Martha Wigton.

• Author: South, Holly
• Position: STAFF CHAIR

Originally a junior high school English teacher, Martha Wigton directs the Georgia House Budget and Research Office. "It's not my chosen career, but it's everything I've ever wished for in a career," she says after nearly 30 years working for the legislature. A volunteer summer job stuffing envelopes for a legislator running for lieutenant governor evolved into a full-time job after that campaign ended successfully, taking Wigton from the classroom to the Capitol.

Over the years, she's served in several roles in both chambers but found her calling in the House when incoming Speaker Terry Coleman asked her to join his staff. Coleman chaired the Appropriations Committee for 12 of his 34 years in the House and had mastered the appropriations process.

"He knew where every dollar was....It was a great opportunity to learn at the foot of the master." She learned well: The House honored her in 2017 with a resolution recognizing "her unyielding service to the Georgia General Assembly along with her boundless leadership, budgeting and advisory skills."

Her work is not without its challenges, however. Wigton is frustrated...