Meet Marlene Williams, one of the ’30 under 30′ rising stars of Florida politics

When General Motors needs the Legislature to know its concerns, it turns to Marlene Williams.

She’s the Southeast Regional Manager of Government Relations for the auto company, responsible for Florida, Alabama, and South Carolina.

Williams learned her trade in the capital, having been legislative affairs director for the Department of Management Services under Gov. Rick Scott. She began in lobbying at a private law firm.

She and her husband, Andrew, live in Tallahassee with their daughter, Mae Marie.

Here’s Williams in her own words:

I am … 28 years old.

I live in … Tallahassee.

I got into politics … by accident. Unsure what I wanted to be when I grew up, I decided to give “the process” a whirl. One session and I was hooked.

One principle I always put above politics … is integrity. It is the key to success in this industry and in life.

Person who gave me my first shot … Bob Harris.

I’ve already worked on … a number of issues for a multiclient firm, an executive branch agency, and now, a company that sits among the top 10 in the Fortune 500 rankings: General Motors.

When I begin a project or first work on a campaign … I look for the facts. One must be educated on an issue in order to develop a winning strategy.

I’ve been blessed to have these people as my mentors … my grandmother, Marlene McGinn, and Stacy Arias.

The people I most admire in politics … are those who have mastered the work-life balance.

One lesson I’ve already learned … is where there’s a will there’s a way.

If I wasn’t working in politics … I’d be working as a procurement consultant.

In 10 years, you’ll read about me … hopefully, you won’t read about me. I prefer to stay out of the limelight.