Members of the IMG PA team had the opportunity to chat with State Representative Sean Reid, who represents the City of Lynn and town of Nahant, about his transition from being a State House staffer to being sworn in as State Representative earlier this year.
Rep. Reid began his career in government as an aide for State Senator Brendan Crighton, eventually working his way up to serve as the Senator’s Legislative Director. Legislative staff play an essential role in supporting constituents, researching and advocating for important policy measures, and attending events on behalf of their boss. Rep. Reid shared his unique perspective on the value of legislative staff and how that work prepared him for the move into elected office.
What skills as a staffer have been most helpful to you as you transitioned into being the Representative?
Communication and teamwork have been everything. As a staffer, you learn pretty quickly that you’re not going to have all the answers off the top of your head. But figuring out who to call, how to get good information, and how to work together to solve a problem is what really matters. We’re fortunate to have so many amazing people in the State House who are talented, helpful, and willing to share their knowledge. That sense of collaboration makes all the difference in getting things done.
As someone who had been a legislative staff member, were there certain qualities you were looking for in hiring your own staff?
Organization is a big one. There are always so many balls in the air, and you need someone who can stay on top of it all – someone who’s proactive, anticipates what’s coming next, and follows up without being asked. It’s not just the number of tasks but the variety that makes it tough; one minute you’re deep in research, and the next you’re giving a tour to a group of students at the State House. You have to be a quick learner and stay curious. You’ll hit roadblocks, but if you’re willing to dig in, ask questions, and keep learning, you’ll figure it out. There’s no manual for this job, so persistence and curiosity go a long way. I’m fortunate to have found a staffer who has all of this!
How does your knowledge of both sides of the office inform how you approach your job on a daily basis?
Having worked on both sides of the office, I know that no job is too small. When I was a staffer, I did everything from writing legislative memos to helping constituents find parking for an event, and I learned that all of it matters. Now, as a Representative, I try to carry that same mindset. Whether it’s answering a call, helping draft a letter, or showing up to a small community meeting, every task contributes to the bigger picture. That perspective reminds me that even the best solutions and biggest initiatives depend on the small tasks and collaboration that make them happen.
We’re always telling clients not to overlook meetings with staffers and emphasizing the value of those relationships, what would you say to someone who worried that the only meeting worth having was with the Representative?
Staff is the backbone of the State House. I know firsthand how much a legislator relies on their team. My former boss always valued my input, and I can honestly say I helped shape his views on many issues after meeting with stakeholders. Now, as a Representative, I constantly turn to my aide for perspective – she’s often the first person I ask when I’m weighing a decision or preparing for a meeting. Staff are often the ones synthesizing information, doing research, compiling different perspectives, and helping us chart the best path forward. In many instances, they’re the ones who turn ideas into real, workable plans.
What has been the hardest thing to let go of as the boss?
It probably sounds a little silly, but social media. I helped manage my former boss’s accounts for years, and I still really enjoy it. It’s one of the parts of the job where you get to be creative and connect directly with people in real time. Even now, I’ll catch myself tweaking a caption or editing a post when it’s probably a little overboard. My aide is much better at it, but it’s still hard for me to let it go!
What is the best part of your day?
The best part of my day is typically the interactions with people. Whether it’s helping a constituent with a situation they are in, meeting with an organization about a policy idea, or catching up with a colleague, those conversations keep me energized. The job can be demanding, but – cliché as it may sound – it’s the people who keep you going and remind you why this work matters.