Name: Sally Larson
Hometown: Atlanta
Position: Legislative director for Rep. Doug Collins, R-Ga.
Age: 27
Alma Mater: Georgetown University
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Washington Examiner: What drew you to politics?
Larson: I got interested in politics at a young age. It was something my parents and grandparents discussed around the dinner table. In high school, I volunteered on campaigns and at the Georgia Republican Party, and I wanted to continue that political experience in some way. Going to Georgetown and being in D.C. during college gave me a unique opportunity to intern part-time during the year, and I jumped at that opportunity.
I had a great experience interning and got to work with some really smart people on the policy side of things, and knew I wanted to stick around after graduation. I was lucky enough to do that in the office where I was interning and have been on the Hill with the Georgia delegation ever since.
Washington Examiner: What is the biggest challenge in moving from a legislative assistant position to the legislative director job, and what is the hardest part about managing your former peers?
Larson: I think probably just the managing of people rather than just focusing on policy, but we have a really great team and a really great boss, so it’s been not as challenging as I would have thought.
We had a really wonderful L.D. previously … so it was big shoes to fill. I was intimidated by doing that, but Congressman Collins gave me a lot of confidence and authority and I think just recognizing that I needed to be more on top of what everyone else is doing rather than my own work, for me that was the biggest challenge.
Washington Examiner: Did you seek any special training to learn how to be a manager?
Larson: I always try to read as much as possible. I took the Congressional Management Foundation courses, I will do those [and use] all the resources they provide, all the resources the Congressional Research Service provides, any papers that are put out on managing.
Washington Examiner: What is the best thing about working for Rep. Collins?
Larson: Congressman Collins is really just an engaged member. He’s an active member who really genuinely cares about his district, his constituents and has a real connection with them. And seeing that is invigorating to everyone. He reminds us every day of who we’re working for and why we’re here.
Washington Examiner: What’s the worst part of the job?
Larson: Lack of predictability in the schedule, but that’s also what sort of makes it fun. I love that every day is different. It can make it hard, but it also keeps it exciting.
Washington Examiner: How do you balance such a hectic work schedule?
Larson: Congressman Collins is also on the Rules Committee [which is known for meeting late], so that can be an extra late-night challenge, but he also puts his family first and makes it very clear that to us that family is important and to make time for your family and friends. He’s good about making sure that we have time to have a personal life.
Washington Examiner: What do you like most about living in Washington?
Larson: I love all the different people here and all the cultures. I love driving to work and seeing the Capitol every day. It’s always a reminder that it’s exciting to be here and what we’re doing.
Washington Examiner: What do you like least?
Larson: Traffic. And people say there’s good Southern food here, but it’s nothing compared to home.
Washington Examiner: What are you currently reading?
Larson: I just started a biography of [Russian President] Vladimir Putin, The New Tsar: The Rise and Reign of Vladimir Putin, which is very interesting. I had a concentration in Russian government and history in college so I’ve always had an interest there. I’m usually a fiction reader, so I try to mix in some non-fiction every so often, so it was the next one on my list.
Washington Examiner: Is the uptick in interest in town halls and such changing your job at all?
Larson: The phones are definitely ringing more, but I think Congressman Collins has made a point, everyone’s entitled to their opinion and it’s important to be civil to everyone, so it hasn’t really changed our day-to-day.
Washington Examiner: What’s the most interesting piece of legislation you’ve worked on?
Larson: An appropriations amendment to keep a fish hatchery open in the district. Congressman Collins is always looking for ways to serve the district and help and this was … a huge economic driver for the district … so that was really fun. I actually got to visit the fish hatchery and see the impact of that. It was a very cool experience.
Washington Examiner: Stairs or elevator?
Larson: Elevator — I’m ashamed to say.
