Name: Scott Castro
Birthplace and/or where you grew up: Marylander by birth, Virginian by choice
Where do you currently call home? Richmond, VA
Occupation: Policy Analyst at the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS)
Favorite part about the job: Developing policy to help save more lives every year through the gift of organ donation. Plus, I get to work with a bunch of really smart people that challenge me every day to be the best version of myself.
Your first job ever: Burger King for most of high school, which is a big reason I only eat fast food out of total desperation.
Favorite Book/Currently Reading: Favorite book is Cormac McCarthy’s “Blood Meridian.” I’m currently reading “The Stranger Beside Me” by Ann Rule, an autobiography of a woman who was friends and co-workers with Ted Bundy before he committed his heinous crimes. It is fascinating.
Comfort Food: The Dagwood sandwich at Chiocca’s in Richmond’s Museum District
What’s playing in your car right now? “Springsteen On Broadway.” I cant stop listening to it. I practically know his spoken monologues by heart at this point.
Addicted to podcasts? What are the top three you listen to? Yes! Vox’s “The Weeds.” (Policy wonk talk) “The Last Podcast on the Left” (True Crime) Kotaku’s “SplitScreen” (Video Games)
Next journey? Asbury Park, NJ for a wedding (and maybe a pit stop at some of Springsteen’s old stomping grounds).
Favorite Virginia destination? At home in Richmond with my wife, Sarah, and cat, Fiona!
First political memory? I remember riding in my grandfather's car as he drove his Amish neighbors to the polls. He’s not Amish, but used to love in Lancaster, PA and was surrounded by Amish farms. He served in the Army and understands the sacrifices that have been made to protect democracy and did everything he could to get his neighbors to vote.
Best advice you ever received? From one of my grad school professors on our first day of class: “All of the easy policy problems have been solved already. If you’re not looking for a challenge, you might want to reconsider your career path.” I’m still here, Dr. Baehler!
If you could have dinner with anyone currently living, who would it be and why? President Obama. I heard him speak in 2006 when he was a Senator and he was the first candidate that really inspired me. I was so excited when he announced his candidacy for President in 2007 and I knocked thousands of doors in the months to come to help him get elected.
One thing most people would be surprised to learn about you? I surprised a few of my fellow classmates with my bowling ability during our trip to Harrisonburg. I bowled in a league for about 10 years when I was younger. A little rusty now but I haven’t lost my form!
Ambition, political or otherwise? I just want to continue to learn, continue to meet new and interesting people, and continue to serve my community. Wherever that ambition takes me, I’m open to it!
Favorite part about the PLP so far? Riding in the passenger seat of a police car as it was strategically hit by another police car to demonstrate a PIT (Pursuit Intervention Technique).