AGE: 38
TITLE: Director of Outreach
COMPANY NAME: House Republican Caucus
COMPANY’S LOCATION: Hartford
RESIDENCE: Wethersfield
What do you do? I am the director of outreach for the House Republican Caucus, one of four caucuses that compose the legislative branch of Connecticut’s state government. My role as a director is to lead a team of individuals that share ideas with legislators, staff, constituents and advocacy groups. Through these interactions we create in-district events and aid caucus members in developing relationships with their constituents, locals groups and various civic organizations.
What do you want to be doing in 10 years? I’d like to be doing much of what I am doing now. Working hard for the residents of Connecticut, volunteering in my community and realizing that as my kids become teenagers, I have done something to make our state a better place to live.
What is your biggest strength? I am a reliable soundboard for legislators, political candidates, advocates and staff. I have immersed myself in politics since I first knocked on a neighbor’s door campaigning for my mom in 1984. In some form or another politics have dominated my life and in these past 28 years I think I’ve learned a lot.
Where do you go for new ideas? I do a lot of reading — newspapers, editorials, columns, reports, blog posts, texts, tweets or whatever tomorrow’s social media innovation will likely be. I like being informed and I generate a number of ideas by simply reading about what is rousing people’s attention on any particular day.
What is the best advice you received? Don’t deal with people or situations while you are angry. Take a moment, or in many cases more, to calm down and rationalize the situation. Hysterical people are just that, hysterical and often not taken seriously.
What service or charitable cause has your attention? As far back as I can remember my family has had dogs as pets. I truly believe animals play an important role in our lives and Connecticut is fortunate to have Fidelco, an organization that helps those who are legally blind partner with guide dogs. I admire the dedication the staff has while training the dogs, but more than that, I admire the strength the clients have adapting to their disability and working to regain their independence. Right now, I am raising funds for them, but would one day like to foster a young prospect.
