Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
Role: Senior Economist, Utah Legislature
NCSL connection: Oritt is a graduate of NCSL’s Legislative Staff Certificate Program.
Years of legislative service: Five
Skill or talent she’s most proud of: “Climbing mountains on my road bike.”
Why did you choose to work at the Legislature?
Public service is important to me—I’ve only ever worked in the public sector during my career. However, in previous jobs, I didn’t have a strong feeling that my work was making much of a difference. Working for the Legislature makes me feel like I am working toward the betterment of our state by helping our policymakers make informed decisions. It’s exciting and humbling to be in “the room where it happens.”
What’s the best advice you were ever given?
You’ll never regret being kind.
Who or what inspires you?
Integrity—people who do what they think is right, regardless of the political consequences and whether or not it benefits them.
What’s one thing you love about your state?
Our incredible outdoors! The mountains are our backyard, the red rocks and five national parks are a short drive away. We are spoiled with such beauty and endless recreation opportunities.
What are you currently reading/listening to/watching?
I love a good, meaty novel. I’m currently reading “Demon Copperhead,” by Barbara Kingsolver. I’m a huge “Inside Economics” podcast nerd—I never miss an episode. And I loved the first season of “Severance” and am looking forward to the next.
These email responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
For its “Staff Snapshots” series, State Legislatures News is asking legislative staff about their role in the legislature. If you’d like to suggest a staffer for this series, please email Holly South at NCSL.