Ditchmen • NUCA of Florida May 2019 | Page 7

BRIEFLY TELL US ABOUT PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND. YOUR IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANYONE, LIVING OR DECEASED, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY? My professional background in the political process extends over twenty years and includes working on campaigns, interning in the Florida Governor’s office, private sector lobbying assistance, legislative assistant with Senator Dorothy Hukill, and as government affairs director for local Realtors. My grandfather David Ritchley – he died when I was very young and I never really got to know him. He was a well travelled and intelligent man who would have been interesting to speak with as an adult. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK? WHAT INSPIRED YOU ACCEPT THIS AGENCY LEADERSHIP POSITION? A Moveable Feast by Hemingway My experience in the political process at the state and local levels allows me to have an understanding of how important it is to have representation that reflects the constituency. I was born in DeLand and felt a strong desire to ensure that my hometown was properly represented in the State House and make sure our voice was being heard. WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND? DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? Three cats – Maggie, Skeeter, and Delilah the Destroyer WHAT IS THE FIRST CONCERT YOU ATTENDED? Sting – Brand New Day Tour EDUCATIONAL WHAT IS THE SECRET TO YOUR SUCCESS? Tallahassee Community College – A.A. in General Studies and at Florida State University – B.S. in Political Science Integrity – always doing the right thing no matter what. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? WHAT WOULD BE YOUR DREAM VACATION? File clerk for a law firm at thirteen and working on campaigns starting when I was sixteen. A backpacking trip through Thailand/Asia. WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING? WHAT IS THE ONE THING ABOUT YOU NO ONE WOULD GUESS? Killing Patton by Bill O’Reilly I hate heights, but I love flying. DO YOU HAVE ANY “GUILTY PLEASURE” TV SHOWS? WHAT WAS THE FIRST CAR YOU DROVE? Call the Midwife/Walking Dead/Ghost Adventures 1987 Dodge Dakota pickup truck – second car was a 1988. WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES OR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF WORK? Gardening/reading/travel • • • MAY 2019 • DITCHMEN 5