Current employer:
Counsel, Alston & Bird

Education and work experience:
Senior Advisor to Secretary Sonny Perdue, USDA; Policy Advisor at The White House; Director of Congressional Relations at American Farm Bureau Federation: University of Nebraska College of Law 2009

AALA leadership roles:
Distance education committee

How did you get interested or involved in agricultural law?
Growing up on a farm in Nebraska, naturally agriculture has always been a huge part of my life. I also had a strong interest in policy and law at a young age. It has been such a dream come true to combine two of my passions and call it a job.

What is your current role and what type of work are you doing?
I am Counsel at the law firm Alston & Bird. I have a regulatory and policy practice; representing farmers, agricultural trade associations, and other agricultural businesses providing compliance guidance on USDA, DOL, and DHS regulations and advocate on clients’ behalf to improve the policy environment. I focus heavily on agricultural labor issues and provide invaluable insight to clients on USDA issues drawing from my experience in the Secretary’s office.

What are some challenges and opportunities you see in your job and the ag law profession?
As farms have grown and become more sophisticated, there is a larger need for regulatory counsel and independent advocacy efforts supporting trade association efforts. It is critical that farms have access to agricultural lawyers who understand the industry and can advise on the complex regulations that affect how we do business.

How does AALA help or benefit your profession or current role?
AALA is a wealth of knowledge, experience, and connection. It has been an invaluable resource on educational matters, plus the relationships built through AALA have been beneficial both personally and professionally.

What is one of your favorite AALA memories or experiences?
My favorite AALA experiences are the ad hoc dinners that come together during the symposium. The AALA community is one of a kind and each symposium I find myself at a dinner with old and new friends sharing experiences and lots of laughter. The educational component of the symposium is helpful, but I find these dinners is where meaningful connections are made that will be resources in the future.