Sarah Cunningham

At 24, I moved across the country to a town where I knew no one, to work for a Governor of ideas. The Chief of Staff gave me A Message to Garcia, by Elbert Hubbard, and this advice:

“I believe in you. You will go far. We have one rule: I never want to hear, ‘It’s not my job.’ If I do, you will be fired. We are here to serve; no task is small.”

This frank advice of self-sufficiency and initiative fell on eager ears. My mother’s lessons reinforced by someone I revere. 

Twenty years later, I still live by it. 

I have written hundreds of direct mail fundraising letters and even more voter contact brochures - biographies, on the issues, and comparisons to our opponents. 

Some clients give little direction. Others give lots. 

Either way, I take the job requested and get it done. 

Fast. 

For in the final months of a political campaign, the entire race can change in a day. A week is an eternity. Election Day is a deadline that is met with an ecstatic win or heartbreaking loss.

I know more than I should about the intricacies of education and health care reform. Environmental and economic policy. I enjoy reading technical and academic white papers and distilling them into language the average voter understands. 

I watched and dictated dozens of speeches, distilling the best phrases and ideas into letters that convince prospects to open their wallets. 

But I have not gone far. 

I have worked on and off for the same boss for 20 years. Starting as an assistant; finishing as a profit-sharing partner. 

My ability to gladly get the job done - quickly and cost effectively - makes me someone people like to keep around. 

I am ready to do something new. To learn about AI. To expand my experience analyzing polls and data microtargets into deep learning. 

Politics are dark today. 

There are bright lights in the business world and nonprofits. 

And I am ready to go far.