- Hometown: Columbia, S.C.
- Role: Audit manager and general counsel at the South Carolina Legislative Audit Council
- Years of legislative service: 18
“The opportunity to conduct nonpartisan performance auditing was something that appealed to me greatly, and it has turned into a rewarding career.”
Douglass
Why did you choose to work at the Legislature?
I had always been interested in state service and public policy. The opportunity to conduct nonpartisan performance auditing was something that appealed to me greatly, and it has turned into a rewarding career.
What skill or talent are you most proud of?
Working at the LAC has allowed me to develop the ability to quickly go from minimal knowledge of specific state agencies, policies and programs to a solid working knowledge of those areas in a short time.
What’s the best advice you were ever given?
Regarding the LAC’s publications, our deputy director, Marcia Lindsay, often says, “It doesn’t have to be perfect, just right.” Indeed, our reports are never and cannot be 100% perfect, but we strive to make sure that our conclusions are drawn from accurate, verifiable information. This mantra proves invaluable to me when writing up findings.
Who or what inspires you?
My wife, Bryn. She is a chemist, a stroke survivor and a former contestant on “Jeopardy!” I’m always learning new things from her.
What’s one thing you love about your state or territory?
There is much I love about South Carolina. I enjoy living and working in and around Columbia, which is a fun, non-touristy city with great food, arts and music.
What are you currently reading/listening to/watching?
I just started reading Samuel G. Freedman’s book “Into the Bright Sunshine,” which is about the early career of Hubert Humphrey.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Use the email icon above to suggest a legislative staffer for the “Staff Snapshots” series.