Colin Driscoll
Operations Manager
Rep. Joe Courtney
Want to meet an Operations Manager who enjoys pop music and meteorology?
Oh, you should talk to Colin Driscoll!
Meet Colin Driscoll, the Operations Manager for Rep. Joe Courtney who proudly represents his home state of Connecticut. Colin has been working on the Hill for a year and a half now, but he’s always known that politics was the place for him.
In 2019, Colin started his internship in Rep. David Cicilline’s District Office where he experienced two impeachments, one of which Rep. Cicilline presided over as Impeachment Manager, a global pandemic, and the 2020 election. Even with all that chaos, Colin still wanted more. He graduated from Providence College and kept working in the office full time until the Congressman retired. Now, Colin is happy to be back with a New Englander, Rep. Courtney.
“Representing my home state and having the privilege of working for someone with the dedication of Congressman Courtney makes the job not just enjoyable, but easy! [He] has an incredible eye for talent and has brought together a team that is committed to making a positive impact on people's lives,” says Colin.
When he’s not organizing the Congressman’s busy schedule, you can find Colin playing his favorite pop albums on vinyl, going out for drinks with friends, or predicting the weather.
Keep reading to get to know Colin ⬇️
His Backstory
🏠 Hometown: New Canaan, CT
🎓 College: Providence College, Political Science
💭 Favorite Hill Memory: “I got to watch Speaker McCarthy’s motion to vacate from the gallery of the House. As a bit of a history buff, watching such a monumental moment from inside the room will stick with me for the rest of my life. A much less political memory would be the Congressional Baseball Games. Each year, as a Dem, it has been a great time watching our bosses lose by incredible margins in the name of charity! It still feels like the one night politics goes by the wayside on the Hill!”
🔗 CNCT with Colin about…
Meteorology & when our next thunderstorm will be ⛈️
Where to get a good frozen margarita
The pop album he’s listening to (currently Brat) 🎶
Which receptions to check out after work
If you’re new to the Hill…
Being the involved Staffer he is, Colin knows quite a few ins and outs that may be helpful for younger Staffers. Colin shares two pieces of advice here:
“One: Go to as many receptions as you can! It is a great opportunity to meet people on the Hill and will put a major dent in your grocery budget.”
“Two: Don’t sell yourself short! When I first started, I definitely had minor imposter syndrome as I transitioned from a college student going out every weekend to a Congressional Staffer … That said, Members of Congress across the board know how to evaluate talent and would not pick someone who they did not have full confidence in. Whether you can see it in the moment or not, the people who observe your personality and work ability thought you had what it took to succeed. Chances are, they are right!”
❤️ Colin’s Favorites
Coffee Spot: Tatte
Bar: Bunker
Happy Hour: Bullfeathers
Brunch Spots: City Tap, Agora, Ambar, or Shaw’s Tavern
TV Show: RuPaul’s Drag Race
Movie: Devil Wears Prada or Shrek 2
Colin’s Guide on How to CNCT
“Start by finding people in the office that you share similar interests with … Making a personal connection is a great foot in the door. Once the foundations have been laid, feel free to ask for a coffee and it should build from there. Always remember, you won’t always be everyone’s cup of tea and, if things don’t take off, move on and try again! Trial and error is how you learn anything on the Hill.”
With those in the opposite party…
“More often than not, people are willing to separate the personal from the political, meaning Republicans and Democrats can be friends … A couple of emails/Teams messages will go unanswered, but don’t get discouraged. Each party has lovely people who would be happy to build a connection, you just have to find them!”
Colin’s Book Recommendations 📚
100,000 First Bosses by Fmr. CT State Sen. Will Haskell
Warriors Don’t Cry by Melba Pattillo Beals
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
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Staffer Advice
“If you can be anything in this world, be kind. I love this advice because it is so easy to do and it applies to almost every situation. No matter if you are at work, hanging out with friends, seeing family, it costs nothing to be kind and it often can have an extraordinary and positive impact on folks around you. Randomly enough, I got the advice from Caroline Flack, the former host of Love Island (UK).”
- Colin Driscoll