Hometown: Juneau, Alaska
Role: Networking and programming supervisor, Alaska Legislative Affairs Agency
Years of legislative service: 21
“When trying to solve a problem, don’t overcomplicate things.”
Wilson
Why did you choose to work at the Legislature?
I fell into working for the Legislature. My first position here was just a session-only job. But I realized that working for the Legislature is just customer service, and the whole state is my customer. They are looking to me to solve a problem, and it brings me such happiness when I can solve that problem.
What skill or talent are you most proud of?
I’m not particularly proud of any one skill. I’m most proud of the wide range of skills and knowledge that I’ve picked up over the years. I’m not the best at any one thing, but I’m passable at a lot of different things.
What’s the best advice you were ever given?
The acronym KISS, for Keep It Simple, Stupid. When trying to solve a problem, don’t overcomplicate things.
Who or what inspires you?
I’m inspired by my wife who left work to home-school our children when COVID hit. She’s amazing. I can’t imagine how she keeps the troops in order and on task, but there they all are flourishing under her leadership.
What’s one thing you love about your state?
Being out here several hours away from the other 49 states, I find Alaskans have developed a frontier attitude where we will find a way to do it ourselves; it may be held together with duct tape and baling wire, but we’re going to make it.
What are you currently reading/listening to/watching?
I’m rereading “Stardust,” by Neil Gaiman. I love this story. It’s a fairy tale about how far a person might go to prove their love.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Use the email icon above to suggest a legislative staffer for the “Staff Snapshots” series.