Jessica Shine is starting off her political career with an eclectic background, but with a specific professional goal in mind. She wants to follow in the footsteps of her great uncle, Henry Shine, a retired Navy officer. [IMGCAP(1)]

“After learning of his accomplishments, both political and military, many years ago, it struck a fire in me to make a difference,” she said.

Shine was recently hired as the director of economic development in Rep. Bill Sali’s (R-Idaho) Boise district office. She will be working with business owners and executives to identify federal issues that affect their operations. Other duties include helping companies in need find existing federal resources.

Prior to working for Sali, Shine was a professional recruiter for a local company and worked in business succession planning for New York Life Insurance Co.

Her experience doesn’t stop there, though. Shine, 29, counts being able to drive a forklift among her talents. The Boise native picked up that skill while working at the National Interagency Fire Center during summers in college. She attended Boise State University, earning a degree in social science and public affairs in 2001.

When she’s not working, Shine enjoys traveling, especially to warm climates. Don’t call her a tourist, though.

“I am partial to taking off somewhere for a long weekend and finding out as much as possible about where I am,” she said. “I like to view things as a local more than a tourist.”

Shine and her significant other, Steve, whom she calls her “devoted honey,” make their home in Idaho, although Steve is working in Alaska for the summer. The two have three children: Demitra and Nick, both 10, and 6-year-old McKenzie.

An apparent optimist, Shine said her goals include being “the best I possibly can at everything I do.”

“I’ve always stuck to my guns and kept trudging along even when it seems impossible,” she added. “I am proud of [my] hard work and perseverance.”

Shine is a member of several organizations, including the Ada County Historic Preservation Council, Urban Land Institute, United Way, Ada County Republican Women’s Club, Boise Young Professionals and Idaho Young Republicans.

When she’s not working, traveling or busy being a mom, Shine enjoys reading. Her reading interests are varied, though she prefers biographies and motivational work by authors such as Brian Tracy and Napoleon Hill.

Lane Jolliffe is also a new member of Sali’s staff. He came on as a natural resources state assistant and joins Shine in the Boise office. Before joining Sali’s team, Jolliffe worked for Idaho Gov. Butch Otter (R). He also has experience at the state Department of Agriculture.

“Lane’s knowledge of Idaho natural resource issues is second to none,” Sali said in a press release. “I’m delighted to have Lane’s expertise on my staff, and my constituents have told me they’re looking forward to working with Lane.”

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