[0]Staff Associate, Leah BarbareeWhen I applied for an internship with Sam Adams, I honestly didn't know who he was. (Yup, I was one of the ones who said, "I'm applying to work at a brewery?") Now that my internship is over, I know how lucky I am to have worked with Commissioner Adams and his staff. I leave with new friends, invaluable experience, and more confidence in my ability to a positive influence on the community.
The way Sam and his staff operate is an anomaly (well, at least to a girl who'd just moved from Alabama). Everyone is laughing and crazy, yet at the same time, everyone is super-productive and always has 10 more innovative ideas to put on the table. In my interview, Chief of Staff Tom Miller went over what he expected and warned me not be deceived by the office's "informal attitude." Not until the entire staff made me yell as loud as I could at the staff meeting on my first day did I really understand what he meant. They did it to break me in and soon I was off and rolling on my own projects and feeling like a part of the unique balance that makes the office such an exciting place to be.
Sam gave me, and all his interns, serious projects and duties. My main responsibility was the "See and Be Seen" bike safety campaign. I found sponsors, organized the meetings, brainstormed the events and promotions, and helped decide on the campaign's design. We had 60 cyclists and three news stations turn out for the campaign's kickoff and now the ads are all over Tri-met buses, shelters, and bench backs. Aside from 'See and Be Seen," I often staffed Sam, set up meetings, wrote speeches and talking points, worked with constituents and bureau employees, and was invited to sit in on policy discussions.
Sam is a tough boss. As busy as he is, he always knows what each staff member is doing and poses the questions that ensure the work done is to his liking. It's the ability to be both a firm manager and an active representative that makes Sam such a great leader.
Leaving the office is kind of sad because I know I'll never find another one quite like it. I'd like to extend a million thank yous to Sam and everyone in his office for the opportunity to get to know and work with them.