Hometown: Ames, Iowa
Role: Research/bill drafting for education committees
Years of legislative service: Nine
One thing he loves about his state: “The rivers.”
Why did you choose to work at the legislature?
While I did not know it when I applied for this job, I more or less get paid to learn, listen, think, teach and write.
What skill or talent are you most proud of?
I’d like to think I’m talented at helping legislators and others understand complex policy areas, like school funding. I also feel I’m a good bill drafter; I like to think of it as engineering with words.
What’s the best advice you were ever given?
No one in the legislative arena likes to be caught off guard.
Who or what inspires you?
Article X, Section 1(1) of the Montana Constitution: “It is the goal of the people to establish a system of education which will develop the full educational potential of each person. Equality of educational opportunity is guaranteed to each person of the state.”
What are you currently reading/listening to/watching?
I’m reading “Magdalena: River of Dreams: A Story of Colombia,” by Wade Davis.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
For its “Staff Snapshots” series, State Legislatures News is asking legislative staff about their role in the legislature. To suggest a staffer for this series, please use the email icon above to contact Holly South.