State Lobbying Heroes

Latest Episodes:

Learning essential skills for being a good lobbyist with Anna Bullard Feb 10, 2023

Show notes

Anna Bullard grew up in Lyons, Georgia. A small town with less than 20,000 residents. Her family traveled a lot, so at an early age, Anna saw the world in many ways. Growing up in a small town while simultaneously experiencing different cultures by traveling opened Anna’s eyes and made her more compassionate. The focus of her passion is to help people who struggle to have a voice in any given sector, such as the disability community, underprivileged children, and health care issues.

Anna became a passionate person at a young age. Thus, she is the type of high school student that would go out of her way to help other pupils. After graduating from high school, Anna's goal is to travel overseas and undertake mission work for a couple of years. But, because her father is a business entrepreneur and her uncle is a senator, she has seen both worlds and their significance. That is why she wanted to be a part of it, which led her to become an executive director.

What three skills does Anna think are essential for someone to be a good lobbyist?

What would Anna recommend for someone to enter the lobbying world?

What skills did Anna gain that helped her in her current position?

What stuff did Anna do that she had been working on before working on behavioral health?

Check out Anna Bullard as she shares her journey in this episode of State Lobbying Heroes.

Analyzing the lobbying process with Katelyn Kingsbury Feb 03, 2023

Show notes

Katelyn Kingsbury grew up in Outer Banks, North Carolina, and there she developed her love for nature and the outdoors. Growing up, she learned more about politics from the people she least expected to learn it from. She started volunteering at a young age to make an impact to her community. Katelyn took Political Science and worked towards becoming an attorney, yet after some time, she realized that being a lobbyist was much more suited for her.

Katelyn Kingsbury believes that campaigns are an avenue into the world of Government Relations. She was a campaign manager before being a legislative assistant at the NCGA. Katelyn is now a registered lobbyist who works with the Government Affairs team to implement legislative strategies for clients in various industries.

What is the hardest part of her job?

What skills should a lobbyist possess?

Why is it important for the youth to be in government relations?

Check out Katelyn Kingsbury as she shares her journey in this new episode of State Lobbying Heroes.

Strategic thinking with Anne DeSeta DarConte Jan 22, 2023

Show notes

The finest compliments Anne has ever had were from legislators, both state and federal lawmakers, who thanked her for sticking by them, cooperating with them, and ultimately helping them serve a significant number of people who needed assistance.
Her favorite issues that she worked on were business and manufacturing issues. However, she found financial literacy more intriguing because she believes it to be one of the essential topics in our life.
If Anne DeSeta DarConte is the governor of North Carolina for a day, she wants to sit down with the legislature's leadership and the cabinet. She would like to know the future problems the state may encounter and make sure to have a preparation that will last 10 to 30 years.

Working with many diverse individuals allowed Anne to learn a couple of key things. First of all, you shouldn't operate or assess your performance using mediocrity as a benchmark. Second, those that succeed comprehend that this industry involves more than just lobbying.

What would it be if Anne had to change one rule in the state government process?

What is the hardest part about her job?

If she had an unlimited amount of wealth, what would she do with it?

Check out Anne DeSeta DarConte as she shares her journey in this new episode of State Lobbying Heroes.

Watergate, Social media and changes to Political landscape with Rufus Edmisten Jan 07, 2023

Show notes

Rufus Edmisten was born and raised in Boone, North Carolina. He earned his undergraduate degree in political science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After 10 years of being part of North Carolina Senator Sam Ervin's staff, he served as Deputy Chief Counsel to the Watergate Committee. Rufus was elected the state's Attorney General in 1974. In 1988, he was elected to the office of Secretary of State. In 1996, he launched a governmental relations legal practice called Edmisten & Webb Law.
Rufus has over 30 years of experience in public and private legal practice. He has developed extensive business and government contacts, including strong ties with state, regional, national, and international leaders.
What is the best advice Rufus got?
What is Rufus' favorite hobby?
What did Rufus' mother say to former President Bill Clinton?
Check out Rufus Edmisten as he shares his journey in this new episode of State Lobbying Heroes.

Importance of environmental conservation with Bill Holman Dec 26, 2022

Show notes

Bill Holman grew up in Greensboro, South Carolina. He spent most of his time camping in the mountains and along the coast. At NC State, he studied biology and chemistry, concentrating on microbiology and chemistry.Bill Holman began his lobbying career in 1979 and has long been interested in environmental policy and conservation, believing that climate change is a major threat to public health, the environment, and the economy.

Bill is very persevered to leave a legacy for the state by protecting and conserving locals and the land. He liked several politicians who had made an influence as political leaders and brought unity to his state.

How would you teach the people about the need for environmental conservation?

What changes will you make to the educational system?

Check out Bill Holman as he shares his journey in this new episode of State Lobbying Heroes.

Listening and being candid with Kim and Abby Dec 15, 2022

Show notes

Abby was brought from Cincinnati, Ohio, at the age of three to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Her parents had a dream of owning and operating a small motel. From when Abby was three until she went off through college, her parents owned and operated a 12-unit motel a block and a half off the beach.
Abby learned from an early age that she would need to work hard at whatever she did if she ever wanted to achieve her goals. This lesson was reinforced throughout her life. Abby's desire to be self-sufficient drove her to begin working at the Pancake House, which was located just a few blocks up the street from where they lived, despite the fact that her parents were always there to lend their support.
Kim, on the other hand, grew up in western New York outside of Buffalo. She grew up with two very loving parents who were able to be present for various activities, sporting events, and educational events, which impacted Kim’s competence and overall skill set in the years to come.
Kim's father was adamant that they discuss one aspect of the news around the globe at the dinner table each night. That eventually encouraged Kim to become active and interested in politics and public service. She also had a mother who was actively engaged in ensuring that they were giving back to the community through various church-related activities or neighborhood community activities.
Why did Kim and Abby choose to get a law degree?
In all her illustrious career, what was the biggest failure of Kim?
What was the most challenging issue Abby worked on?
Check out Kim and Abby as they share their journey in this new episode of the State Lobbying Heroes.

An Advocate for Change: Protecting the Rights of the People with Lobbyist Sebastian King Dec 03, 2022

Show notes

Sebastian King was born and raised in Austin but moved to North Carolina with his mom and stepfather. Her mother had him at a very young age. Sebastian's mom raised him alone, but when he was two years old, her mom met his stepfather. He grew up in a simple life and a humble beginning,
Sebastian was aware of the sacrifices his parents made to ensure that he had a better life than them.
Sebastian has a degree in Political Science from Texas State University.
Sebastian knew that many people were struggling, so he was interested in government affairs to promote a better childhood and life for everyone.
What would Sebastian do if he were the governor?
What is the most momentous thing in Sebastian's career as a lobbyist?
What is the hardest part of being a lobbyist?
Check out Sebastian King as he shares his journey in this new episode of State Lobbying Heroes.

Healthcare and Government Relations with Ray Williams Nov 25, 2022

Show notes

Ray Williams was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama. His father was a physician, while his mother was a homemaker. He has four siblings: a twin sister, two older sisters, and an older brother. He attended a military high school in Marion, Alabama, named Marion Military Institute. It’s a family tradition to go there, considering that both his grandfather and father attended the same high school. It prepared Ray for the challenges he faced as an adult, as a man trying to take care of himself and his family. He went to Huntington College, located in Montgomery, Alabama.

Ray’s original dream was to be a coach like his grandfather. It wasn’t until college that he experienced working with the governor of Alabama as an intern. Ray struggled during the first semester of Business Administration in college, so his academic counselor told him to switch to liberal arts because that is where he suits the most. Moving to liberal arts opened Ray’s eyes to other futures and careers that he could pursue with a history background. What led Ray to pursue a career in the field of political science? What were his life experiences after college? How did Ray enter the field of Healthcare? Check out Ray Williams as he shares his journey in this new episode of State Lobbying Heroes.

A look at the political journey of Andy Ellen Nov 18, 2022

Show notes

Andy Allen was born in Lumberton, He spent his entire childhood and education in Southern Pines. He attended local public schools there from kindergarten through high school.
He had a younger sister by three years, and his parents had a small business. Andy participates in a wide variety of sports with his family's support, including football, basketball, wrestling, and his primary sport, baseball.
Andy was shaped by his surroundings because of the variety of people he interacted with there. In the end, Andy was grateful for the support of his loving family.
For a while, Andy dreamed of making it big in the major leagues of baseball. Later, he considered switching careers and becoming a lawyer instead. The fact that his parents were involved in politics, this encouraged him to pursue a career in the field.
Finally, he determined that studying political science would provide the most direct route to a career in law. Andy's personal situation delayed his pursuit of a legal career. During his two-year break, he worked in human resources for a Mitsubishi semiconductor firm in Durham.
He then attended Campbell Law School for three years. In his first year of work, he held the position of clerk for the Farm Bureau Federation.
Does Andy’s Law degree help him in his current job?
What is his organization's mission?
What is the proudest thing which he has done?
What would Andy want to do 5 to 10 years later?
Check out Andy Ellen as he shares his journey in this new episode of State Lobbying Heroes.

Encouraging youth to be more involved in politics with Cody Hand Nov 10, 2022

Show notes

Cody Hand grew up in rural New Mexico since his parents worked in the oil industry, and West Texas and New Mexico are best known for their oil production.
Because of his social studies teachers, Cody understood the importance of getting involved with our government, what the government does, and how the role the government is meant to play in people's lives.
Cody originally intended to be an international businessperson and eventually decided to major in International Business. After that, he went to law school and worked for the General Assembly for a few years.
Cody Hand is the North Carolina Healthcare Association's Senior Vice President of Advocacy. He primarily handles business and manages the association.
In his line of work, he believes that understanding and making sense of a statute and its related bills are essential, along with considering the client's best interests and setting aside personal objectives.
How would Cody encourage young people to become more involved in government relations?
What three qualities are required of a competent lobbyist?
What is the actual role of a lobbyist?
What would Cody be, if he wasn't a lobbyist?
What initially sparked Cody's interest in politics?
Check out Cody Hand as he shares his journey in this new episode of State Lobbying Heroes.

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