By Ella Gant, Spain Park High School
Tomorrow-Today Staff Writer
Micah Breland (Chief of Staff). Photo by Ella Gant, Spain Park High School
Before Micah Breland’s days as a Spain Park High School student, he was a Berry Middle School student. It was there he met AnnMarie McDaniel, this year’s youth governor, a senior at Hoover High School. “We were both selected as anchors for our broadcast team in middle school and have been close since,” said Breland, “It’s been great to consider her a friend.”
That friendship that began in middle school led to Breland becoming McDaniel’s chief of staff. The chief of staff makes sure the youth governor’s agenda is brought into action effectively and is the highest ranking member of the Governor’s Cabinet.
Although it’s only the second day of the Youth Legislature conference, Breland has had a lot of responsibility, jobs and deadlines. “My favorite part of the weekend has been introducing AnnMarie, just getting to share a little piece of the AnnMarie I know with all of the delegates.”
Micah Breland (Chief of Staff) and AnnMarie McDaniel (Youth Governor). Photo by Ella Gant, Spain Park High School
Breland knew something about the job before he accepted it. Josiah Toone, the 2024 chief of staff, also attended Spain Park High School. Breland recognizes how stressful this position can be, as well as what an honor it is to serve the ALYIG program. When asked what advice he would give the 2026 Chief of Staff, Breland said, “Being chief of staff is a great job, it’s personally selected by the governor, so it’s not something you’re gonna run for or necessarily advocate yourself for. If the person fortunate enough to be governor selects you as chief of staff, be ready to be responsible, read a lot of bills and talk to people. Ultimately, the most important part is being prepared for the unexpected. Things that aren’t planned, you know?”