Lane Bodian ’03

FOREIGN POLICY LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT TO SENATE DEMOCRATIC LEADER, SENATOR CHARLES E. SCHUMER

By Sarah Woods, Director of Communications with contributions from Lane Bodian ’03 Interview with Jen Ziplow, Assistant Director of Development and Alumni Relations

“Be willing to pitch in, say yes, and be a team player. And pay attention in English class! Mr. Haarmann was the best, and I should have listened to him more! Being able to write well is essential and a skill you will put to use nearly every day,” is Lane Bodian’s ’03 advice for Allen-Stevenson boys.

Lane certainly gets to put his writing to good use in his role as Foreign Policy Legislative Assistant to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).

After graduating from A-S in 2002, Lane went on to Westminster School and then to Franklin and Marshall College, where he received his undergraduate degree in American Studies and Government. Shortly after interning for Mayor Bloomberg, Lane served as Special Assistant to Senator Chuck Schumer. In that role, Lane accompanied Senator Schumer to all 62 counties in New York–multiple times–as well as street fairs, graduations, and meetings.

“I learned very quickly how tirelessly Senator Schumer works on behalf of the people he serves,” said Lane. “In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, I stood by the Senator’s side as he visited communities that had been destroyed by the storm; promised them he would fight to make sure they got what they needed to rebuild; and delivered on that promise.”

Today, after over eleven years of working on Senator Schumer’s staff in a variety of roles, Lane advises the Majority Leader on foreign policy matters.

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work for a hardworking and dedicated leader alongside smart, dedicated public servants,” said Lane. Lane’s job has taken him to many interesting places–Taiwan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Israel, Jordan, and most recently, Uzbekistan, to name a few.

Lane says traveling to Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh, the world’s largest refugee camp, to meet with Rohingya refugees who had fled the genocide in Burma left a lasting impact.

But no matter where he goes, Lane has still found that his Allen-Stevenson connections remain strong. “During my graduate work at the U.S. Army War College, I discovered I was in the same seminar as another Allen-Stevenson grad, Colonel Marco Bongioanni ’94, who has since become a valued friend.”

Lane says, “My time at Allen-Stevenson gave me invaluable gifts: some of my closest friendships to this day, the confidence to push myself outside of my comfort zone, and the understanding that being a part of a community means being responsible for contributing to that community.”

Lane also added that he was grateful to have had teachers and coaches who encouraged him to have a wide range of interests and created an environment where he always felt supported.

“I have fond memories of Orchestra with Mr. Schrade and Ms. Garson, music with Ms. Schrade-James and Ms. Demko, Gilbert & Sullivan productions with Mr. Kersey, and soccer, baseball and hockey, with coaches Mr. Wiseman, Mr. Amplo, and Mr. Alifano,” Lane said.

Lane’s last piece of advice for Allen-Stevenson boys? “Enjoy every minute of the 15-minute recess on the roof; it goes by quickly!”

Lane Bodian meeting with Senator Schumer