Madi Willis
Director of State and Federal Relations
IA Gov. Kim Reynolds
Growing up, politics was dinner table discussion for Madi Willis but it wasn’t until later in high school that she discovered her personal interest in it while watching Madam Secretary. Seeing staffers running around in chaos and trying to make a change lit a passion in Madi that eventually brought her to D.C.
Today, Madi is the recently-hired D.C. Director of State and Federal Relations for Governor Kim Reynolds of Iowa. Prior to her new position, she worked as a Legislative Assistant for Rep. Zach Nunn.
“I’m excited to step into this new role because I get to pair my knowledge and understanding of Iowa’s policy priorities with my love for our Midwestern communities all while continuing to work in D.C.,” says Madi.
The road to her political career was not an easy one, though. In the midst of COVID, Madi moved to D.C. to find that her internship was cancelled, leaving her with a new lease and no job for the summer. Madi picked up nannying to make ends meet until she made it to the Hill.
When asked about finding a work-life balance, Madi shares, “It is so important for staffers to ensure they don’t find their sole value in their career.”
Value can be found in a lot of different ways – through our out-of-work relationships, routines, or even hobbies. In Madi’s case, she unwinds and enjoys life outside of work through her creative outlet: content creation.
⬇️ Get to know more about Madi ⬇️
Want to meet a staffer who met her husband on the Hill?
Oh, you should talk to Madi Willis!
Her Backstory
🏠 Hometown: Lake City, Minnesota
🎓 College & Major: Drake University, Law, Politics, and Society
💭 Favorite Hill Memory: “Finishing a 12-hour markup at 1 a.m. for the Farm Bill with my then boss – Rep. Zach Nunn (IA-03). It was a great ‘full circle’ moment where we left everything on the playing field.”
A Staffer Marriage 💍
Recently, Madi married her husband – the first person she met on the legislative team during her first day on the Hill. The two were desk neighbors and best friends for a year before they started dating. Madi and Reid mark the 21st couple to come out of Sen. Chuck Grassley’s office!
You’re probably wondering: How does someone balance working a busy Hill job, a personal life, and a relationship with someone who also works a busy Hill job? Here’s what Madi has to say…
“Marriage requires two people to be dedicated to prioritizing each other and their faith. Communication is key. My husband and I have to actively stay engaged and up to date on each other’s work schedules, Hill meetings, and Reid’s law school classes. Over dinner, we always go over the day and give each other a preview of what the next day looks like. Reid is also really good about making sure we get time together on the weekends to do something fun with friends or just to go out to eat. Our favorite thing is talking to each other (hah!).”
🔗 CNCT with Madi about…
Post-work yoga classes
Baking recipes 🍪
Traveling to Greece (her dream trip)
Advice for dating on the Hill 🩷
Madi as a Mentor
Outside of her responsibilities in Gov. Reynold’s office, Madi is also a proud mentor specifically to women who hope to work on the Hill.
Madi’s advice on what makes a great mentor could apply to a lot of other managerial positions, so be sure to read what she has to say:
“A good mentor prioritizes one-on-one conversations with her mentees. The same ‘rule’ can apply to supervisors! As a mentee myself, the biggest thing that mentors have done for me is setting aside dedicated time for me. It doesn’t have to be long, but when you show someone they are a priority to you by investing in their growth – a mentorship can go a long way!”
⬇️ More advice from Madi ⬇️
❤️ Madi’s Favorites
Coffee Spot: The Shakespeare Library’s Quill & Crumb Café
Happy Hour: Hawk ‘n’ Dove
Lunch Spot: Santa Rosa
D.C. Hidden Gem: The Old Post Office Tower at the Waldorf Astoria
TV Show: Madam Secretary
Movie: Captain Phillips or The Family Man
For those starting out on the Hill…
As a mentor, Madi has some great advice for staffers just starting out on the Hill. Take notes…
“Listening and learning from your Member and anticipating their next question or request so that you either have the answer or have already completed their ‘ask’ ahead of time. The same goes for your LD or Chief of Staff,” says Madi.
Being proactive in your responsibilities goes a long way, but starting out on the Hill is a big adjustment and things can fall through the cracks. Madi also notes that it’s okay to make mistakes – you just have to learn from them! Becoming a Hill expert takes time.
“The best advice I can give to women (and men) looking to work on the Hill is to ensure you can both listen and carry a conversation well. It is great to reach out to current Hill staffers to grab coffee, but it’s even more important to come prepared with questions that help form a relationship with that person and show that you are engaged and a serious contender for a role on the Hill,” says Madi.
📚 Madi’s Reading List
The Unexpected Spy by Tracy Walder
Where the Lost Wander by Amy Harmon
The Yankee Widow by Linda Lael Miller
Do you know someone on the Hill who should be our Staffer Spotlight for a week? Nominate them here and let us hear their story!
Staffer Advice
“Remain humble and put God and family above everything. The rest will follow if those values remain your number one priority.”
- Madi Willis