RYAN HAYNIE, 29
Managing partner & co-owner, Haynie and Associates
Ryan Haynie is the next generation in government relations and lobbying at the firm founded 33 years ago by his father and namesake. Where his father published the first Grass-Roots Guide to the Louisiana Legislature two decades ago, Haynie is updating the resource: He developed and launched an iPhone app and mobile website through which users can access a digital database of the most current legislative and executive branch resources.
Inspiring book: Louisiana Legislature Grass-Roots Guide Vol. 1
This 500-plus page reference of Louisiana’s Legislature and the eternal functioning of Louisiana’s state government was published by my father Randy Haynie around 1980. I now own/operate the company Louisiana Governmental Studies and have the ninth edition set to be published in 2016.
Major professional accomplishments: A track record in Louisiana government of winning major legislative and regulatory battles for a large and diverse client base.
Community involvement: Board member of the Association of State Lobbyists, Committee Chair of the National Association of State Lobbyists, co-chairmann of the Haynie Family Foundation, active in other charitable and social causes and clubs, St. Aloysius Church
PROFESSIONAL
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I was on my way to being an NBA star …
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? Cutting hay fields on a tractor and other odd jobs around a farm when I was 16 – I was actually surprised how much I enjoyed working outside and driving a tractor for long hours.
Favorite place for a business lunch in Baton Rouge? My office. We bring in food for business lunches on most occasions. Otherwise, someplace with privacy such as the City Club.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? My family.
The old saying goes, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Specifically, what are you “being” to make Baton Rouge better? I am in a unique position to influence public policy and always want to use that position in a positive way.
What has been the most fulfilling moment in your career so far? Watching the excitement (or relief) on a client’s face when a vote comes back in our favor.
How many times will you try something before admitting it doesn’t work? In my business you find a solution to make it work for all parties.
What’s you best productivity hack? I need to find some because I cannot find enough hours in the day!
What does your job entail that would shock customers or clients if they knew about it? I enjoy the process and people I work with so much that I would probably still want the job even if I wasn’t being paid.
TECHNOLOGY
Mac or PC? Both.
What’s your preferred mode of communication: text or phone call? Email.
How many unread messages are in your inbox right now? I receive way too many emails, so I am sure I have a bunch I need to reply to since I started filling out this questionnaire.
What app gets you through the day? The web app legislative directory I developed and market to other lobbyists, legislators, staff, and other capitol regulars (mobilelgs.com by Louisiana Governmental Studies).
PERSONALITY
How many times do you hit the snooze button? I have an internal clock that wakes me up before the alarm most mornings.
Breakfast at home? Breakfast on the go? Breakfast at your desk? No breakfast at all? Not only do I skip breakfast but I normally skip lunch most days when things are busy at work. I love to cook and cook for my wife and daughter on the weekends.
Is the glass half empty or half full? What’s in the glass? Half empty. If you could top me off please.
Which living person do you most admire? My father. He has been my mentor, both personally and professionally.
On what occasion do you lie? If you get caught in a lie with a legislator you can kiss your reputation and effectiveness goodbye at the Capitol. I would say the same goes for me at home with my wife.
When and where were you happiest? Don’t make me choose between the day I married my wife Alana and the day my daughter Juliette was born earlier this January.
Which talent or superpower would you most like to have and why? I would surely benefit from being able to perform Jedi mind tricks on legislators.
What’s you most-treasured possession? My family.
What do you most value in your friends? I rarely talk about politics with my non-work group of friends and it’s awesome.
What makes you laugh every time you think about it? The never-ending group text thread I am on with my college buddies.
LOOKING AHEAD
If you have children, what concerns you most about the future they will inherit? The nation’s debt and low education rankings.
Do you plan to be in the Capital Region five years from now? Yes.
Why have you chosen to make your home in the Capital Region? I am a Lafayette native and moved here for LSU in 2003. This is my home as long as the State Capitol is located here. I love Baton Rouge and married a girl from here after I graduated LSU. I gave up years ago on trying to gather the votes to move the State Capitol to Lafayette so I could move back.
