Job shadow in the Office of the Secretary of State of Washington! Need we say more??

 



 

David Elliott '83, P'16, P'18
He/Him/His
Major: Computer Information Systems
Job Title: Policy Director
Organization: Office of the Secretary of State of Washington
Host Date: Friday, Feb. 8, 2019*
Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.**
Location: Olympia, WA

*Due to the legislative schedule, David will host students outside of the normal TLW time frame.
**The start time for Friday, Feb. 8 will be determined between David and the student(s) shadowing him in order to fit committee hearing schedules.

 

We asked David...

How would you describe your role and organization?

The Office of the Secretary of State (OSOS) is lead by Kim Wyman, the elected Secretary of State. She is third in line to the Governor and has responsibility for Elections Administration, Corporate registration, the State Library, and the state's archives.

As Policy Director, I write legislation, analyze other legislative proposals, and communicate the Secretary's policy choices to the legislature and the Governor. Often the job involves explaining the interplay between federal, state, and local government roles and responsibilities, and acting as a researcher and historian. Next year's topics will include changing the date of the Presidential Primary, securing pre-paid postage for all ballots, stabilizing resources for county election departments, preparing for the 2020 redistricting process, and other topics.

What can a student expect to experience by job shadowing you?

During the legislative session there should be an opportunity to see many of the elements of the legislative process. I plan to conduct an exercise in reading and analyzing proposed legislation, and (depending on scheduling) an opportunity to observe a legislative hearing. I will also be arranging an opportunity to meet with one of our attorneys to discuss that role in the process, and there may be time to meet with Governor's staff, lobbyists, or legislative staff members.

Why do you want to host Logger students?
Starting work life can be a challenge, I feel a duty to help students decide on their future direction, either work or additional schooling.