Hometown: Hamilton, N.J.
Role: Executive director, New Jersey Senate Majority Office. Drennan also serves as an at-large staff member of NCSL’s Executive Committee.
Years of legislative service: 11
What he’s currently reading: “First Principles,” by Thomas Ricks
Why did you choose to work at the legislature?
I did not choose to work in the legislature, and I never thought I would work in the legislature. I started my career in campaigns and moved to the governor’s office. I spent the better part of a decade in the executive branch and moved into lobbying. I was asked to join the Senate president’s staff with an expectation that I would help him run for governor. The Senate president never ran for governor, but I stayed on with him anyway.
What skill or talent are you most proud of?
The ability to understand multiple sides of many issues and to ask probing questions.
What’s the best advice you were ever given?
Keep your word.
Who or what inspires you?
My wife is my greatest inspiration. She is the smartest, strongest and most resilient person I know. She is a born leader and uses her born abilities to make the world a better place.
What’s the one thing you love about your state?
The diversity of our people and our geography.
What are some of the priorities of your NCSL Standing Committee?
I am learning my way as a new member of the Executive Committee. I don’t want to presume too much, so I plan to provide perspective as a legislative senior staffer. My desire is to utilize my position as an ambassador to my colleagues in New Jersey and, when helpful, as an ambassador to other state legislative staff.
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.