My Next Chapter - Living Out My Dad's Legacy

As many of you know, I believe that life is a book with many chapters and you never know what will happen in the next one. Almost two years ago, I started a new chapter coming back to the House of Representatives to work for Congressman Mike Coffman of Colorado heading up his Washington office. It has been an honor and a privilege to work for a true patriot - a Marine Corps combat veteran who bravely served our country for 21 years. I am proud of what my team and I have been able to accomplish over the last couple of years - getting funding for a VA Hospital that went $1 billion dollars over budget, the Fairness for Vets Act, rocket engines for assured access to space for national security to name a few. Most importantly, we were able to help get Congressman Coffman re-elected by almost 9 points in a Democrat-leaning district where Trump lost overwhelmingly. I feel a great sense of joy and pride for my boss and my colleagues and feel comforted about the future of the office.

Since the outcome of the elections, I have had some time to think about my next chapter. After losing both of my parents in their sixties over the last 5 years, I realized the importance of appreciating each day and living in the moment. I am blessed to have a wonderful husband, four healthy children, family and good friends. But my parents' death has also taught me that life is too short to not follow my heart or pursue my dreams. My parents were those swing voters that you hear about in Pennsylvania – my Mom, a Republican and my Dad, a Democrat. I grew up talking about politics at the dinner table - yes sometimes our dinners were heated both literally and figuratively - and traveling to Washington, DC for summer vacation. My Dad - who was also my best friend - was a bank examiner for the state of Pennsylvania for 36 years and loved politics. I inherited his strong passion for financial services and politics. So with the support of Congressman Coffman, I will be following my heart by pursuing my "dream job" in financial services.

I am not sure of my next chapter. It could be at a financial services company, trade association, law firm, another position on Capitol Hill, think tank, my own gig or........ maybe even the Trump Administration but I look forward to the journey and having the opportunity to live out my Dad's legacy in my next chapter.

For now, I will continue to work for Congressman Coffman. I greatly respect him and am fortunate to have his support. If you want to meet up for lunch, coffee, or drinks, I can be reached at [email protected], [email protected] or 202-841-1587.

Hope everyone enjoys the holiday season! Regards, Dina