It’s easy to feel as if you are standing still or even stuck in your present circumstances. This applies to your life, both on the job and off. Everyone who has worked on the Hill has had these feelings from time to time.
Bret Bernhardt, former chief of staff for senators Don Nickles and Jim DeMint.
Oswald Chambers, in his daily devotional, “My Utmost for His Highest,” hits the nail on the head on this subject with his July 28 reading.
Krister Holladay is back on Capitol Hill after a 14-year absence, coming over from K One Consulting LLC to serve as Chief of Staff for Rep. Kay Granger (R-Texas). Back in the day, Krister was Chief of Staff to Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), and before that, during the Contract with America era, was Legislative Director on the personal staff of Speaker of the HouseNewt Gingrich (R-GA). Krister earned his Masters in national security studies in 1998 from Georgetown University’s Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service.
Elissa Tew (Screenshot from Facebook).
Elissa Tew takes over as Press Secretary for Rep. John Rose (R-TN). She previously served as legislative assistant to North Carolina State Senator Jim Burgin, and she has interned in the White House Office of Digital Strategy and for her state’s two Republican senators, Thom Tillis and Richard Burr. Elissa is a 2018 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a BA in political science and women’s and gender studies. Continue reading “STAFF NEWS: Look Who’s ‘Movin’ On Up’ The Hill This Week”
Eric Shalloway is moving up to Staff Assistant for Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.), after serving the Florida representative as an Intern. Eric received his BA in public policy earlier this year from the University of Maryland at College Park.
Danielle Cohen (Screenshot from Facebook).
Danielle Cohen is the new Communications Director for Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR). Danielle previously was the acting CD for Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo) and before that was DeGette’s Digital Press Secretary. Danielle received an MA in media and communications in 2018 from George Washington University and a BA from GWU in 2017 in political communications.
Jessica Martinez takes over as Legislative Director for Rep. Mark Veazey (D-TX) following three years as a Special Adviser to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Member Jessica Rosenworcel. Martinez graduated in 2013 from the University of Utah with a BA in French studies and international and global studies.
Promoted from Legislative Director to Deputy Chief of Staff for Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) is James Hampson. He’s a 2012 graduate of Penn State with a BA in public relations and sociology.
Over on the Senate side of the Capitol, Maria Jeffreyhas been promoted from Press Secretary to Director of Speech-Writing and Strategic Communications for Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas). Maria is a 2011 graduate of Xavier University in Cincinnati with a BA in classics and classical languages, literatures and linguistics.
LOOKING FOR A HILL JOB?
Check out this five-part HillFaith series by Bret Bernhardt, former chief of staff for Senators Don Nickle (R-Okla.) and Jim DeMint (R-S.C.). Bernhardt has a wealth of experience, insider insight, how-tos and obscure terms (know what a “golden reference” is on the Hill?), plus lots of helpful links.
Democrats occupy 21 of the top 25 and 35 of the top 50 slots in a ranking of how much each member of the House of Representatives in the 116th Congress has spent through the first quarter of 2020 on salaries for staff members, according to data compiled by Legistorm.
Chart by Legistorm.
Rep. Ted Deutsch (D-Fla.) ranks number one in the ranking. Deutsch has spent $336,511 on 17 staff members, representing 87.4 percent of his total available office budget. The House average is 82.8 percent.
Jeffrey Bozman takes over as Counsel to the House Armed Services Committee, working for the chairman, Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA). Jeffrey was formerly a lobbyist working for Covington & Burling. Jeffrey earned his law degree in 2012 from the College of William & Mary Law School and his BA in public and international affairs in 2005 from Princeton University.
Will Henrichs (Screenshot from Facebook).
Making the big move from the Senate side to the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue is now former Press Assistant to Sen. Roy Blount (R-MO), Will Henrichs. Will is assuming the duties of Associate Travel Manager in the Executive Office of the President. Will is a 2018 Liberty University graduate with a BA in Government and International Relations.
Kate LaBorde is now Chief of Staff to Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), after serving for three years as the Arizonan’s Legislative Director. Kate’s BS in political science was awarded in 2009 from Spring Hill College.
Joe Rizzo moves up to Chief of Staff for Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY) after a stint as Reed’s Adviser. Joe received a BA in English in 1986 from the State University of New York in Buffalo and his law degree in 1989 from the University of Buffalo Law School.
LOOKING FOR A HILL JOB?
Check out this five-part HillFaith series by Bret Bernhardt, former chief of staff for Senators Don Nickle (R-Okla.) and Jim DeMint (R-S.C.). Bernhardt has a wealth of experience, insider insight, how-tos and obscure terms (know what a “golden reference” is on the Hill?), plus lots of helpful links.
Wesley Coopersmith takes the reins as Legislative Director for Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-GA). Wesley comes over from Heritage Action for America where in four years he moved from Grassroots Educational Coordinator to Deputy Director for Government Relations. Wesley is a 2013 Grove City College graduate in political science, Biblical and religious studies.
Lindsay Reillyis now Digital Director/Press Secretary for Rep. Katy Porter (D-Calif.). Previously, she was deputy communications director for the Michael Bloomberg presidential push in North Carolina. Lindsay received her BA in government, with a minor in sociology, from Georgetown University.
Susan Eckerly is the new Senior Advisor to Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) on the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee. Susan comes from the Senate Budget Committee where she was Regulatory Review Director. She earned a BS in political science in 1983 from DePauw University and an MA in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia in 1985.
As followers of Jesus working on Capitol Hill, how are we to view the tumultuous events that have unfolded before us across the country?
This is an important question because we are seeking to integrate our faith into our daily practice. It helps shape our views about public policy but also our personal conduct. Now is the time for us to engage in the hard conversations because we are called to influence and usher in God’s Kingdom here on earth.
Bret Bernhardt, former chief of staff for senators Don Nickles and Jim DeMint.
With this in mind we need to understand the nature of the battle. By the battle I mean the way in which we perceive and respond to the world around us. The recent events we have been witnessing — the virus, racial unrest, and threats of anarchy — are part of this battle.
These events are not a one-off phenomenon but have at their core the fallen nature of mankind. For example, the virus and the steps to mitigate it have precipitated actions and reactions that have been at work within our minds and spirit for quite some time. Continue reading “The Nature Of The Battle: Knowing The Enemy”
It’s Wretched’s Todd Friel, here on HillFaith for the first time. We all get anxiety. If you work a high-pressure Hill job, anxiety can be a regular companion. But there is one way to deal with it that beats all the others:
A sharp crop of rookies comes to Capitol Hill this week, starting with Lucy
Lucy Gardner (Screenshot from Facebook).
Gardner who is taking on her first challenge in a congressional job, as a Staff Assistant on the Senate Appropriations Committee for the Chairman, Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.). Lucy’s BA is in communicative disorders from the University of Alabama in 2019. She also studied at Reformed Theological Seminary.
Joe Vaughanhas signed on as Director, Diversity and Inclusion for the House Financial Services Committee’s Subcommittee for Diversity and Inclusion. Joe’s BS degree in global business and public policy was awarded by the University of Maryland.
Katie Nichols makes the big jump from Capitol Hill intern to Staff Assistant
Katie Nichols (Screenshot from Facebook).
for Rep. Mike Garcia (R-Calif.).George Washington University awarded Katie a Masters in Professional Studies in 2019 and she earned a BA in political science from Loyola Marymount University in 2017. She served Hill internships for Sen. John Thune (R-SD) and Rep. Ed Royce (R-Calif.).
There is a new Executive Assistant/Scheduler working in the Hill office for Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ) and his name Micaiah Thomas. Micaiah’s BS in political science and government was awarded in 2020. Micaiah is also taking on his job on Capitol Hill.
Another Hillsdale College grad joins a congressional staff as William Turtonbecomes Legislative Assistant to Rep. Mark Green (R-TN). William received an MA in politics last year from the illustrious Michigan school that accepts no government funding. His bachelor in political science and government came in 2017 from Clemson University.
LOOKING FOR A HILL JOB?
Check out this five-part HillFaith series by Bret Bernhardt, former chief of staff for Senators Don Nickle (R-Okla.) and Jim DeMint (R-S.C.). Bernhardt has a wealth of experience, insider insight, how-tos and obscure terms (know what a “golden reference” is on the Hill?), plus lots of helpful links.
Rob Burgess moves over from Red Rock Strategies to Communications Director for Rep. Mike Garcia (R-Calif.). Rob is a 2008 Ball State University graduate in political science and campaign communications.
Amy Travieso Loveng (Screenshot from Linkedin.)
Amy Travieso Loveng is the new Chief of Staff for Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas). This is a return engagement for Amy as she served as the veteran Texan’s Deputy Chief of Staff from 2011 to 2017. Amy is a Texas Aggie, graduating from Texas A&M in 2008 with a BA.
Gregory Angelo (Screenshot from Facebook).
Heading to the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue is Gregory Angelo to take over as Press Secretary for the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. Gregory was previously Communications Director for Rep. Pete Olson (R-Texas). He is a 2000 cum laude graduate of Boston College.
Arthur Sidney has left the staff of Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) to become vice president for public policy at the Computer & Communications Industry Association. Sidney served as Chief of Staff/Chief Counsel for Johnson, as well as before that for Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas). Arthur’s LLM degree was awarded in 1999 by American University’s Washington College of Law. His law degree came in 1998 from Howard University Law School. He is a 1995 cum laude graduate of Vassar University with a BA in international and African Studies. Continue reading “STAFF NEWS: Look Who’s Moving Up On The Hill This Week”
Shani Rosenstock and friend (screenshot from Facebook).
Shani Rosenstock joins the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee as a Professional Staff Member, working for the chairman, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI). Shani earned her BA in political science and business administration (Magna Cum Laude) from American University in 2017.
Mia Mayberry (Screenshot from Facebook).
Mia Mayberry is now Outreach Director for Sen. Amy Kloubachar (D-MN), after serving on the Kloubachar presidential campaign and before that working for California Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris’ bid for the White House. Mia’s law degree is from Valparaiso University School of Law in 2014 and she was awarded a BS in criminal justice from Northeastern University in 2011. Continue reading “STAFF NEWS: Look Who’s Movin’ Up On The Hill This Week”
There is likely nobody outside of President Donald Trump himself in a more pressure-packed job in the public spotlight these days than White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany.
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany (Screen shot from youtube).
In the short time she has been in the position, she has displayed an articulate, intelligent, and graciously forceful approach to dealing with what surely is the most hostile crowd of White House correspondents ever.
There are more than a few communications directors and press secretaries on Capitol Hill (I’ve been both) who can relate to the challenges McEnany must deal with on a daily basis.
Her comments in this interview with CBN’s David Brody about what Ravi Zacharias meant to her as a Christian at Oxford University suggest her press briefing inquisitors would do well to consider carefully who and what they are now up against:
Matthew’s account of Jesus walking on the water is among the most well-known of His miracles, but there is another important aspect of this event that ought especially to capture the attention of anybody working on a congressional staff.
Screenshot from Facebook.
What’s your ambition? Move up to a better-paid, higher-challenge position with your current boss? Climb the ladder to work for the most influential and powerful senator or representative? Maybe it’s to make contacts and then join a lobbying firm or advocacy group. The Hill is a wonderful springboard in countless ways, but it can also be a tough, risky place to work.
Bret Bernhardt, former chief of staff for senators Don Nickles and Jim DeMint.
Moving from adversity to aspiration may seem like a matter of national policy, especially now, but it is just as relevant to us personally as we work on Capitol Hill.
These two “A’s” can serve to unite a nation, yet they can also help us individually to overcome personal trials. I can think of no better time to explore what this means than now.
Sarah Selip is the new Communications Director for Rep. Jody Hice (R-GA). Sarah was previously founder of 917 Strategies and before that a public relations strategist for Shirley & Bannister. She earned her BA in public relations, advertising and applied communications from St. Vincent College in 2017.
Oriana Pina, Hispanic Media Director for Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY)(Screenshot from Facebook).
Taking the reins as Hispanic Media Director for Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is Oriana Pina. She comes to the Schumer staff from the SKDKnickerbocker LLC communications strategies firm where she was a Senior Associate. Oriana was awarded an MA in global communications and public diplomacy from George Washington University in 2015 and a BS in international relations in 2012 from the home of the Seminoles, Florida State University.
Now serving as Deputy Counsel for Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) is John Ehrett,following nearly two years as an Associate in the firm Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP. John earned his JD from Yale University School of Law in 2017 and completed his BA in government as summa cum laude at Patrick Henry College in 2014.
Leaving The Hill:
After more than three years as Chief of Staff for Rep. Antonio Cardenas (D-Calif.),Miguel Francois moving to NBC Universal as Vice President for Government Affairs. Miguel received his BA in political science from the University of Southern California in 2007.
Sunil Varghese put in almost two years as Counsel to Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.) on the Senate Judiciary Committee. He is now Project Director for the International Refugee Assistance Project, Inc. He received his JD in 2007 from Georgetown University Law Center and both a BA in government and a BBA in management information systems in 2002 from the University of Texas.
Check out this five-part HillFaith series by Bret Bernhardt, former chief of staff for Senators Don Nickle (R-Okla.) and Jim DeMint (R-S.C.). Bernhardt has a wealth of experience, insider insight, how-tos and obscure terms (know what a “golden reference” is on the Hill?), plus lots of helpful links.
