Hometown: East Providence, R.I.
Role: Chief committee clerk, Rhode Island Senate, currently administering hearings of the Finance and Rules, Government Ethics and Oversight committees
Years of legislative service: 10
The best advice he’s ever received: “Always bring enough to share.”
Why did you choose to work at the legislature?
My third grade class field trip to the Rhode Island State House included fun mock-voting sessions and delicious pizza slices for lunch—so I suppose the seed was planted when I was very young! Much later, as I was preparing to graduate from college in 2008, the presidential primary between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton captured my interest. I started volunteering on election campaigns shortly after graduating, beginning at the congressional level and then for state legislative and city council races in East Providence. I soon found that I enjoyed engaging with local people and issues even more than with federal issues. My campaign experience eventually led to an opportunity to work for the state Senate. I jumped at the chance and never looked back.
What skill or talent are you most proud of?
Fairness in the execution of my duties. As a committee clerk and hearing administrator, my role isn’t to judge or favor certain proposals but to provide a welcoming and productive forum where Senate bill sponsors, members of the public, the governor’s administration, issue stakeholders and lobbyists can engage with the committee members, who are the elected decision-makers. Throughout my life, I’ve always enjoyed hosting people but at the same time disliked being the center of attention—so my Senate staff role strikes a nice balance along those lines.
Who or what inspires you?
My girlfriend and our dog love and support me unconditionally, and they’re especially caring and understanding when I work so many late nights during the legislative session. I do my best to make them proud.
What’s one thing you love about your state?
It’s the smallest state filled with the biggest hearts (not to mention the strongest personalities). Here in Rhode Island, families and friendships tend to be lifelong bonds. I’m still very lucky to count so many close friends from as far back as early childhood. Being from East Providence, our mantra, “Townie Pride,” is ubiquitous—it’s a real thing.
What are you currently reading/listening to/watching?
Reading: 2020 Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedures (no kidding). Plus, all the local media outlets—they do great work keeping us informed.
Listening to: Local talk radio. I still prefer a live broadcast with local callers over a podcast any day.
Watching: RI Capitol TV. They do an amazing job showcasing our legislative hearings to the public and preserving those important discussions for future reference
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.