Today we’d like to introduce you to Bailey Vincett
Hi Bailey, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in a small suburb outside of Pittsburgh, PA, in a busy household with three sisters. One constant in our lives was cheering on the Steelers and gathering for Sunday family dinners.
Despite my disdain for school, I performed well academically. During my senior year of high school, I decided I no longer wanted to spend all day in the classroom, so I took advantage of the school’s internship program. I expressed my interest in politics and law, which led to two internship opportunities: one with my state representative at the time, Eli Evankovich, and another with a non-profit organization called CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children). Through these experiences, I quickly realized that family law—and law in general—was not what I had seen on Law and Order. My focus began to shift more towards politics.
My interest in politics was initially sparked by a general curiosity and admiration for my dad, who was testifying in state senate hearings to try to save his optometry business. Due to inaction by the Pennsylvania State Legislature, my father ultimately had to close his local eyecare practice, as he could no longer compete with larger chain stores under the current vision benefit plans. I began to understand that the decisions made at the Capitol were more than just flashy headlines; they directly impacted the lives of everyday people.
My dad was a dreamer with an entrepreneurial spirit that never waned. It was inspiring to watch him solve problems. To his four daughters, he was like Superman, regardless of whether his latest business venture succeeded.
Thankfully, my dad’s dreamer mentality and appetite for risk were balanced by my mom’s steady work ethic and cautious approach. She progressed from a registered nurse at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh to earning her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and serving as the Senior Director of Critical Care Medicine and the Critical Care flight team.
My parents have profoundly shaped how I carry myself both personally and professionally. I embody their qualities: I am a dreamer with a strong work ethic and a relentless drive to achieve my goals. This mindset has opened up a world of opportunities, including political campaigns, internships at the White House, and my current role at the Charleston Metro Chamber.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like many, my life has not been without hardship. My senior year of high school, right before graduation, my dad suffered a life altering stroke. I remember everyone telling us that we would be amazed by the progress he would make over the next few months. While this was true, it was never quite the progress we had hoped for.
Since his stroke, he has been diagnosed with dementia and aphasia. He has a 5-minute memory and needs a caregiver at all hours of the day. To those that don’t know him, he looks physically capable, but without guidance, he forgets basic things like eating, showering, and where he is.
This experience has molded my character. It forced me to mature quickly and become a better role model for my younger sisters, who were in elementary school at the time. I learned to solve problems in ways I never expected, and I discovered the importance of relying on my family for support through both the good and the difficult times.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am the Director of Government Relations at the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce. In this capacity, I lead our lobbying efforts at the Statehouse, manage committees and events directly related to advancing the Chamber’s legislative agenda and advocacy positions, and act as a legislative liaison to senior ranking military leaders in the Charleston region.
I’m particularly proud of the initiatives we’ve implemented that have resulted in tangible benefits for our community, such as securing funding for local infrastructure projects and supporting policies that foster economic growth. Being able to contribute to the development of a thriving business environment in Charleston is incredibly rewarding, and it motivates me every day to continue working on behalf of our members and the community as a whole.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
My sister and I have created an ever-growing restaurant list that we just can’t seem to make it through. We love exploring hidden gems and popular spots alike, and it’s become a fun challenge to see how many we can check off our list each month.
However, one of the downsides of living in a city with such incredible restaurants is that it sets my expectations unreasonably high when I travel. My job involves quite a bit of travel, and whenever I find myself in a new city, I try to plan an itinerary of unique dining experiences. But all too often, I catch myself thinking, “I can do better in Charleston.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.charlestonchamber.org/
