As we hit the 25th anniversary of the Bush 2000 campaign, Elizabeth Hogan Parrott, known to her colleagues as “Hogan” during her days on the campaigns and in the Bush-Cheney Administration, joins us this month to reflect on lessons learned from those experiences that continue to serve her well in a career that has shifted from finance to human resources to communications. Today, Parrott leads strategic programming and events at the Bush Center.
Q: You recently attended the 25th anniversary reunion of the Bush 2000 “301 Congress” team. We’re going to feature reunion organizer Janan Grissom next month for more on the gathering…but as you reflect on that campaign experience, what stands out all these years later?
The “301 Congress” reunion was a memorable evening. We were able to have the celebration that we never had due to the recount. It was a wonderful reminder of how special that campaign was and the caliber and integrity of the people we worked with daily. The “special sauce” flows from the top down and it is still very clear that President and Mrs. Bush draw the best and the brightest and the most genuine of individuals.
Q: Can you share a favorite story or memory from working on the campaign?
I have several funny memories, from riding the “damn van” to and from 301 Congress to all the emails about what food or meeting was in the Sunshine Room. We worked hard, but had fun with each other, too. On my birthday, we had a pink elephant pinata we were all trying to bust open in the office.
When the recount was done, I have a memory of Izzy (Israel Hernandez) opening a ginormous magnum of wine to celebrate. There are lots of stories, but my best general memory is of the friendships – the bonds created working late hours and the motivation and respect we had for each other. Ben Ginsburg said, “I’ve been on a lot of campaigns, but this one was special.” I agree wholeheartedly.
Q: How did working on the 2000 campaign prepare you for the rest of your career – and life?
My biggest takeaway from working on the campaign was attention to detail, work ethic and workplace camaraderie. And of course, the art of a detailed Excel spreadsheet!
Q: What do you find most rewarding about your role leading strategic programming and events at the Bush Center?
Coming full circle, I started my career out of college working for President and Mrs. Bush on the campaign as budget manager for political affairs. It is an honor to work for them again after all these years. I enjoy being able to help message the values and important work of the Bush Center through the programming and events.
Q: As a working mom of school-age kids, what work-life balance lessons can you share?
I was fortunate to be able to stay home when my children were little, and I am very thankful for that time with them. Yet, for my children to see both parents working will hopefully provide valuable insights as they grow older, especially for my daughter.
At last year’s Forum on Leadership at the Bush Center, former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi’s comments really resonated with me. She said there is no real work-life balance but rather it’s a juggling act and you have to prioritize tasks and make time for what is most important at that moment.
