When the road back to Alabama leads to Huntsville

At the beginning of the pandemic, I was living in Washington, D.C. and working at a grueling job in politics, pining for a new life in my home state of Alabama. Little did I know that in April 2020, I would meet an incredible guy on a dating app who lived in Huntsville. We hit it off and dated long distance until I moved to Huntsville at the end of 2020.  We were married in August 2021, and we are thoroughly enjoying being newlyweds in North Alabama.

During my time in D.C., I tried my hand at politics and struck gold. I spent a couple of years working for then-Senator Jeff Sessions on issues related to energy, environment, transportation and agriculture. Once Sessions was nominated to be Attorney General, the office began to scatter, and I had the opportunity to serve at the White House. I worked in Legislative Affairs at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and was a “sherpa,” the brave soul assigned the monumental task of getting Presidential nominees confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

I also worked with several committees in the House and Senate on pending legislation, hearings and political strategy. After my time at OMB, I moved to another White House office, the Office of the United States Trade Representative. I was in congressional affairs, so I still rubbed shoulders with folks on Capitol Hill. But this time, I had the honor of working with them on U.S. trade deals, including the NAFTA replacement, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). I also had the opportunity to be involved in trade deal discussions with U.S.-Kenya and U.S.-United Kingdom. I’m delighted to bring these varied experiences with me to North Alabama.

I moved to Huntsville for love, yet I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the North Alabama community. Being a Birmingham native, I was vaguely familiar with Huntsville, but I never could have imagined the depth of knowledge and kindness of heart the city offers. I recently began serving in the Committee of 100 Young Professionals Program and I have been blown away by the bright, engaging, high-achieving young professionals in the group. In addition, I’ve had the opportunity to meet countless members of all ages in the community who are willing to help and promote others for the good of all. I’m excited by the growth and possibilities bursting at the seams for North Alabama.

I’m grateful to be a part of the Huntsville community, nestled at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The stunning mountain scenery and generous city invite a sense of peace and rest for this weary D.C. soul. Thank you for welcoming me back to the Heart of Dixie with open arms.