Hometown: Eldersburg, Md.
Role: Maryland Department of Legislative Services, Principal Policy Analyst and Legislative Counsel to the House Health and Government Operations Committee
Years of legislative service: 22
The best advice she’s ever received: “You will make mistakes. Admit them, fix them and move on.”
Why did you choose to work at the Legislature?
In my third year of law school I wrote a paper on the Cigarette Restitution Fund, arguing that the proceeds should be used for Medicaid. I had to research Maryland’s law and after that I knew I wanted to work in health policy. I love that our Department of Legislative Services is nonpartisan because it enables us to truly influence the development of thoughtful and effective policy.
What skill or talent are you most proud of?
My ability to develop positive relationships with people who have varying ideals and to work together to draft legislation.
Who or what inspires you?
My teenage children. They are both willing to try things that I would never have had the courage to do at their age. They inspire me to be brave enough to try new things and go outside of my comfort zone.
What’s one thing you love about your state?
I love everything about Maryland. It has it all—the ocean, mountains, cities and farmland. I live on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in the colonial town of Chestertown. The sunrise on the Chester River is breathtaking and I get to enjoy it every day.
What are you currently reading/listening to/watching?
I listen to podcasts while walking my dog. I enjoy “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” and “Don’t Ask Tig.” If I need to learn about a health issue, my go to podcast is “Public Health on Call,” from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. I am anxiously awaiting the next season of Ted Lasso.
For its “Staff Snapshots” series, State Legislatures News is asking legislative staff about their role in the legislature. If you’d like to suggest a staffer for this series, please email Holly South at NCSL.
These email responses have been lightly 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.