As a Monument rite of passage, we wanted to take a moment to introduce you to the newest member of the Monument Team.
Meet Stacey Hutchinson, Monument’s newest Principal. Stacey brings over 10+ years experience in political campaigns, federal and state government, tech policy, and strategic communications gives her a breadth of knowledge and experience across platforms and industries. Previously, Stacey held senior communications roles on successful congressional and gubernatorial campaigns as well as serving in a similar capacity for the Republican Whip in the House of Representatives. In 2010, she served as press secretary to the governor of Virginia and helped navigate the first year of a new administration building productive relationships with members of the media and crafting a message that resonated with a diverse constituency. Stacey was also deputy chief of staff to a prominent member of the House where she oversaw communications and legislative activity. Most recently, Stacey served as the Director of Strategic Partnerships at the U.S. Chamber’s Technology Engagement Center where she strategically developed programming and a communications strategy surrounding emerging technology policy initiatives.
As the new kid on the Monument block we sat down with Stacey to get to know her a little better. Read the interview below to learn more:
What got you interested in politics?
I have politically active and engaged parents, so I suppose it’s ‘in my blood’ to a certain extent, but I really got bit by the political bug after college. I was 2 weeks post-graduation and grappling with the overdramatic thought that I would never find a job and would be forced to live with my parents for the rest of my life. I had lunch with a woman who worked for President Bush in May 2005 and explained my desperation to her – she took pity on me and offered to “teach me politics,” as she put it on a campaign in Richmond, VA. We worked on the 2005 Virginia Victory campaign for the Governor, Lt. Governor and Attorney General race. I figured I could do anything for 5 months. Little did I know that was the start of my love of campaigns. I would go on to do 3 more after that- two more in Virginia and one in Minnesota. I still miss the feeling of being on a campaign – the team mentality, all fighting together towards one goal: Winning. It’s exhilarating.
What is your favorite Monument in Washington D.C.?
The Capitol. When I worked for the Republican Whip in 2009, I was fortunate enough to have an office in the actual Capitol building. Granted, it was in the basement, with 6 other staffers, terrible air circulation and next to the cafeteria, so smelled of grilled cheese and French fries constantly. I loved it. I would walk in and out of the Capitol every day and look up at the dome and think “I am the luckiest person in the world to have this experience.” One weekend I left something at the office so took my mom with me to retrieve it. I remember her remarking in awe, “you have keys to the Capitol.”
What is your favorite book?
Currently, The Hungry Caterpillar because my 1 year old daughter brings it to me every night to read before bed. It’s a special time for us each day.
What is your dream job?
Ski patrol at Alta & Snowbird Resorts in Utah. I would rather ski than do anything else in the world.
What are the top three places you haven’t been that you want to visit:
Egypt, Antartica and Africa