Featured Alumni

Meredith Martino

Current Employer: American Association of Port Authorities
Current Job Title: Manager, Government Relations and Environmental Policy
Current Job Sector: Trade Association/Transportation & Trade/Environment/Government Relations

How did you break into the profession? What made you choose that career path?
I worked on the Hill for a few years and then moved to a trade association focused on transportation issues. I ended up with AAPA a few years later and have been here nearly six years now. I've always been interested in the role of transportation infrastructure in daily life. Ports are critical for the nation's prosperity because they serve as the gateways for the imports we buy, wear, eat and use every day, as well as the products and raw materials we export globally. There is more focus than ever on environmental issues in port communities, as working waterfronts collide with crowded urban areas. Ports are figuring out what it means to be truly sustainable — balancing the needs of local residents with environmental goals and, of course, financial stability.

What are some common misconceptions about your job?
People use the words "special interests" to denigrate interests that are different than their own. Just about every profession or interest group imaginable has Washington representation. There are thousands of agendas competing in this town, which is good! Our government works best when there is real dialogue among people with differing viewpoints. Anyone with an opinion can have input into the legislative process, and most do. That doesn't make them "special" or bad.

Do you have any anecdotes or funny stories about things that have happened in your professional life?
My first job was working as a staff assistant to the minority staff of the Senate Government Affairs Committee during the height of the campaign finance investigations. The staff was looking for someone who could politely but firmly handle the high volume of calls, many of which came from very angry, long-winded folks who had been obsessively glued to their C-SPAN since the hearings began. I got the job partly because of my geographic connection to the Ranking Member's home state and my academic/work experience and partly because I came across as "just a little surly" in my early-morning interview! Apparently, that's just what the staff was looking for.

What is the importance of integrity and trust in your day-to-day work interactions?
In a profession where there are few tangible work products (no widgets to be made, inspected for quality or counted), personal relationships are invaluable. Information is definitely a currency in the government relations business, so it must come from trustworthy sources.

How did being a Bryce Harlow Fellow (fellowship, connections, mentoring, etc.) assist in your graduate studies? In the professional world?
The fellowship was critical for my graduate studies. Working as a staff assistant on Capitol Hill — while exciting and important to my career — barely paid the bills, let alone left money for school. The Bryce Harlow Fellowship eased the financial pressure of continuing my studies.

What is some advice that you can offer students just starting out on their careers in advocacy? What did you wish you would have known? What should they make sure to learn?
Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know, but I will find out and follow up with you." There is nothing shameful in not having all the answers — whether you are a Hill staffer or a lobbyist. People appreciate honesty. Not being able to answer someone's questions on the spot is an opportunity — it's a chance to make and keep a promise, which shows someone that you're reliable, and it's a chance to set up a follow-up conversation with someone who can help advance your policy goals.

What do you like about living in DC? What are your favorite things to do? Things that shouldn't be missed?
DC has great events and seasonal offerings, some touristy, some not. There are things everyone who lives here should brave the crowds and do at least once: Have a picnic on the grounds around the Tidal Basin during peak cherry tree bloom, see the July Fourth fireworks from a blanket on the Ellipse and attend an Inauguration. A little more off the beaten path, I'd suggest giving the Smithsonian Folklife Festival a try, cheering on the participants at the Halloween Drag Races on 17th Street and watching the Scottish Christmas Walk in Old Town Alexandria.