Lori Mathis: Director, Office of Operations and Support Systems.

• Position: MARYLAND - Interview

Growing up in Annapolis, Lori Mathis didn't appreciate the city's history until she came to work in Maryland's State House. It is the oldest U.S. state capital in continuous legislative use, dating back to 1772.

When she graduated from high school, Mathis knew she wanted to work in public service, inspired by her history teacher and basketball coach, Michael Busch, who would become the state's longest-serving House speaker. (Busch died in April.) While working in the legislature, she earned a bachelor's degree, then a master's in management with an emphasis on human resources. She did all this while raising four children. "It was a lot to do, but I was determined to succeed."

Why do you love the legislature?

I love the institution and attribute that to the leadership and, of course, great staff. When I was the HR administrator, I was responsible for developing personnel policy and procedures, advising on personnel issues and overseeing the payroll for over 1,100 employees. I thrive on supporting employees, building relationships and ensuring fairness and uniformity by maintaining a nonpolitical HR environment.

Is that part of your new role?

As director of the Office of Operations and Support Services, I have oversight of human resources, finance, information systems, facilities, graphics and printing. I'm responsible for providing training and initiating policy changes to create a culture that truly reflects the legislature's...