Hometown
Madison, WI
Undergraduate education
UW-Oshkosh
Employer
Office of the Governor
Job title
Scheduling Director
Start date
March 2023
Primary job responsibilities
I am in charge of the team of folks that collaborates/ideates with senior staff as well as the Governor to create, and then implement the Governor’s schedule. In major political offices, the schedule is a strategic tool that dictates an elected official’s greatest resource – their time. The schedule is not just a placeholder for appointments but an incredible way to advance priorities. The schedule determines who the elected official meets with, what they’ll talk about, where they will travel to, how they will get there, etc. In order to do this, I meet with, talk to, and actively build relationships with communications folks, legal folks, policy folks, political affairs folks, our cabinet members (and their teams), the first lady (she’s the absolute best!!) and her team, lobbyists, federal partners, foreign dignitaries’ offices, the White House, local partners, and many, many more stakeholders on a regular basis. Final sign off as well as collaboration along the way always comes from the Governor himself (of course!), so I do also get the great privilege of working directly with WI Governor Tony Evers as the schedule gets created and solidified.
Describe a project that best illustrates your job
To use an example of how my days are filled: our office works and meets with the offices of foreign dignitaries (ambassadors, consul generals, etc.) to expand relational and business ties between the state and their jurisdictions. Just accepting or setting up one of these meetings means project managing all of the details needed for the Governor have all of the necessary information and details for success. This means working closely with our state agencies that deal with trade, foreign direct investment, exports, and traditions to ensure the Governor has background, recommendations, historical context, and gifts (if the meeting is of the caliper of a gift exchange) needed. It also means finding the right location, parking and escorts, the bios of the aides joining on their end, coordinating the right experts and advisors to join on our end, and so much more. The team will then put together materials and official memorandums for the Governor to review well in advance of his meeting so he can request additional information or advisor meetings. This one (typically) 30-minute meeting will be planned for weeks in advance, and I manage similar preparations for each meeting, event, trade mission, conference, or appointment on his calendar.
How do you use what you learned at La Follette on the job?
I think the biggest thing I learned at La Follette is that our job isn’t done until we have completed an evaluation stage on any given project or work product. I have taken this to heart and have actively worked towards implementing data-driven feedback loops in every role or project I have worked on professionally – in my time as Scheduling Director, and beyond. There are so many things to learn, even with hindsight, and it is always worth the time.
Which experiences and skills helped you get your job?
I really do believe that anyone working in politics must have an incredible level of tenacity. There are always going to be setbacks, and many of them. You are simply expected to keep working at it, and remembering the priorities. Working in politics is a lot of re-strategizing, re-calibrating, and continuing the very important work that is working for the people. I like to think I have this skill, but I don’t think I am unique in this – I think all of my really impressive coworkers have this as well!
What experiences shaped your decision to pursue a master’s degree in public affairs?
As many folks do, I had a number of part-time jobs while in school to help pay for tuition. I worked in data entry for a factory, worked in retail, worked as a lifeguard, and for my undergraduate university. It became really clear, really fast – that I was far more happy in purpose-driven roles. In the public sector there is ample purpose-driven roles to pursue. Thus, I applied to get a master’s degree in public affairs because I knew I would be working in the public sector and I simply wanted to do it well.
Why the La Follette School?
La Follette is known for being an incredible school in public affairs, it has a great reputation. I wanted to learn from the best.
Project assistantships while at the La Follette School
I was working full-time in the WI State Legislature, and even in the Governor’s office as Constituent Services Director, while a student at La Follette.
What impact did your client-based projects have on your education and/or career?
The client-based projects are so impactful as they not only helped me learn but also helped me solidify the path I wanted to take post-graduation. Not only did I get to sample what it means to take the coursework out of the textbooks and into real life in a rather safe environment, but I also got to sample the different avenues in public affairs just by working on these different projects. Through my various courses with client-based projects, my clients in these projects were for a range of organizations in the public sector. One was for a local (and rural) governmental council, another for a non-profit, and another for a state agency. Even through the brief interactions with the clients, you could tangibly feel the different environments that each of these facets of the public sector bring, and the work they do for their communities/constituencies.
Most rewarding and challenging La Follette School experience
Working full time simultaneously. Definitely the most rewarding yet challenging.
Why would you recommend the La Follette School?
I truly believe you’re learning from the best, with the most effective curriculum. I have met a lot of people who have gone far in their careers and a good amount of them are LaF alums.
Anything else?
I have a job that I love in politics, but also live in the country, have a baby/family, and community/friends I cherish. Work life balance is possible and achievable even in stressful roles.
Favorite Madison restaurant …
Catch me at any of the restaurants around the square with fried pickles. I’m an addict.
Interested in studying at the La Follette School?