Sarasota resident Vickie Brill, 25, was working campaigns from the time she was old enough to walk — as in door to door — with her father. She interned for Senator Mel Martinez on Capitol Hill during college and then as a PAC fundraiser for congressional members with Hammond and Associates. She ran Rep. Jim Boyd’s campaign; helped fundraise for Congressman Vern Buchanan and Rep. Ray Pilon; and is currently a legislative aide to Sen. Bill Galvano.
Vickie seeks leadership herself. She was elected President of the Sarasota County Young Republicans and is an active member of the Junior League and Sarasota Young Professionals Group.
When she starts a project or campaign Vickie looks first for “a white board and Google calendar”, using the former to brainstorm and map out strategies.
One thing that Vickie has learned is the potential for politics to strain relationships. “Friendships can be and will be tested multiple times during campaign season,” she writes. Perhaps that is why Vickie puts benevolence above politics and values the ability to be able to listen to all involved parties about an issue.
Last tweet from @vbrill12: “@BillGalvano it was a fantastic event for an awesome cause! Congratulations again!
Here is Victoria in her own words:
I am 25 years-young.
I live in Sarasota – Longboat Key.
I am from all-over! I am fortunate enough to have lived in five different states that each brought their own unique cultures and lifestyles which make me who I am today.
I went to school at George Mason – Go Patriots!
I hope to visit Boston and Charleston this summer.
I entered politics because helping others and making a difference in my community and those around me are what is important to me.
One principle I always put above politics is benevolence and the ability to be able to listen to all involved parties about an issue; I make sure that at the end of the day or any situation that I knowingly gave everything I had at when dealing with any situation.
Person or people who gave me my first shot: There are a few: Senator Mel Martinez, Tom Hammond, Representative Jim Boyd and Senator Bill Galvano.
I’ve already worked for/on: I started working campaigns when I was little with my Father walking door to door. I interned for Senator Martinez on Capitol Hill during college and interned as a PAC fundraiser for several congressional members with Hammond and Associates. In 2012, I was a write in candidate that closed the Supervisor of Elections race. Additionally, I ran Representative Jim Boyd’s campaign, helped fund raise for Congressman Buchanan and Rep. Ray Pilon. I am currently a Legislative Aide to Senator Bill Galvano. I was recently elected as President of the Sarasota County Young Republicans by my peers. This is an addition to being an active member of the Sarasota Young Professionals Group and a member of the Junior League.
When I begin a project or first work on a campaign, I look for a white board and Google calendar! I love having a white board to brainstorm, map out strategies, document the competition and objectives to accomplish during the campaign. A Google calendar keeps everyone on time and doesn’t let you forget about appearances, rallies, lunches, dinners and forums you’ve been invited too.
I’ve been blessed to have these people as my support team: My parents Jack and Antoinette, and my brother Johnny. Without them, I wouldn’t be who I am today and I am truly thankful that I am.
The people I most admire in politics are: President Lincoln and President Reagan. Their ability to rally a nation in different eras under extremely difficult times is truly inspiring.
One lesson I’ve already learned is friendships can be and will be tested multiple times during campaign season.
If I wasn’t working in politics, I’d be working in Project/Program Management or Sales and Marketing
In ten years, you’ll read about me making a difference in Sarasota County and the state of Florida and competing in a championship softball game!
You can connect with me via e-mail or twitter: [email protected] or @vbrill12
