intuition; this gives me more confidence, which has enabled me to communicate better and work more efficiently. I can’t thank that friend enough for those simple words of encouragement. His words have made a huge difference in how I function as a leader. Now, when I see a younger, thoughtful and hardworking lawyer struggling with decisions, I give her the same advice: “trust yourself.”
Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by people who want to make a difference. I love to help someone who wants to make positive changes in our world. I am not a policy person, but when someone has a desire to effectuate some kind of change to help improve the lives of others, it really inspires me. I take hold of the challenge and do what I can to assist.
What’s one thing you love about your state or territory?
I love our weather. Summer tends to be milder than in Florida, where I grew up. Fall is just absolutely breathtaking to me, with mild temps and beautiful hues. Winter is cold, but I am in session in the winter, so staying inside by the warm heater or fire to read and write is a perfect combination to me.
What are you currently reading/listening to/watching?
I am currently reading “Simply Christian,” by N.T. Wright (love theology books), listening to Christmas music and watching any new documentary I can find.
This email interview has been edited for length and clarity. Use the email icon above to suggest a legislative staffer for the “Staff Snapshots” series.