What is your current job?
I am the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Federal Relations at Vanderbilt University. Essentially, I head up Vanderbilt's Washington, D.C.-based Office of Federal Relations which advocates for the University's federal priorities before Congress and the Executive Branch.
Why did you choose this profession?
I didn't actively choose federal relations - I sort of fell into it. After I graduated from Haverford, I had two internships lined up on Capitol Hill. One of those internships turned into a full time position as a Staff Assistant in a congressional office. I discovered I really enjoyed public policy and public service and the environment of working on Capitol Hill. Eventually, I got to a point in my congressional office where I was the senior legislative staff person and couldn't advance any further professionally. I needed to look for other opportunities to advance my career. From Capitol Hill, I shifted into the world of advocacy and federal relations on behalf of higher education.
What more do you wish to accomplish in your professional career?
I have worked in the world of public policy for nearly 17 years and have had wonderful opportunities to grow within my field and deepen my expertise. I have worked for Vanderbilt University for over 9 years and have had the opportunity to advance within our office to the point of leading the University's activities in Washington, D.C. I feel like there is still a lot for me to learn within my field and I look forward to identifying new ways to promote the University's priorities among federal policymakers.
Tell us about a decision or change you made that turned out to be a positive career move.
When I left Capitol Hill and started exploring advocacy jobs, I decided that if I was going to lobby, it had to be for something that I personally believed very strongly in. That guiding principle has served me well and enabled me to work in the world of higher education and science policy in several different capacities. I believe very strongly in the importance of federal investments in higher education as well as federal support for science and engineering research.
How has Haverford influenced your professional career?
Haverford taught me to think, to write, to speak articulately and to be passionate about my chosen career. Ironically, while I was a Political Science major, the only American government course I took was the intro level course. My focus was much more on comparative and international politics.