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Alison Cascio always had an inkling that a political career might lie somewhere in her future. But she never envisioned herself as an elected official at the age of 30. But then, Cascio has accomplished more in her short professional life than many people much older, and she has an impressive resume with a record of involvement in a variety of arenas.

It stems in part, perhaps, from her upbringing. Her family moved around a lot, so as a young person she had to start over several times—in Florida, Wisconsin and Mandeville. It was an experience that taught her to be outgoing and self-confident. It also taught her how to get along with people.

“Part of the reason I’ve had success with certain things is that I’ve been able to get along with all different types of personalities,” Cascio says. “I like to find the strengths in people.”

Those traits have served her well. After graduating from LSU, Cascio worked for the East Baton Rouge Parish Planning Commission, a job that was followed by a stint in former Metro Council member David Boneno’s office.

It was there that Cascio learned the ropes of municipal government and saw firsthand what being a district council member is all about. She left his office to work for the Center for Planning Excellence and really had no thoughts of pursuing her own political career, but then she found out Boneno wasn’t seeking re-election.

“He and I talked about it, and it just seemed like a perfect opportunity,” she says.

Nearly one year later, Cascio says she has learned a lot from her experience, though there were few hidden surprises.

“I knew what I was getting into, and it’s really my cup of tea,” she says. “There’s a lot coming at you all at once, and you have to navigate your way through. It’s never a dull moment.”

As she looks to her future, Cascio says she wants to continue to make Baton Rouge a good place live and a desirable location for young people to settle. She also hopes to have a family one day. Beyond that, she’s taking it one day at a time.

Says Cascio: “I don’t really have a clue what’s next.”

Age: 30

How do you make yourself heard in the discussion 
on how to move Baton Rouge forward? “Listen to everyone first and observe, and then put your opinion out there after you’ve taken in everybody else’s. I like to hear what everyone else has to say first and consider all the different opinions.”

Click here for the complete list of 2009's Forty Under 40 winners.