State Lobbying Heroes

Latest Episodes:

Brandeis Parkman on her journey as a lobbyist Nov 03, 2022

Show notes

Brandeis was born and raised in New Orleans and attended high school in Sandy Springs, Georgia. She is the only girl in their household, which she viewed for her domineering demeanor, which later helped her realize why she chose her career. Her favorite hobby is photography, and she is a portrait photographer.
She received a Bachelor of Arts in English with a specialization in political science from college. She pursued this degree because she believes it will help her to become more adept in English literature and utilize it as a foundation for her career in political science. Her ambition as a child was to speak on behalf of those who didn't have the voice to speak up, and she finally lived her dreams.
What three skills are required to be a good lobbyist?
What is the one thing about Brandeis that no one knows?
What is Brandeis' favorite book?
How did she end up in government relations?
Check out Brandeis as she shares her journey in this new episode of State Lobbying Heroes.

Business, Economics, and Government Relations with David Powers Oct 27, 2022

Show notes

David Powers grew up in North Carolina in the town of Burlington Mills. Their family had a farm supply business operated by his father and uncle, while his mother and wife worked as public school teachers.
He attended North Carolina State for his college. David was always interested in politics. His interest in politics and business led to him taking up economics as a major in college.
His father, being politically active, influenced him to get interested in the political field at a young age.

He met a former governor at the age of 12 and went to a campaign event for Ronald Reagan at 16. His interest in politics focused more on campaign work.
Eventually, he began working in the lobbying industry.
How did David begin his career in the lobbying sector?
What skills David thinks are essential for being a good lobbyist?
What other work did David perform besides campaigning?
What led David to pursue a career in government relations?
How did he establish his firm?
Check out David Powers as he shares his journey in this new episode of State Lobbying Heroes.

Be an Advocate for Change with Lori Kroll Oct 06, 2022

Show notes

Lori Kroll was born and raised in Maryland. She is the oldest daughter in the family and has a younger brother and sister. She grew up close to her family, grandparents, and cousins. Every summer, they would visit Myrtle Beach. Her grandfather is from Durham, and sometimes they go there after visiting the beach. Lori wasn’t interested in politics while she was growing up. The first politician she remembers is former president Richard Nixon.

Lori always wanted to join the military, but she chose to study at the University of Maryland, College Park to pursue her degree in Criminology. After graduating, she planned to enter the military, but she got accepted into law school and chose that path. While studying law school, she discovered how the military has lawyers.

What happened to Lori’s dream of entering the military?

Was she able to fulfill her dreams?

What is Lori’s favorite destination spot?

What Lori learned from her failures?

How would she encourage the youth and the public to be more politically aware?

Check out Lori Kroll as she shares his journey in this new episode of State Lobbying Heroes.

From TV Production to Government Relations with Debra Derr Sep 26, 2022

Show notes

Although she was born in Brooklyn, Debra Derr spent much of her childhood in Hickory. Instead of being politically motivated, Debra is more of a creative kind.
She spent her childhood in front of the television and eventually was involved in a television production at her high school, which aroused her interest in the medium.
When Debra was in college, she attended Norfolk State and focused her studies on mass communication.
Following that, she applied to and was accepted into the television production program at Brooklyn College. Debra started learning how to shoot for the American Theater Wing.
She decided to move to Washington, D.C. with her kid and take a job as a press secretary for a member of Congress. Following that, she began working for Richard Stevens, who was the county manager in Wake County.
How would Debra educate the public about the role of a lobbyist?
How would Debra encourage the youth, especially the minorities, to get involved in government relations discussions?
What did Debra feel about stepping into public affairs?
Check out Debra Derr as she shares her journey in this new episode of State Lobbying Heroes.

An insider's look into the political world with Jordan Roberts Sep 24, 2022

Show notes

Jordan was born in Savannah, Georgia. They stayed there for about a year, moved to South Carolina for about a year or two, and then settled in Charlotte, North Carolina. That’s where Jordan Roberts grew up and was fortunate to spend much time on the lake as a child.
Playing sports was a big part of Jordan’s life, and he played baseball, basketball, and eventually lacrosse in high school. His interest in politics came out at the end of high school, and he started to understand the world a little as he got older.
Jordan took an AP government class in high school, and his teacher inspired him to learn more about history and government and how they interact with our world today. Jordan had always thought about taking the route that his grandpa did of getting into politics.
What is Jordan’s favorite destination stop?
What set Jordan up to enter the world of public policy?
What was Jordan's biggest motivation?
Check out Jordan Roberts as he shares his journey in this new episode of State Lobbying Heroes.

Being a subject matter expert with Kevin Curtin Sep 23, 2022

Show notes

Kevin Curtin grew up in Dunwoody, Georgia, just outside of Atlanta. He went to elementary school up to high school in Dunwoody and spent a good portion of his youth there.
He grew up in a family that wasn't very politically active and he wasn't exposed to it until later in his life.
Kevin has a strong professional background with a Master of Science (M.S.) from the J. Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University and a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) from the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia.
After graduation, how did Kevin discover government relations?
What is the ideal step to being a good lobbyist for Kevin?
What is Kevin's favorite book?

A journey from Journalism to Government Relations with Brian Lewis Sep 09, 2022

Show notes

Brian Lewis was born in Duplin County, specifically in Kenansville, North Carolina. They moved a lot when he was growing up. Political issues, abortion, gay rights, and other topics were discussed during his childhood. As a child, Brian came from a poor family. They lived in public housing, but their church helped them get through the hard times. Brian used to be a student government president in 5th grade. He is personally interested in journalism, which is why he was part of the student newspaper in college. Brian covered everything about the student government and the UNC system. He took up Political Science as his college major and had a master's degree in Public Affairs with a concentration in Public Policy. He also spent a lot of time in the communications department. How did Brian switch from Journalism to Public Affairs? What can he suggest for those who are interested in becoming a lobbyist? How was his experience in the world of Public Affairs? Join us as we listen to Brian Lewis's story in this next State Lobbying Heroes episode.

Passion towards health care, law enforcement with Doug Heron Aug 30, 2022

Show notes

Doug Heron was born and raised in New York, Huntington, Long Island. His parents are both educators. When he was young, he would argue with his father, and you could say that was a hint what was in store for his future career.

Doug Heron went to James Madison University and majored in political science and history with a minor in criminal justice. He spent some time in law enforcement right after college before he got into law school at Penn State.

What made Doug get into law enforcement?

What is the most meaningful thing in his career?

What is the one thing very few people know about Doug socially?

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

From a UPS driver to a Lobbyist with Frank Morris Aug 28, 2022

Show notes

Frank Morris is the oldest of four siblings and grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah. He had a joyful childhood because he grew up surrounded by his family and extended family. Frank worked as a UPS driver while attending classes at The University of Utah before transferring to Westminster College and earning a bachelor's degree in Business Management. He ran for various positions as an officer in middle and high school because he was interested in politics.

What would Frank be if he didn't work as a lobbyist?

What influenced Frank to become the man he is today?

What advice does Frank provide for aspiring lobbyists?

In this episode of State Lobbying Heroes, we'll follow Frank on his journey. Tune in!

Energy industry and having a heart of service with Kevin Martin Aug 26, 2022

Show notes

Kevin Martin was born and raised in Virginia and had no particular interest in politics as a child. Following in the footsteps of several members of his family who had pursued scientific endeavors, he enrolled at the University of Virginia and took a course in pre-medicine to eventually work in the medical field. Kevin had a heart for service and wanted to help make a difference in people's lives. He did not pursue medicine though and earned a bachelor's degree in psychology.

After college, Kevin stayed with his grandparents. Kevin did a few different things; ran a movie theater and worked in the restaurant industry until he got into the oil and gas industry. Those early experiences taught him a lot about people. Everywhere that Kevin had been, he always wanted to do his best and see what he could learn from the experience that had been put before him.

How did he transition to become a lobbyist for the energy industry?

What does he like most in his current role as a lobbyist?

These are some of the questions Kevin Martin will answer as he shares his journey in this new episode of State Lobbying Heroes.

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