Tell us a bit about your professional background.
After completing my master’s in epidemiology, I moved to DC in 2013 to work for a hospital association in their research and quality department. About a year later, I transitioned into a government relations role managing state advocacy for a large nonprofit, serving as both a policy director and a state lobbyist in multiple states. In late 2019, I accepted a role with the Georgia Department of Public Health. As the COVID-19 virus emerged, I worked closely with the DPH Commissioner, where I stayed as a senior advisor until 2021. During that time, I attended law school at night at Georgia State University College of Law. Upon graduation, I accepted a clerkship in the Middle District of Georgia and worked there until moving back to DC in 2022 to do regulatory affairs for a hospital purchasing organization before joining the Office of Advocacy in May 2024.
What regulatory issues do you work on at Advocacy?
I handle chemical-related issues, mostly those associated with the Toxic Substances Control Act.
What do you enjoy most about working on these issues?
The process for risk management of chemicals includes work outside of the traditional rulemaking process. This allows small businesses to participate in the process through several different steps where they can provide practical feedback related to the use and risk management of chemicals in their specific industry. Additionally, these rules often afford me the opportunity to speak with such varied industries and to see firsthand how chemicals are used throughout the entire supply chain.
What do you enjoy most about working at the Office of Advocacy?
Speaking directly with small business owners – both through virtual means as well as in person – has been the highlight of my time at the Office of Advocacy. I have learned an incredible amount in a short time about the various ways chemicals are used by small businesses, and I am continually impressed with the passion and diligence of small business owners as they navigate the complex landscape of owning and managing a business. I always appreciate how much time businesses devote to speaking with me on the issues knowing that many of them are not only owning and managing the business but often working directly alongside their staff.
If you could give one piece of advice to a small business owner concerned about regulations, what would it be?
Do not overthink your comments. The regulatory process is complex and overwhelming, but the expertise and input from small businesses are vital. Many regulators do not have firsthand experience in the fields impacted by regulations, so any information a business can share about the practical application of a regulation is extremely valuable. Comment letters do not need to be 11-page PDFs with headers and signatures. Straight-forward explanations, data, specific examples, and descriptive narratives are more important than the formatting of a letter. And of course, if you have any questions about the regulatory process, contact the Office of Advocacy and we will be happy to assist.