Sylacauga native Cass Curtis is serving as political director for Kathy Peterson, who is running for president of the Alabama Public Service Commission. At only 19, Curtis has already worked with multiple state and local campaigns.
Sylacauga native Cass Curtis has a running start on a successful political career, and his latest project is a big one. Curtis is serving as political director for Kathy Peterson, who is running for president of the Alabama Public Service Commission.
Curtis, a sophomore majoring in public relations at the University of Alabama, said he was approached for the job by Peterson’s husband, Dale.
“I have no idea how this fell in my lap, because it’s a big job, and I’m still in school,” Curtis said. “It’s a great opportunity for me, because Kathy is an energy advocate, and that’s what I believe Alabama needs in the PSC.”
After a few local campaigns, Curtis entered the state arena with Kay Ivey’s 2010 campaign for lieutenant governor, where he helped coordinate events. From there, Curtis received a call from Gov. Robert Bentley.
“I was driving down the road one day when Gov. Bentley called and asked for my help,” Curtis said. “I managed his campaign in Coosa and Talladega counties.”
Curtis notes he has yet to work with an unsuccessful campaign.
“I’m not saying it’s because of me at all, but I have never lost,” he said.
As political director for Peterson, his duties include scheduling events, fundraising and working with media. Most of his work is done through phone calls and emails, allowing him to focus on school as well.
“I get up and do my schoolwork in the morning, and do campaign work in the afternoon,” Curtis said. “I’m on my phone all day long.”
Curtis said his knowledge of technology gives him a leg up on the competition.
“The political world has transformed,” he said. “It’s not mail-outs and push cards anymore. It’s social media, emails and websites, and that’s what gives me an advantage. I grew up knowing how to use these things, and the older generations didn’t have that.”
Peterson said Curtis’s youth adds much-needed diversity to her campaign.
“He is a very smart, level-headed young man,” Peterson said. “He’s got a lot of experience, and he thinks well under pressure, which you need in a campaign. He’s got a great future ahead of him.”
Curtis helps Peterson appeal to a younger demographic, she said.
“He gives me ideas that I hadn’t even considered,” Peterson said. “He thinks of it from what people his age like to see. So we have young staff members that are energetic and innovative and older people who are seasoned and reasoned, which creates a great balance.”
Curtis’s thorough political knowledge got him to where he is, he said.
“People are hesitant respect what you say until they really see that you know what you’re talking about,” Curtis said. “I have a lot of young energy and intensity, but I can hang and talk with the adults and get things done.”
Curtis said its time for the younger generation to get involved.
“When you look at the nationwide scene and what’s going on in Washington right now, they are voting for my generation,” he said. “I care because these are the things we are going to have to pay for.”
Curtis said he doesn’t work for just anyone. He only represents honest candidates that he believes in.
“I do this because I honestly care about the direction Alabama is going,” Curtis said. “I have turned down a few campaigns that I didn’t want anything to do with. I make sure who I work with is going to stand up for Alabama.”
Curtis’s career goal is to clean up Alabama politics, although he doesn’t know what his role will be in that just yet.
“I’ll go wherever I feel called to go, wherever God can use me the most,” Curtis said. “I don’t know what the future holds exactly, but this is something I love to do. It’s addictive.”
Contact Emily Adams at eadams@dailyhome.com.
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