- Hometown: Orangeburg, S.C.; Columbia, S.C., since college
- Role: Staff to the Senate president. “I’ve held research director roles for three Senate committees.”
- Years of legislative service: 27 in the Senate, four in the House
“When I first started working in politics, my father sent me a quote by Franklin Roosevelt. It has been sitting on my desk for all these years and I have tried to act accordingly: ‘Aides should have a passion for anonymity.’”
Why did you choose to work at the Legislature?
I stumbled into the job! I went to graduate school to become a city administrator. We were required to complete an internship, and I was given a spot in the governor’s office—caught the political bug and never left the Capitol Complex!
What skill or talent are you most proud of?
Honesty, integrity and love for my state and her people.
Who or what inspires you?
Every morning when I pull into the parking garage, I look up at our State House dome and say a prayer that I have been given the opportunity to have a career dedicated to serving and helping our citizens.
What’s one thing you love about your state?
What is not to love about South Carolina—especially my Clemson Tigers!
What are you currently reading/listening to/watching?
During the legislative session, it is hard to read anything but legislation and constituent emails and letters. I look forward to reading South Carolina author Mary Alice Monroe’s new book this summer.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. To suggest a staffer for this series, use the email icon above to contact Holly South.