Hometown: Florence, Miss.
Role: Deputy director for the Mississippi Joint Legislative Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review (PEER)
Years of legislative service: 17
“I’m inspired by the amazing work of other performance evaluation staff across the country. They make me want to be better and to push our staff to be better.”
Sebren
Why did you choose to work at the Legislature?
I believed I could contribute my skills to benefit the Legislature by providing objective evidence to help them in making decisions, and ultimately benefit the citizens of Mississippi. The thought of working behind the scenes really appealed to me as well. As a “fresh out of grad school” young adult, I don’t think I had any idea of what I was really signing up for, though!
What skill or talent are you most proud of?
Professionally, I’m proud of my ability to use a logical approach to identifying problems and presenting viable solutions. Personally, I’m known to tickle the ivories!
What’s the best advice you were ever given?
Best advice as a deputy director aspiring to be a good leader: “Pass the credit and take the blame.” PEER’s previous directors exemplified these principles in their leadership. Best advice as a regular ol’ adult: “This too shall pass.”
Who or what inspires you?
Professionally, I’m inspired by the amazing work of other performance evaluation staff across the country. They make me want to be better and to push our staff to be better in our field. Personally, my father inspired me. He taught me what it means to be strong and kind.
What’s one thing you love about your state or territory?
After living in another state for a few years, I returned home to Mississippi, and I remember driving down the highway and cherishing the wide open spaces all around me. I had missed being able to see the horizon in the distance—there is a calming and freeing feeling to it!
What are you currently reading/listening to/watching?
My reading typically consists of research and journal articles that are applicable to the field of education, etc., but I love to watch competition shows such as “The Amazing Race” and “The Great British Bake Off” (Paul and Prue are top notch).
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Use the email icon above to suggest a legislative staffer for the “Staff Snapshots” series.