The Chamber has many hard-working professionals on staff. The lobbying team that I work with is no different. When not in the office, they’re either traveling across the Commonwealth on the “speaker’s tour” or they’re on the hill, working late hours when session or fundraisers dictate. They constantly abuse me for my Lenin-like looks, so here’s my opportunity to tell you something about them.
I’ll start with my cohort-in-crime, Gene Barr. GB not only shares all the department responsibilities with me, but he oversees our political activities and grass roots efforts. Like me, he is involved with most of the major issues in which The Chamber is engaged. He also is our environmental guru. A little known fact is that Gene has starred in such major motion pictures as Gettysburg and Gods and Generals. O.k., he didn’t star in them, but if you were to look at the cutting room floor, you’d see him as one of the dead union soldiers.
Now for the rest of our staff – the ones who actually do the work. Brian Kelly lobbies health care and labor issues. If not on the hill, BK is either fishing, cleaning something (his car, boat, pencil drawer, etc.), or he’s in the hospital. For anyone interested, we have a running pool as to what his next ailment will be since he tends to get sick at either end of session or budget time.
Fellow Parrothead Stephanie Larkin handles our education and workforce issues. She also manages the day-to-day operations of ChamberPac. If Stepha isn’t rolling her eyes at us, she’s probably donned in leather, riding her Hog around the country.
Gretchen Ramsey covers transportation issues and coordinates our special events. She’s also responsible for the work that we do with local chambers across the Commonwealth. A hint about dealing with Gretch – don’t give her caffeine!
Finally, Sharon Roth has returned to our department to help with the environmental regulations and issues. When not on the hill, Sharon’s visiting members as part of The Chamber’s retention efforts. She’s also a great goalie -- the best I’ve seen at picking balls out of the back of the net. (That’s o.k., because it’s usually her own teammates that are scoring on her.)
That rounds out The Chamber’s lobbying team. It’s a hardworking crew, and I’m fortunate to call them my friends (even if they aren’t all Parrotheads).
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