about
I am a Christian, husband, father, writer, tech geek, sci-fi fan, political junky, television enthusiast, beer lover, wine drinker, cat person, dog person, movie lover, and book reader. I believe in leaving the world better than I found it by raising moral children, becoming a more active member of my church, seeking new and interesting opportunities and enjoying life with my wife, family and friends.
I have been married to Tara Lanae Harper since 2002, and I recognize more every day the blessing she is to me. We live in Florence, MS, with our three children — Joshua, Ella and Toby — and our cat, Hemingway.
You can find out more about me and this site from one of my Colophon pages below:
- Tech Colophon: See what hardware/software I use to manage my workflow.
- Blog Colophon: Look under the hood of samrhall.com.
- Professional Colophon: Get a snapshot of my professional endeavors, past and present.
You can also find me elsewhere on the Web below:
Professionally, I’m a former journalist turned political consultant who still enjoys writing and graphic design. Through my varied professional endeavors I’ve gained a background in writing, print design, Web design, fundraising, business development, project management, personnel development and creative direction. I’ve held positions such as:
- Graphic Designer
- Writer
- Editor & Publisher
- Grill Cook, Fry Guy & Waiter
- Soccer Coach
- Columnist & Reporter
- Executive Director
- Campaign & Political Director
- Copy Writer
- Book Editor
- Web Designer
- Actor & Stage Director
- Student Mentor & Tutor
- Blogger
In a previous career, I served as publisher of The Scott County Times, The Times-Post in Houston, The Monitor-Herald in Calhoun City and The Demopolis Times and Shoppers Guides in Demopolis, AL. I was also a writer/news editor at The Rankin Record. My political column was carried regularly in several different newspapers across Mississippi.
On the political side, I’ve worked as communications director for the Mississippi Democratic Party and caucus director for Democrats in the Mississippi House and Senate. In 2008, I managed Justice Jim Kitchens’ successful campaign for the Mississippi Supreme Court. (Visit his website.) Most recently I served as Executive Director of the Mississippi Democratic Party. You can visit their website, which I built, here: www.mississippidemocrats.org.
Today I run a political consulting firm in Mississippi that I co-founded in 2008 with my longtime friend James Thompson. Blue Dot Group, LLC, specializes in campaign management, communications consulting, government relations, fundraising and issue research. (The site is under construction, or I’d have most certainly linked to it.)
