Staff Snapshots | Brian J. Bean.

Brian J. Bean

Hometown: Born in Idaho Falls, Idaho; lives in Woods Cross, Utah

Role: Senior policy advisor, Utah Senate

NCSL involvement: Staff vice chair, Redistricting and Elections Standing Committee

Years of legislative service: Nine

Skill or talent he's proudest of: "Being a father of four active boys who love the outdoors as much as I do."

Why did you choose to work at the legislature?

I saw the light through a legislative internship during my undergraduate program. It was there that I learned the beauty that state politics are large enough to be impactful but small enough to be personal. It is the perfect balance between national and local policymaking.

What's the best advice you were ever given?

Things of value require reciprocal sacrifice.

Who or what inspires you?

Oddly, the follies of dictators and tyrants. We can learn a lot about what not to do by studying the strategy, weakness and ultimate downfall of great and terrible people.

What's one thing you love about your state?

Too many to choose: No. 1 economy, No. 1 place to recreate, No. 1 happiest state. Personally, I love the mountains. Drive in any direction for 30 minutes and you can do any imaginable outdoor activity.

What are you currently reading/listening to/watching?

"The...