Political Leaders 2007 Profile: Kim Adkins

Name:  Kim Adkins
Age: 45
Born: I was born and raised in Salisbury, Maryland
Current Digs: Martinsville
Occupation: President, Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce
Favorite part about the job:  Assisting/participating in the public policy process
First job ever? Washing cars for my father’s business, Salisbury Auto Body
Favorite book? Winston and Clementine (their personal letters to each other)
Favorite movie?  Roxanne (I’m a big fan of Steve Martin; but every time I see Roxanne I cry laughing.)
Must-see TV? C-SPAN (its coverage of the UK Parliament is entertaining; Communicators/Book TV are informative)
Comfort food? Sharp Cheddar Cheese and crackers
What's in your car CD player right now? I don’t have a CD or tape player in my car.  I do have XM, which is usually on channel 132 (C-SPAN).
Next journey? Besides the next Sorensen meeting, I have no other current journeys planned.
Last gift you received? GPS for my car.
Whom do you admire and why? Martha Graham of the Washington Post. My first job interview out of college was to work in her office. I failed miserably. It was one of the most embarrassing experiences in my life. Because of that experience, I became intrigued with her life (professional and personal).  She was a remarkable person.
Best advice you ever got? My grandmother used to say to me, “What do you see, dust on the table or flowers in the vase?” I keep flowers on my coffee table at the office as a reminder.
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why? Peggy Noonan, Reagan’s speechwriter (and for George Bush when he ran for President in 1988).  In my opinion, she’s responsible for helping to create the “great communicator.” Her journey to the White House is interesting, working with Dan Rather (she wrote Rather’s commentary), then becoming known for working for the most popular conservative president in history.
Describe a perfect day. After a long, productive day at work, sitting on a balcony with family, preferably on the 10th floor or higher of a condo, right on the ocean at sunset with an ice cold beverage at hand and Jimmy Buffet music in the background.
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you? When I need a “pick-me-up,” I tend to change the style/color of my hair.
Ambition, political or otherwise? To become more involved in regional or state government.