Cameryn Blackmore, Ph.D.

Health Policy Advisor

Rep. Terri Sewell

Want to meet the Health Policy Advisor who enjoys building things?

Oh, you should talk to Cameryn Blackmore, Ph.D.!

Whether it’s connections, bridges, health legislation, or the perfect drive in golf, Cameryn Blackmore sees herself as someone who “builds” things.

“Unfortunately, I cannot build a house,” she adds.

Cameryn is the Health Policy Advisor for Rep. Terri Sewell, which she describes as an "incredibly rewarding experience.” She’s been in the Congresswoman’s office for three years now.

Cameryn and Congresswoman Sewell at the Congressional Baseball Game.

“[Congresswoman Sewell] brings a ton of energy to the workplace and is one of the smartest people I know … I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of her team and take pride in advocating on behalf of our constituents,” says Cameryn.

Like many who may be reading this, Cameryn started on the Hill at possibly one of the most chaotic times – the pandemic. Originally, she started virtually from Tuscaloosa, AL as a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Fellow. It wasn’t until December 2021 that she moved to the city to finish her fellowship.

➡️ When she’s not working, you can find Cameryn catching up with her girlfriends around D.C.

Her Backstory

🏠 Hometown: Baton Rouge, Louisiana

🎓 College & Major: Southeastern Louisiana University (B.A. Political Science), Southern University (MPA), and The University of Alabama (Ph.D. Political Science)

💭 Favorite Hill Memory: A tie! Meeting Usher at a Type 1 diabetes event and getting the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi Cancer Early Detection Screening bill enacted into law.

🔗 CNCT with Cameryn about…

“Sugar does NOT belong in grits!!!!”
The seasonal frozen marg at Santa Rosa 🍹
Her trip to Montego Bay
Some golfing tips 🏌️

Remain Coachable!

Cameryn’s words of advice to younger staffers: “Please remain coachable!”

When you get into the swing of things at the office, it’s easy to feel like training is far behind you. It’s not.

🙇 Staying open to learning new things is not just key to professional development, but personal growth too.

❤️ Cameryn’s Favorites

Coffee Spot: Vigilante Coffee

Bar: Focus Social

Happy Hour: Ben’s Next Door

Lunch Spot: Franklin’s in Hyattsville

TV Show: (currently) Bridgerton

Movie: Back to the Future

Cameryn’s Capitol Corner

🥘 Cafeteria Order: The CHA Street Food Combo in Rayburn

📝 Best Out-of-Office Workplace: Her kitchen table! Also open to solid suggestions on public coworking spaces.

👔 Hill Closet, Sponsored by: Zara or Express

💄 My Hill Holy Grail: Her red lipstick (Bawse Lady by The Lip Bar)

The Key to Connections

As a healthcare staffer for a Ways and Means Member, Cameryn is constantly taking meetings throughout the day. Her key to making valuable connections in these meetings (and beyond)? Remaining open-minded!

“I have come to learn that people feel valued when you practice active listening,” she says.

Open mind, open ears, and you’re all set!

🟣 With those in the opposite party…

Building connections with those in the opposite party can be a lot trickier. Luckily, this is something Cameryn also “builds” regularly not just with her role, but throughout her life.

“Being from Louisiana and living in Alabama for six years means I spent a ton of time with people from the opposite party. I have learned there is still a lot that unites us. Some of my major legislative wins on the Hill are because of the great connections I have across the aisle,” she says.

It may sound cliche, but focusing on similarities rather than differences opens the door to a lot more possibilities.

📚 Cameryn’s Reading List