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KJ Stancil is a native of rural North Carolina, hailing from a family deeply entrenched in politics. Raised in an environment where political engagement was a norm, KJ's initial disinterest in the field shifted dramatically when he interned for state senator Brent Jackson at the young age of 18. This pivotal experience ignited his passion for politics, leading him to pursue a degree in leadership in the public sector at North Carolina State University.KJ Stancil delved into the realm of state politics, serving as a legislative staffer in both the State Senate and House. With over 11 years of invaluable experience under his belt, he transitioned to the private sector, founding his own lobbying firm, Eagle Eye Consulting Services LLC.Why does KJ Stancil believe it's important for the younger generation to be more involved in government relations?What is the most important skill of a competent lobbyist?What sparked KJ's interest in politics?Join us as we unravel the fascinating narrative of KJ Stancil, a true trailblazer in the world of state lobbying, in this captivating new episode of State Lobbying Heroes

Mark Putman grew up in Northern Virginia. Both of his parents worked in the medical field as healthcare professionals. While this likely exposed him to the importance of healthcare from a young age, Mark gravitated towards a different path driven by his passion for problem-solving. While he enjoyed sports like soccer, his true passion lay in science and technology, guiding his career aspirations from a young age. As a former Georgia assembly worker, Mark saw how special interests influence politics over people. He advocates making the legislative process more accessible and transparent so everyday citizens can get involved. Describing himself as "creative," Mark approaches issues with a unique perspective, always seeking innovative solutions. Where and when was Mark's passion ignited? What are the steps he takes to get involved? What are his opinions on the future of biomedical engineering and energy policy? Join Mark as he tells his story and more in this episode of State Lobbying Heroes!

Matt Anderson is the youngest of six children. Growing up in Pittsburgh, he had a wide range of interests, including sports, arts, skateboarding, snowboarding, lacrosse, and outdoor activities like mountain biking and backpacking. During high school, he wasn't particularly interested in traditional academic subjects, and his focus was on creative and outdoor pursuits. His life took a different turn when he attended college in Montana, where he pursued his undergraduate degree and later a Master's in Social Work at the University of Montana. During this time, he developed a passion for learning, education, and politics. According to Matt, being a lobbyist or working in government affairs puts you in the interpersonal relations industry. It's not the job for you if you don't like what you're doing, it doesn't make you excited and motivated, and it doesn't let you use your creativity. You must genuinely enjoy interacting with and working with people. What, according to Matt, is crucial in a child's education to enhance their engagement with the government and its processes? What is the best advice Matt received about his work and personal values? What can we learn from Matt's 10-year experience as a lobbyist? What excites Matt about the future? Let's join Matt's personal journey in this new episode of State Lobbying Heroes!

Ellen Willson Hoover's early years were spent in South Bend, Indiana, within a family deeply rooted in the University of Notre Dame and St. Mary's. Her connection to these institutions ran deep, as she followed in the footsteps of her mother and one of her sisters by attending St. Mary's, while her brother proudly graduated from Notre Dame. It was from a young age that Ellen's interest in politics was sparked. This curiosity took root as early as third grade when she eagerly anticipated a monthly magazine dedicated to the subject. Despite her parents' initial confusion regarding her decision to major in political science, Ellen tenaciously pursued her passion. Her determination paid off as she secured a paid internship with a congressman after completing college, thereby setting the stage for her subsequent career in politics. In Ellen's view, lobbying is both a science and an art, representing the intricate craft of advocacy in the political arena. What is her perspective on the significance of lobbying in the community? What does she regard as the most momentous moment in her career? Where does she see herself 5 years from now? Let's join Ellen's personal journey and more in this episode of State Lobbying Heroes!

Walter Vinson was born in Chicago, Illinois. Both of his parents were Chicago public school teachers and are politically active. Thus, Walter understood politics at an early age. He graduated college at Alcorn State University in Laurel, Mississippi, majoring in business administration. After that, his father and uncle persuaded him to volunteer for a family friend entering a congressional race.Getting involved in the political campaign made Walter realize that this was the path he wanted to take. Though his degree is not aligned with his chosen career, it helped him to understand how to network, create relationships from scratch, and solidify them. Since then, his career as a lobbyist began. Switching from politics to policy, Walter now focuses on ensuring the production of good government to the constituency. Walter Vinson is now the Director Of Government Affairs at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, specializing in policy decision-making. Lobbying at the airport and getting infrastructure developed is the most rewarding for him because it will create more jobs and increase the number of passengers that will come into flights.What actions would Walter take as the President of the United States for five days?How does Walter describe the role of a lobbyist in the community?What should the first step be if anyone wanted to get into government relations?Join in as Walter shares his impactful knowledge, insights, and experiences in his lobbying career. Don’t miss this out!

Tucker's hometown nestled in the serene beauty of North Georgia, near the majestic Appalachian Mountains. He spent a lot of time there, except for his college years when he attended the University of Georgia. Although politics wasn't a prominent topic within his family, his grandpa was a dedicated community helper and a fervent consumer of news. It was this exposure that kindled Tucker's interest in politics from a young age.His grandpa even took him on a trip to the state Capitol once, an experience that left an indelible mark and planted the political bug firmly in Tucker's heart. During his college journey, Tucker switched his major from business to delve into the realm of political science, diving headfirst into the world of politics. His commitment went beyond academics; he even threw his hat in the ring for a seat on the school board in his home county, becoming the youngest member ever elected in the state.While navigating the complexities of the political landscape in college, Tucker's curiosity extended to the mechanics of government affairs and the individuals who operate behind the scenes. It was during this pivotal time that a mentor reached out, providing invaluable guidance. Tucker seized the opportunity, initially working part-time as a mentor during his college years and then transitioning into a full-time role after graduation. His career trajectory eventually led him to the role of Executive Director at his very own government affairs association management firm.Among his esteemed clientele, the Conditioned Air Association of Georgia stands out, with Tucker serving as its dedicated Executive Director. In this capacity, Tucker and his team are resolute in their mission to represent their clients in government affairs, functioning as registered lobbyists on behalf of the association. This multifaceted journey has not only defined Tucker's professional life but also shaped his enduring passion for the intricate world of politics and advocacy. What State Government Process would Tucker change if given a chance?What is Tucker’s favorite issue to take part in?How can someone get into government relations? Check out Tucker Green as he shares his journey in this new episode of State Lobbying Heroes.

Patrick Arnold hails from Cajun country and wasn't raised with a strong accent due to his mother being an English teacher. He began his political journey working on Governor Bobby Jindal's campaign in Louisiana.Over the years, he gained experience through involvement in various campaigns and elections. Patrick ran a national consulting firm called Push Digital and served as the Government Affairs Director for the Charleston Trade Association of Realtors.Patrick brings the energy of Cajun culture to his work and has a background deeply rooted in political consulting and campaign management. What does Patrick think is the reason why the lobbying profession is misunderstood? He believes that mainstream media has influenced people into believing unrealistic expectations.Which rule would he change in the state government process?Why does Patrick love being in stand up comedy as a hobby?Let's join Patrick's personal journey in this new episode of State Lobbying Heroes!

Christy Sammon, originally from Carrollton, Georgia, determined at a young age that she aspired to become a lawyer due to her strong debating skills and her deep commitment to justice. With this goal in mind, Christy took the LSAT and pursued paralegal studies after completing her college degree. Acting on her parents' suggestion, she also gained experience working in a law firm to ascertain her true career path. Although she found this work enjoyable, she came to the realization that becoming a lawyer would not bring her the sense of fulfillment she sought. Christy embarked on her career in government relations, starting as a fundraising assistant for a lieutenant governor candidate. Presently, she serves as a lobbyist for Go Rail, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the public benefits of freight rail and advocating for sound public policies in the rail industry. Christy points out that the most challenging aspect of her job is educating individuals with no prior knowledge of the industry. Consequently, she underscores the importance of patience and understanding when interacting with people who may not be well-versed in her field. What are the good things you must do to be a good lobbyist? How would Christy encourage the young students to be more involved in government relations? What failures does Christy experience, and what lessons does she learn from them? Check out this episode as Christy Sammon shares insights, experiences, and advice that could help future lobbyists to be good at creating a better world for people.

Kelly Vogel grew up in Loveland, Colorado, also known as the Sweetheart City, as it is the home of the official Valentine. She had a traditional childhood experience growing up with her two older brothers.Kelly went to the University of Oregon and started majoring first in Child Psychology but eventually went into Political Science. After graduating, she went to DC to work in state affairs, federal affairs, state lobbyist, and federal lobbyist, all in the field of healthcare for 20 years.After working in DC, Kelly decided to move to North Carolina and continue her career in handling state affairs and business development. Kelly spends most of her time on the policy and business side, helping to bridge the gap between the two. After that, she would explain to legislators the impact of their policy decision on affordability and access to healthcare.What inspires Kelly to pursue her career as a state lobbyist?What three pieces of advice does Kelly have for someone to get into government relations?Check out Kelly Vogel as she shares her story and learnings from her experiences in this episode of State Lobbying Heroes.

Joe's political journey began during his college years when he ran for student body president. Despite his thoughtful preparation and in-depth understanding of campus issues, he came in fourth place. This experience taught him the importance of resonating with voters and understanding the emotional nature of political issues. Undeterred, Joe joined a congressional campaign and fell in love with the political process, appreciating the adrenaline rush and sense of urgency it brought. Joe realized the critical role of navigating electoral politics to enact meaningful public policies, finding satisfaction in balancing the passionate and pragmatic aspects of politics.What rule in the state government process would Joe change if given a chance?What skill does Joe think is essential to becoming a good lobbyist?What is the one thing very few people know about Joe?Let's join Joe's personal journey and more in this episode of State Lobbying Heroes!

Rachel Stone grew up in North Carolina, initially in a small town called Como, and later, her family moved to Plymouth, a larger town near the Outer Banks. Rachel's parents were teachers, but she decided that teaching wasn't her calling after observing the administrative work involved. Rachel pursued her undergraduate studies as a history major, recognizing that it would provide a solid foundation for her future legal education. She then enrolled in Emory University for law school and interned at the Georgia State Capitol with the Emory Law School Barton Child Law and Policy Center. During this internship, Rachel fell in love with lobbying and government affairs and witnessed the significant impact that legislative work could have on improving outcomes for children and families. After completing her Juris Master's in child, family, and education law, Rachel started working as the Director of Government Affairs for the western division of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association(AAHOA). Rachel's role involves supporting hotel owners in various areas, including combating human trafficking, ADA lawsuits, short-term rentals, tort reform, tax reform, civil rights, franchisee/franchisor issues, and housing vouchers for unhoused individuals. Why do the youth need to be involved in politics? What's the impact of building relationships with officials? What's the best advice Rachel received? Check out Rachel Stone as she shares her journey in this new episode of State Lobbying Heroes.

Chris’ childhood was marked by unfortunate moments due to his father's severe PTSD and alcoholism resulting from his three tours in Vietnam. Despite the difficulties, his mother's unwavering support and their church community helped them through it. Books became his solace during those challenging times, as making friends was difficult given the circumstances.He attended Olive Branch Elementary School in Chesapeake, Virginia. Chris graduated early from high school and college simultaneously through a program in North Carolina. He also worked as a lifeguard during the off-season and took college courses. He moved to Raleigh and joined an acting troupe as a fencer while training for the US Olympics. How did he step into the advocating for Cannabis? Let's join Chris’ journey in this episode of State Lobbying Heroes!