Hometown: De Witt, Ark.
Role: Senior Legislative Attorney, Bureau of Legislative Research, Arkansas General Assembly
Years of legislative service: 12
The best advice she’s ever received: “Write correspondence with the idea that it could always end up on the governor’s desk.”
Why did you choose to work at the Legislature?
I love being able to observe the legislative process from beginning to end. It is rewarding to work with members and understand how they address real-life issues and the concerns of the public. I truly enjoy observing the process of how legislation is proposed, drafted, debated, amended and passed.
What skill or talent are you most proud of?
The level of patience I have when communicating with others. I’m not sure that is a viable skill or a talent exactly, but I do wish others had more of it and that I had more patience with myself at times.
Who or what inspires you?
My husband and my two sons inspire me every day. It takes a lot of teamwork to raise teenagers and work around a legislative session. By now, my husband is a professional at doing it while also giving me the strength to finish the work. I am inspired by the joy and happiness that my sons have for life. It makes me want to always choose to find the good in the day and be grateful for the chance to live it fully.
What’s one thing you love about your state?
I love the access to nature. Arkansas is absolutely beautiful and diverse, with so many outdoor activities. There are so many opportunities for anyone, young or old, to get out there and enjoy the natural beauty of the state. Whether you enjoy hiking, backpacking, jeeping, boating, festivals, finding waterfalls, fishing or hunting, it’s almost literally right down the road. We are even part of the TransAmerica Trail!
What are you currently reading/listening to/watching?
I tend to get attached to characters in books, so I prefer reading books that are part of a series. Anything about Sherlock Holmes is always a win. I enjoy reading anything by James Rollins and his Sigma Force characters or the books about Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, by Louise Penny. Right now, I’m reading book eight of 14 in Robert Jordan’s “The Wheel of Time.”
I enjoy listening to music from the late ’70s and the early ’90s. I can listen to country, hip-hop and metal and enjoy it all (except maybe Megadeth). I was never one to listen to soul or jazz music until I recently discovered Leon Bridges (neo soul) and can’t turn him off!
I like to watch anything but reality television. Again, I get attached to characters, so I’m always anxious for them. I usually enjoy watching shows that are based on books I may have already read, if the story tracks, because it help to lessen the anxiety I have for my favorite characters. But lately I have been watching series like “The Old Man,” “Jack Ryan” and “Reacher,” and introducing my teenagers to “Castle,” “The X-Files,” and “NYPD Blue.”
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.