Gary
Andres
Majority Staff Director,
House Energy and Commerce Committee
Date of Birth: February 19, 1955
Hometown: Chicago, Ill.
Gender: Male
Education:
University of Illinois at Chicago - PhD, public policy (1982)
University of Illinois at Chicago - MA (1980)
Wheaton College (Ill.) - BA (1977)
Lake Park High School (Roselle, Ill.)
Employment History (most recent):
Republican Staff Director
House Energy and Commerce Committee
Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI)
(Jan. 2011-)
Vice Chairman of Public Policy and Research
Dutko Worldwide
(1993-2010)
Deputy Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs (House)
George Herbert Walker Bush
Special Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs
George Herbert Walker Bush
(1989-June 1991)
Office of Congressional Affairs Aide
George Bush Presidential Transition Office Bush, George Herbert Walker
(Nov. 1988-Jan. 1989)
Mastery: Carries weight as a policy heavyweight who cut his chops working for George H. W. Bush
Influence: Benefits from key alliances on the Hill and off
Katie
Beirne
Staff Director,
Senate Democratic Policy & Communications Center
Date of Birth: December 26, 1975
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Gender: Female
Education:
London School of Economics and Political Science - MSc, comparative politics (1999-2000)
Queen's University Belfast (Northern Ireland) - MA, ethnic conflict regulation (1998-1999)
University of Notre Dame - BA, government, international studies, summa cum laude (1994-1998)
Employment History (most recent):
Staff Director
Senate Democratic Policy and Communications Center
(Jan. 2011-)
Legislative Director
Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-NY)
(Nov. 2007-Jan. 2011)
Deputy Staff Director for Policy
Joint Economic Committee
Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-NY)
(Jan. 2007-Nov. 2007)
Subcontractor
Competition Policy Associates Inc.
(Jan. 2006-Dec. 2006)
Policy Director
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
(July 2005-Dec. 2006)
Mastery: Manages the policy portion of the war room
Influence: Drives agenda with her advice on policy objectives
Access: Has front-row seat for policy and communications decisions
Tim
Berry
Chief of Staff,
House Majority Whip
Date of Birth: February 25, 1968
Hometown: Silver Spring, Md.
Gender: Male
Education:
Middlebury College - BA, history (1986-1991)
Employment History (most recent):
Chief of Staff
House Republican Whip
Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA)
(Jan. 2011-)
Chief of Staff
House Republican Majority Leader
Rep. Tom DeLay (R-TX)
(Jan. 2003-Sept. 2005)
Chief of Staff
House Republican Whip
Rep. Tom DeLay (R-TX)
(Sept. 2002-Jan. 2003)
Policy Analyst
House Republican Whip
Rep. Tom DeLay (R-TX)
(1996-1998)
Director of Floor Operations
House Republican Whip
Rep. Tom DeLay (R-TX)
(Feb. 1999-Sept. 2002)
Mastery: Has the institutional knowledge and strategic mind of a longtime leadership veteran
Influence: Shapes all aspects of the House Republican whip operation
Access: Gives critical input in private House GOP leadership meetings
Neil
Bradley
Deputy Chief of Staff,
House Majority Leader
Date of Birth: October 29, 1975
Hometown: Sapulpa, Okla.
Gender: Male
Education:
Georgetown University - BA (1998)
Employment History (most recent):
Deputy Chief of Staff
House Republican Majority Leader
Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA)
(Jan. 2011-)
Legislative Director
House Republican Whip
Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA)
(Jan. 2009-Jan. 2011)
Legislative Director
House Republican Whip
Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO)
(April 2005-Jan. 2009)
Policy Director
House Republican Whip
Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO)
(June 2004-April 2005)
Executive Director
Republican Study Committee
(Jan. 1999-May 2004)
Mastery: Uses his knowledge of history to brainstorm innovative policy ideas
Access: Is in all the important discussions on big policy fights
Chris
Campbell
Minority Staff Director,
Senate Finance Committee
Hometown: Hemet, Calif.
Gender: Male
Education:
Garvin School of International Management - MBA (2006)
University of California at Santa Barbara - BA, political science (1998)
Employment History (most recent):
Republican Staff Director
Senate Finance Committee
Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-UT)
(Dec. 2010-)
Deputy Legislative Director
Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-UT)
(Oct. 2006-Nov. 2010)
President
Campbell Enterprises
(2004-2006)
Professional Staff Member
Senate Judiciary Committee
Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-UT)
(Dec. 2000-Jan. 2004)
National Field Director
Orrin Hatch for President
(1999-2000)
Mastery: Organizes GOP agenda on tax and trade issues
Influence: Has the ear of Hatch, for whom he's worked on and off since 2000
Guy
Cecil
Executive Director,
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
Gender: Male
Education:
North Miami Beach (Fla.) Senior High (1992)
University of Florida (Gainesville) - Political science
Employment History (most recent):
Executive Director
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Bennet, Michael Farrand
Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO)
(Jan. 2013-)
Executive Director
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
Patty Murray (D-WA)
(Jan. 2011-Jan. 2013)
Chief of Staff
Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO)
(Oct. 2009-Jan. 2011)
President
Thomas Circle Strategies
(2008-2009)
National Political and Field Director
Hillary Clinton for President Clinton, Hillary Rodham
(Oct. 2007-July 2008)
Influence: Has good rapport with senators as only 2012 executive director to return for 2014
Spin: Knows how to frame the debate in campaigns, as he proved in 2012
Rob
Collins
Executive Director,
National Republican Senatorial Committee
Date of Birth: January 22, 1976
Hometown: Syracuse, N.Y.
Gender: Male
Education:
Franklin and Marshall College - BA, government, history
Employment History (most recent):
Executive Director
National Republican Senatorial Committee Moran, Jerry
Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS)
(Jan. 2013-)
Partner
Purple Strategies LLC
(July 2011-Jan. 2013)
President
American Action Network
(Feb. 2010-July 2011)
Deputy Chief of Staff
House Republican Whip
Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA)
(Jan. 2009-Feb. 2010)
Chief of Staff
Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA)
(Feb. 2004-Jan. 2009)
Influence: Has a unique window into the super PAC world and good relations with GOP leaders in House and Senate
Spin: Has good reputation among reporters
Amber
Cottle
Majority Staff Director,
Senate Finance Committee
Gender: Female
Education:
University of Chicago Law School - JD (1996)
St. Louis University - BA, political science (1993)
Employment History (most recent):
Staff Director
Senate Finance Committee
Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT)
(Jan. 2013-)
Chief International Trade Counsel
Senate Finance Committee
Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT)
(2009-Jan. 2013)
International Trade Counsel
Senate Finance Committee
Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT)
(Feb. 2007-2009)
Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative
(2003-2007)
Assistant General Counsel
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative
(2001-2003)
Mastery: Boasts vast experience in economic and international policy
Influence: Is respected in business, labor, policy and academic communities as former Bush trade official
Alexis
Covey-Brandt
Chief of Staff,
House Minority Whip
Date of Birth: February 19, 1979
Hometown: Bethesda, Md.
Gender: Female
Education:
Haverford College - Bachelor's, African studies, anthropology (2001)
Employment History (most recent):
Chief of Staff
House Democratic Whip
Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD)
(Dec. 2011-)
Floor Director
House Democratic Whip
Rep. Steny Hamilton Hoyer (D-MD)
(Jan. 2011-Dec. 2011)
Floor Director
House Democratic Majority Leader
Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD)
(March 2009-Jan. 2011)
Deputy Floor Director
House Democratic Majority Leader
Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD)
(Feb. 2008-Feb. 2009)
Floor Assistant/Deputy Director, Member Services
House Democratic Majority Leader
Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD)
(April 2007-Feb. 2008)
Mastery: Boasts procedural process experience from her time as Hoyer's floor director
Influence: Relies on her great relationships with members to help manage coalitions
Bill
Dauster
Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy,
Senate Majority Leader
Date of Birth: November 25, 1957
Hometown: Sacramento, Calif.
Gender: Male
Education:
Columbia University School of Law - JD (1981-1984)
University of Southern California - MA, economics (1978-1981)
University of Southern California - BA, economics, political science, international relations, magna cum laude (1974-1978)
Employment History (most recent):
Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Assistant to the Leader for Floor Operations
Senate Democratic Majority Leader
Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV)
(Feb. 2011-)
Deputy Staff Director and General Counsel
Senate Finance Committee
Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT)
(April 2003-Feb. 2011)
Senior Counsel and Legislative Director
Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI)
(2000-2003)
Deputy Director
National Economic Council
(1999-2000)
Counselor
Presidential Exploratory Committee of Paul Wellstone (D-Minn.)
(1998-1999)
Mastery: Wrote the book on the budget process
Influence: Provides key procedural and policy counsel
Access: Engages in the top-level policy debates
Reema
Dodin
Floor Director,
Senate Majority Whip
Hometown: Irvine, Calif.
Gender: Female
Education:
University of Illinois College of Law - JD (2003-2006)
University of California Berkeley - BA, economics and political science (1998-2002)
Employment History (most recent):
Floor Director
Senate Democratic Whip
Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-IL)
(Sept. 2011-)
Floor Counsel
Senate Democratic Whip
Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-IL)
(Jan. 2009-Sept. 2011)
Research Director
Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-IL)
(May 2008-Jan. 2009)
Legislative Aide
Senate Democratic Whip
Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-IL)
(March 2007-2008)
Research Assistant
Senate Democratic Whip
Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-IL)
(Sept. 2006-Feb. 2007)
Mastery: Knows floor strategy like few others
Bill
Duhnke
Minority Staff Director,
Senate Appropriations Committee
Date of Birth: April 25, 1962
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wis.
Gender: Male
Education:
Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law - JD (1992-1996)
University of Wisconsin Madison - BA (1980-1984)
Employment History (most recent):
Republican Staff Director and General Counsel
Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee
Sen. Richard C. Shelby (R-AL)
(Jan. 2007-)
Staff Director
Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee
Sen. Richard C. Shelby (R-AL)
(July 2006-Jan. 2007)
Staff Director/Chief Counsel
Senate Select Committee on Intelligence
Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS)
(Jan. 2003-July 2006)
Various positions up to Republican Staff Director/Chief Counsel
Senate Select Committee on Intelligence
Sen. Richard C. Shelby (R-AL)
(1997-Jan. 2003)
Military Legislative Assistant
Sen. Richard C. Shelby (R-AL)
(1995-1997)
Mastery: Is a veteran of the bruising Dodd-Frank financial overhaul debate
Sage
Eastman
Strategy and Public Affairs Director,
House Ways and Means Committee
Gender: Male
Education:
Kalamazoo College - Bachelor's, political science
Employment History (most recent):
Strategy and Public Affairs Director
House Ways and Means Committee
Rep. David Camp (R-MI)
(Jan. 2012-)
Deputy Staff Director
House Ways and Means Committee
Rep. Dave Camp (R-MI)
(Jan. 2011-Jan. 2012)
Senior Adviser, Publicity and Media Affairs
House Ways and Means Committee
Rep. Dave Camp (R-MI)
(Feb. 2009-Jan. 2011)
Staff Assistant
Rep. Dave Camp (R-MI)
(Feb. 2009-Jan. 2011)
District Communications Director
Rep. Dave Camp (R-MI)
(Oct. 2003-June 2009)
Mastery: Knows tax and trade policy inside and out
Influence: Guides key policy and communications decisions for the committee
Access: Controls access to Camp as his right-hand man
Brian
Fallon
Communications Director,
Senate Democratic Policy & Communications Center
Hometown: Methuen, Mass.
Gender: Male
Education:
Harvard University - Bachelor's, government, cum laude (2003)
Employment History (most recent):
Chief Spokesman
Senate Democratic Policy and Communications Center
Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-NY)
(Jan. 2011-)
Communications Director
Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-NY)
(Oct. 2009-Jan. 2011)
National Press Secretary
Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-NY)
(July 2007-Sept. 2009)
Press Secretary
Menendez for Senate
-2006
Director
Manchester (N.H.) City Democrats
-2005
Influence: Sways leadership on policy and communications decisions
Spin: Frames debate for the entire Senate Democratic Conference
Hugh
Halpern
Majority Staff Director,
House Rules Committee
Date of Birth: July 21, 1969
Hometown: Hollidaysburg, Pa.
Gender: Male
Education:
George Mason University School of Law - JD (1993-1997)
American University - MA, political science (1991-1992)
American University - BA, political science, cum laude (1987-1991)
Employment History (most recent):
Republican Staff Director
House Rules Committee
(Jan. 2013-)
Republican Staff Director
House Rules Committee
Rep. David Dreier (R-CA)
(2005-Jan. 2013)
General Counsel
House Financial Services Committee
Rep. Mike Oxley (R-OH)
(2003-2005)
Parliamentarian and Director of Legislative Operations
House Financial Services Committee
Rep. Mike Oxley (R-OH)
(2001-2003)
Parliamentarian (Detailed)
House Homeland Security Committee
Rep. Dick Armey (R-TX)
-2002
Mastery: Boasts an encyclopedic knowledge of complex House floor and parliamentary procedure
Liesl
Hickey
Executive Director,
National Republican Congressional Committee
Gender: Female
Employment History (most recent):
Executive Director
National Republican Congressional Committee
(Nov. 2012-)
Director, Patriot Program
National Republican Congressional Committee
(Jan. 2011-Nov. 2012)
Adviser
National Republican Senatorial Committee
Senior Director
ONE
Chief of Staff
Sen. Mark S. Kirk (R-IL)
(Aug. 2004-April 2007)
Influence: Has worked in the trenches on difficult campaigns and has a long résumé with centrist House members
Spin: Has good reputation among reporters
Josh
Holmes
Chief of Staff,
Sen. Mitch McConnell
Date of Birth: April 7, 1979
Hometown: Minnetonka, Minn.
Gender: Male
Education:
Arizona State University - BA, political science and justice studies (1997-2002)
Minnetonka (Minn.) High School - Diploma (1997)
Employment History (most recent):
Chief of Staff
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
(Nov. 2010-)
Staff Director, Senate Republican Communications Center
Senate Republican Minority Leader
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
(Jan. 2007-Sept. 2010)
Communications Consulting
National Republican Senatorial Committee
-2010
Director of Rapid Response
Republican National Committee
(2005-2007)
Policy Director
Nethercutt for Senate
(April 2004-Dec. 2004)
Influence: Advises McConnell on political strategy
Spin: Is key player in framing debate for GOP Conference
Charles
Houy
Majority Staff Director,
Senate Appropriations Committee
Gender: Male
Employment History (most recent):
Democratic Staff Director
Senate Appropriations Committee
Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD)
(Jan. 2013-)
Democratic Staff Director
Senate Appropriations Committee
Sen. Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI)
(2009-Jan. 2013)
Democratic Clerk
Senate Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee
Sen. Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI)
(1995-2009)
Professional Staff Member
Senate Appropriations Committee
(1987-1995)
Mastery: Knows ins and outs of the federal budget
Influence: Drafts a myriad of spending bills
Bill
Inglee
Chief Clerk/Majority Staff Director,
House Appropriations Committee
Date of Birth: March 20, 1949
Hometown: Malone, N.Y.
Gender: Male
Education:
Carleton University Institute of European, Russian and Eurasian Studies - BA, Soviet studies, with honors (1974-1975)
Georgetown University Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service - BS, foreign service (1967-1972)
Employment History (most recent):
Republican Staff Director/Chief Clerk
House Appropriations Committee
Rep. Harold Rogers (R-KY)
(Dec. 2010-)
Various positions up to Vice President, Global Security Policy
Lockheed Martin Corp.
(2000-2010)
Policy Adviser, National Security and Trade Affairs
House Office of the Speaker (Republican)
Rep. J. Dennis Hastert (R-IL)
(1999-2000)
Staff Assistant
House Appropriations Committee, Foreign Operations, Export Financing and Related Programs Subcommittee
(1995-1998)
Executive Director
House Wednesday Group
(1994-1995)
Mastery: Understands how the sausage is made after two decades on the Hill
Influence: Knows the inner workings of the House and the defense industry
David
Krone
Chief of Staff,
Senate Majority Leader
Date of Birth: October 30, 1966
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pa.
Gender: Male
Education:
Pennsylvania State University - BA, political science (1989)
Employment History (most recent):
Chief of Staff for the Majority Leader
Senate Democratic Majority Leader
Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV)
(2011-)
Deputy Chief of Staff
Senate Democratic Majority Leader
Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV)
(2010-2011)
Senior Adviser
Senate Democratic Majority Leader
Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV)
(Dec. 2008-2010)
Senior Vice President for Corporate Affairs
Comcast Corp.
(Jan. 2008-Oct. 2008)
Executive Vice President
National Cable and Telecommunications Association
(July 1, 2002-Sept. 2007)
Mastery: Steers the Senate policy and procedural ship for the leader
Influence: Cuts the deals with House Republicans and others
Access: Is in virtually every room where a big decision is being made
Rohit
Kumar
Deputy Chief of Staff,
Senate Minority Leader
Date of Birth: June 2, 1974
Gender: Male
Education:
University of Virginia School of Law - JD (2000)
Duke University - AB, political science and economics (1995)
Employment History (most recent):
Deputy Chief of Staff
Senate Republican Minority Leader
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
(2010-)
Domestic Policy Director
Senate Republican Minority Leader
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
(Jan. 2007-2010)
Health Policy Adviser
Senate Republican Majority Leader
Sen. Bill Frist (R-TN)
(June 2006-Jan. 2007)
Policy Adviser and Counsel
Senate Republican Majority Leader
Sen. Bill Frist (R-TN)
(Dec. 2002-June 2006)
Policy Adviser
Senate Republican Majority Leader
Sen. Trent Lott (R-MS)
(June 2002-Dec. 2002)
Mastery: Is veteran legislative aide to GOP leaders
Influence: Plays key role in debates over bills reaching the Senate floor
Access: Carries clout in advancing key policy priorities
George
Kundanis
Deputy Chief of Staff,
House Minority Leader
Date of Birth: February 13, 1950
Hometown: Chicago, Ill.
Gender: Male
Education:
University of Wisconsin Madison - PhD, political science (1982)
University of Wisconsin Madison - MA, political science (1972)
Northwestern University - BA, political science (1971)
Employment History (most recent):
Deputy Chief of Staff
House Democratic Minority Leader
Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)
(Jan. 2011-)
Deputy Chief of Staff
House Office of the Speaker (Democratic)
Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)
(2007-Jan. 2011)
Special Assistant
House Democratic Minority Leader
Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)
(2002-2006)
Special Assistant
House Democratic Minority Leader
Rep. Richard A. Gephardt (D-MO)
(1995-2002)
Executive Director
House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee
(1989-1995)
Mastery: Is a master of floor procedure with more than 30 years on the Hill
Influence: Has forged key relationships with members over the decades in Democratic leadership circles
Nadeam
Elshami
Chief of Staff,
House Minority Leader
Date of Birth: April 29, 1970
Gender: Male
Education:
University of Evansville - BBA, international business (1987-1991)
Employment History (most recent):
Communications Director/Senior Adviser
House Democratic Minority Leader
Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)
(Jan. 2011-)
Deputy Communications Director
House Office of the Speaker (Democratic)
Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)
(Feb. 2007-Jan. 2011)
Senior Communications Adviser
Senate Democratic Whip
Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-IL)
(2006-Feb. 2007)
Deputy Communications Director
Senate Democratic Whip
Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-IL)
(2005-2006)
Press Secretary
Senate Democratic Whip
Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-IL)
-2005
Spin: Boasts experience as Pelosi messaging guru
Access: Attends high-level meetings
Brett
Loper
Deputy Chief of Staff,
Speaker
Date of Birth: August 4, 1973
Hometown: Jackson, Miss.
Gender: Male
Education:
George Washington University School of Business - MBA (2002)
Villanova University - BA, economics (1995)
Employment History (most recent):
Deputy Chief of Staff
House Office of the Speaker (Republican)
Rep. John A. Boehner (R-OH)
(Sept. 2012-)
Policy Director
House Office of the Speaker (Republican)
Rep. John A. Boehner (R-OH)
(Jan. 2011-Sept. 2012)
Senior Executive Vice President
Advanced Medical Technology Association
(May 2008-Jan. 2011)
Republican Staff Director
House Ways and Means Committee
Rep. Jim McCrery (R-LA)
(Jan. 2007-April 2008)
Chief of Staff
Rep. Jim McCrery (R-LA)
(Feb. 2006-Jan. 2007)
Mastery: Boasts policy/procedural expertise from varied experience on the Hill
Influence: Has built relationships from tenures in different leadership offices
Access: Is a key participant in major negotiations
Mike
Lynch
Chief of Staff,
Senate Democratic Conference Vice Chairman
Date of Birth: June 2, 1967
Gender: Male
Education:
James Madison University - BS, political science and social science (1989)
Employment History (most recent):
Chief of Staff
Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-NY)
(Feb. 2007-)
Serbia Country Director
National Democratic Institute
(2005-2007)
Chief of Staff
Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-NY)
(2002-April 2005)
State Director
Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-NY)
(1999-2002)
Field Director
Charles E. Schumer for Senate Schumer, Charles Ellis
-1998
Influence: Sways boss on political issues and is key 'fixer' for other senators
Access: Is in the room for key political and policy decisions
David
McCallum
Deputy Chief of Staff,
Senate Majority Leader
Date of Birth: May 23, 1954
Hometown: Louisville, Ky.
Gender: Male
Education:
Tulane University (1977-1978)
University of Louisville - BA, philosophy (1972-1977)
Employment History (most recent):
Deputy Chief of Staff
Senate Democratic Majority Leader
Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV)
(2001-)
Administrative Officer
Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D-NY)
(1999-2001)
Director of Operations
Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD)
(1997-1999)
Manager
Unisys Corp.
(1995-1997)
Manager
INSLAW Inc.
(1991-1994)
Mastery: Knows how to manipulate internal Senate rules
Influence: Plays 'fixer' and smoothes ruffled feathers when there is internal Senate drama
Dena
Morris
Legislative Director,
Senate Majority Whip
Gender: Female
Education:
Georgetown University - Master's, public policy
Indiana University Bloomington - Bachelor's, political science
Employment History (most recent):
Legislative Director
Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-IL)
(Jan. 2007-)
Legislative Assistant
Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-IL)
(Dec. 2003-Dec. 2006)
Lobbyist
FaegreBD Consulting
(1998-2003)
Mastery: Knows policy nuances of boss's broad portfolio of interests
Gary
Myrick
Secretary for Senate Majority,
Office of the Secretary for the Majority
Date of Birth: July 20, 1967
Hometown: Gilford, Maine
Gender: Male
Education:
American University Washington College of Law - JD (1994)
University of Maine (Orono) - BA (1989)
Employment History (most recent):
Secretary for the Majority
Senate Democratic Secretary
(Jan. 2011-)
Chief of Staff
Senate Democratic Majority Leader
Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV)
(Jan. 2007-Jan. 2011)
Deputy Chief of Staff
Senate Democratic Minority Leader
Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV)
(2005-2006)
Floor Assistant
Senate Democratic Whip
Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV)
(2003-2004)
Floor Assistant
Senate Democratic Majority Leader
Sen. Tom Daschle (D-SD)
(2001-2003)
Mastery: Knows Senate rules backward and forward
Influence: Gives key procedural advice on how or whether to move forward with certain measures
Access: Is in on high-level discussions of how measures will move on the floor
Kyle
Nevins
Deputy Chief of Staff,
House Majority Leader
Date of Birth: November 23, 1979
Hometown: Chapel Hill, N.C.
Gender: Male
Education:
Duke University - BA (2002)
Employment History (most recent):
Deputy Chief of Staff
House Republican Majority Leader
Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA)
(Jan. 2011-)
Director of Floor Operations
House Republican Whip
Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA)
(Jan. 2009-Jan. 2011)
Director of Floor Operations
House Republican Whip
Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO)
(April 2007-Jan. 2009)
Chief Floor Assistant
House Republican Whip
Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO)
(Jan. 2005-March 2007)
Floor Assistant/Aide
House Republican Whip
Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO)
(Jan. 2003-Dec. 2004)
Mastery: Runs the floor agenda with precision for House Republicans
Access: Knows the members and watches almost every vote from the House floor
Katie
Patru
Director of Member Services and Events,
House Republican Conference
Gender: Female
Education:
Wingate University - Bachelor's, communications, public relations, magna cum laude (1998-2002)
Employment History (most recent):
Director of Member Services
House Republican Conference
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)
(Jan. 2013-)
Director of Member Services
House Republican Conference
Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX)
(Jan. 2011-Jan. 2013)
Director of Member Services
House Republican Conference
Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN)
(Jan. 2009-2011)
Director of Member Services
House Republican Conference
Rep. Adam H. Putnam (R-FL)
(Dec. 2007-Jan. 2009)
Deputy Director of Internal Communications
House Republican Conference
Rep. Adam H. Putnam (R-FL)
(May 2007-Dec. 2007)
Mastery: Serves as the voice of institutional knowledge for the GOP Conference
Access: Anticipates members' needs before they know themselves
Brian
Romick
Whip Director and Senior Adviser,
House Minority Whip
Date of Birth: November 10, 1976
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Gender: Male
Education:
University of Maryland, College Park - Bachelor's, government, politics (1998)
Employment History (most recent):
Whip Director/Member Services Director
House Democratic Whip
Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD)
(Jan. 2011-)
Member Services Director
House Democratic Majority Leader
Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD)
(March 2007-Jan. 2011)
Floor Assistant/Member Services Director
House Democratic Whip
Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD)
(Jan. 2003-Jan. 2007)
Special Assistant
House Administration Committee
Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD)
(1999-Jan. 2003)
Staff Assistant
Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD)
-1998
Influence: Shapes and enforces the House Democratic whip operation
Evan
Schatz
Majority Chief of Staff,
Senate Budget Committee
Gender: Male
Education:
Western Washington University
Employment History (most recent):
Democratic Staff Director
Senate Budget Committee
Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)
(Jan. 2013-)
Deputy Chief of Staff
Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)
(Jan. 2011-Jan. 2013)
Legislative Director
Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)
(2007-Jan. 2011)
Legislative Assistant
Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)
(April 2005-2007)
Legislative Director
Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA)
(Jan. 2004-April 2005)
Mastery: Knows the ropes after being promoted to deputy chief two years ago
David
Schiappa
Secretary for the Senate Minority,
Office of the Secretary for the Minority
Date of Birth: November 3, 1962
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
Gender: Male
Education:
Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School - MS
University of Maryland, College Park - BA (1984)
Employment History (most recent):
Secretary
Senate Republican Cloakroom
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
(Jan. 2007-)
Secretary
Senate Republican Cloakroom
Sen. Bill Frist (R-TN)
(Jan. 2003-Jan. 2007)
Secretary
Senate Republican Cloakroom
Sen. Trent Lott (R-MS)
(2001-Jan. 2003)
Assistant Secretary for the Majority
Senate Republican Cloakroom
(1996-2001)
Republican Floor Assistant
Senate Republican Cloakroom
(1994-1996)
Mastery: Is a top-floor strategist
Influence: Advises senators on procedural nuances
Access: Is engaged in all aspects of legislative scheduling
Dave
Schnittger
Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications Operations,
Speaker
Date of Birth: January 22, 1971
Hometown: West Chester, Ohio
Gender: Male
Education:
University of Dayton - BA, political science and economics (1993)
Archbishop Moeller High School (Cincinnati, Ohio) - Diploma
Employment History (most recent):
Deputy Chief of Staff, Community Operations
House Office of the Speaker (Republican)
Rep. John A. Boehner (R-OH)
(Jan. 2011-)
Deputy Chief of Staff
House Republican Minority Leader
Rep. John A. Boehner (R-OH)
(Jan. 2007-Jan. 2011)
Deputy Chief of Staff
House Republican Majority Leader
Rep. John A. Boehner (R-OH)
(Dec. 2005-Jan. 2007)
Director of Communications
House Education and the Workforce Committee
Rep. John A. Boehner (R-OH)
(Feb. 2001-Dec. 2005)
Press Secretary
Rep. John A. Boehner (R-OH)
(1997-Jan. 2001)
Influence: Captures the speaker's voice as only a longtime Boehner staffer could
Spin: Calls the shots from a strategic communications standpoint
Dan
Schwager
Staff Director,
House Ethics Committee
Gender: Male
Education:
New York University School of Law - Law degree (1998)
Bates College - Bachelor's (1993)
Employment History (most recent):
Staff Director and Chief Counsel
House Ethics Committee
(May 2011-)
Counsel
Senate Select Committee on Ethics
(Feb. 2009-May 2011)
Prosecutor
U.S. Department of Justice Public Integrity Section
(2009-2003)
Assistant District Attorney
New York County District Attorney's Office
(1998-2003)
Mastery: Knows better than panel members what is ethically permissible
Doug
Schwartz
Chief of Staff,
Senate Republican Conference
Gender: Male
Education:
University of Cincinnati College of Law - JD (1997)
Georgetown University Law Center - LLM
DePauw University - BA
Employment History (most recent):
Chief of Staff
Senate Republican Conference Committee
Sen. John Thune (R-SD)
(Jan. 2012-)
Staff Director
Senate Republican Policy Committee
Sen. John Thune (R-SD)
(2010-Jan. 2012)
Deputy Staff Director
Senate Republican Policy Committee
Sen. John Thune (R-SD)
(2009-2010)
Policy Director/Counsel
Senate Republican Conference Committee Secretary
Sen. John Thune (R-SD)
-2009
Chief of Staff for the Under Secretary of Energy
U.S. Department of Energy
(2005-2009)
Spin: Develops the message for the GOP Conference
Austin
Smythe
Majority Staff Director,
House Budget Committee
Date of Birth: June 29, 1956
Gender: Male
Education:
University of Texas at Austin Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs - MA (1980)
University of Texas at Austin - BA, government
Employment History (most recent):
Republican Staff Director
House Budget Committee
Rep. Paul D. Ryan (R-WI)
(Dec. 2007-)
Executive Associate Director
Office of Management and Budget
(2001-2007)
Vice President, Equity Research Division
Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc.
(1999-2001)
Adviser
Bush-Cheney 2000
-2000
Assistant Staff Director
Senate Budget Committee
Sen. Pete V. Domenici (R-NM)
(1988-1999)
Mastery: Is a budget wonk
Influence: Has the ear of a former vice presidential candidate
Sharon
Soderstrom
Chief of Staff,
Senate Minority Leader
Gender: Female
Education:
University of Virginia - BA, English (1983)
Employment History (most recent):
Chief of Staff
Senate Republican Minority Leader
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
(Feb. 2010-)
Deputy Chief of Staff
Senate Republican Minority Leader
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
(Jan. 2007-Feb. 2010)
Deputy Chief of Staff
Senate Republican Majority Leader
Sen. Bill Frist (R-TN)
(2004-2006)
Republican Staff Director
Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee
Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH)
(2003-2004)
Senior Policy Adviser
Senate Republican Minority Leader
Sen. Trent Lott (R-MS)
(June 2001-2002)
Mastery: Has institutional memory, procedural prowess and more as veteran staffer for two former leaders
Influence: Coordinates with other leadership offices in both chambers
Access: Is a close confidant of her boss and a key staffer in high-level talks
Mike
Sommers
Deputy Chief of Staff for Leadership Operations,
Speaker
Date of Birth: January 30, 1975
Hometown: Naperville, Ill.
Gender: Male
Education:
Miami University (Ohio) - BA, political science (1993-1997)
Employment History (most recent):
Chief of Staff
House Office of the Speaker (Republican)
Rep. John A. Boehner (R-OH)
(June 2012-)
Deputy Chief of Staff for Lead Operations
House Office of the Speaker (Republican)
Rep. John A. Boehner (R-OH)
(Jan. 2011-June 2012)
Policy Director
House Republican Minority Leader
Rep. John A. Boehner (R-OH)
(Jan. 2007-Jan. 2011)
Policy Director
House Republican Majority Leader
Rep. John A. Boehner (R-OH)
(March 2006-Jan. 2007)
Special Assistant to the President for Agricultural Trade and Food Assistance
National Economic Council
(2005-2006)
Mastery: Masterminds every aspect of House Republicans' strategy
Influence: Trusted by all the leaders and a broad range of members
Access: Knows exactly what the speaker thinks and values more than anyone
Pat
Souders
Chief of Staff,
Senate Majority Whip
Date of Birth: January 20, 1969
Gender: Male
Education:
Georgetown University - MA, liberal studies (1999)
Marquette University - BA, broadcast communications (1987-1991)
Employment History (most recent):
Chief of Staff
Senate Democratic Whip
Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-IL)
(Jan. 2005-)
Projects Director/Legislative Assistant
Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-IL)
(1997-Jan. 2005)
Legislative Assistant
Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-IL)
(1991-1996)
Intern
Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-IL)
-1991
Influence: Navigates deals for boss
Access: Is in the room for leadership-level meetings
Mike
Spahn
Staff Director,
Senate Democratic Conference Secretary
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wis.
Gender: Male
Education:
University of Michigan - Bachelor's (1997-2001)
Employment History (most recent):
Chief of Staff
Senate Secretary for the Majority
Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)
(Jan. 2011-)
Staff Director
Senate Democratic Secretary
Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)
(Jan. 2007-Jan. 2011)
Press Secretary
Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)
(April 2004-Jan. 2011)
Personal Assistant
Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee
Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA)
(Aug. 2003-Nov. 2003)
Deputy Press Secretary
Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA)
(Jan. 2002-July 2003)
Influence: Drives agenda, plays 'fixer' for internal Senate drama and cuts deals
Spin: Knows how to frame the debate
Access: Is key voice in Senate leadership meetings
Jo-Marie
St. Martin Green
General Counsel and Chief of Legislative Operations,
Speaker
Date of Birth: February 10, 1960
Hometown: Kingsport, Tenn.
Gender: Female
Education:
University of Tennessee College of Law - JD (1985)
Mary Washington College - BS, summa cum laude, final honors and highest distinction (1982)
Employment History (most recent):
General Counsel/Chief of Legislative Operations
House Office of the Speaker (Republican)
Rep. John A. Boehner (R-OH)
(Jan. 2011-)
General Counsel/Director of Floor Operations
House Republican Minority Leader
Rep. John A. Boehner (R-OH)
(Jan. 2009-Jan. 2011)
General Counsel/Director of Floor Operations
House Republican Steering Committee
Rep. John A. Boehner (R-OH)
(Jan. 2008-Dec. 2008)
General Counsel/Director of Floor Operations
House Republican Minority Leader
Rep. John A. Boehner (R-OH)
(Jan. 2007-Dec. 2007)
General Counsel
House Education and the Workforce Committee
Rep. John A. Boehner (R-OH)
(Jan. 2001-Jan. 2006)
Influence: Gives key parliamentary advice directly to the speaker
Access: Has been with Boehner before his leadership days and has his ear
Don
Stewart
Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications,
Senate Minority Leader
Date of Birth: July 3, 1967
Hometown: Riverside, Calif.
Gender: Male
Education:
Armstrong Atlantic State University - BA, political science (1997)
Employment History (most recent):
Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications
Senate Republican Minority Leader
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
(Feb. 2011-)
Communications Director
Senate Republican Minority Leader
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
(Jan. 2007-Feb. 2011)
Communications Director
Senate Republican Whip
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
(2006-Jan. 2007)
Communications Director
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX)
(Dec. 2003-2006)
Deputy Press Secretary
Sen. Phil Gramm (R-TX)
(2000-Nov. 2003)
Influence: Serves as key coordinator of the GOP message
Spin: Frames the debate for the GOP Conference as key liaison to fourth estate
John
Stipicevic
Floor Director,
House Majority Whip
Gender: Male
Education:
Catholic University of America - Bachelor's (2006)
Employment History (most recent):
Director of Floor Operations
House Republican Whip
Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA)
(Jan. 2011-)
Floor Assistant
House Republican Whip
Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA)
(Jan. 2009-Jan. 2011)
Floor Assistant
House Republican Whip
Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO)
(Feb. 2007-Jan. 2009)
Staff Assistant
House Republican Whip
Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO)
(May 2006-Jan. 2007)
No Title Listed
House Republican Whip
Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO)
(Jan. 2005-April 2005)
Influence: Relays to leaders exactly how to get to 218 votes on a bill
Access: Understands the mood of the Conference and its members
Steve
Stombres
Chief of Staff,
House Majority Leader
Date of Birth: June 23, 1970
Hometown: Fairfax, Va.
Gender: Male
Education:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University - BA, history (1993)
Employment History (most recent):
Chief of Staff
House Republican Majority Leader
Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA)
(Jan. 2011-)
Chief of Staff
House Republican Whip
Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA)
(April 2009-Jan. 2011)
Chief of Staff
House Chief Deputy Republican Whip
Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA)
(2003-2009)
Chief of Staff
Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA)
(2001-2009)
Legislative Director
Rep. Herbert H. Bateman (R-VA)
(1998-Jan. 2001)
Mastery: Runs the majority leader's office with military precision and an eye for detail
Influence: Relies on acute intuition to drive the agenda
Access: Has an uniquely close relationship with Cantor
Paul
Teller
Executive Director,
Republican Study Committee
Date of Birth: February 21, 1971
Hometown: Plainview, N.Y.
Gender: Male
Education:
American University - PhD, political science (1993-1999)
Duke University - BA, political science, cum laude (1989-1993)
Employment History (most recent):
Executive Director
House Republican Study Committee
(Feb. 2001-)
Professional Staff Member
House Administration Committee
(March 2000-Feb. 2001)
Research Associate
National Center for Public Policy Research
(May 1996-Aug. 1999)
Senior Account Executive
Washington Times
(Aug. 1996-Feb. 1999)
Advertising Director
College Republican National Committee
(May 1994-Aug. 1995)
Mastery: Has depth of policy knowledge after working for seven RSC chairs
Spin: Acts as the canary in the coal mine for what the right wing is feeling
Russ
Thomasson
Chief of Staff,
Senate Minority Whip
Gender: Male
Employment History (most recent):
Chief of Staff
Senate Republican Whip
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX)
(Jan. 2013-)
Legislative Director
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX)
(2007-Jan. 2013)
Legislative Director
Senate Republican Conference Committee Secretary
Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ)
(May 2007-Dec. 2008)
Legislative Director
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX)
(2006-May 2007)
Legislative Assistant
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX)
(March 2003-2006)
Influence: Is a longtime, trusted adviser to Cornyn
Access: Tends to the GOP Conference's needs and attends high-level meetings
Darrel
Thompson
Deputy Chief of Staff for Intergovernmental and External Affairs,
Senate Majority Leader
Date of Birth: June 2, 1970
Gender: Male
Education:
Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government - MPA (2002)
Morgan State University - BA (1992)
Employment History (most recent):
Deputy Chief of Staff for Intergovernmental and External Affairs
Senate Democratic Majority Leader
Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV)
(2011-)
Senior Adviser
Senate Democratic Majority Leader
Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV)
(Jan. 2006-2011)
Senior Adviser
Senate Democratic Minority Leader
Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV)
(Jan. 2005-Jan. 2006)
Chief of Staff
Barack Obama for Senate
-2004
Senior Policy Adviser/Director of Member Services
House Democratic Minority Leader
Rep. Richard A. Gephardt (D-MO)
(1999-Jan. 2003)
Influence: Smoothes ruffled feathers among outside Democratic constituencies
James
Wallner
Executive Director,
Senate Republican Steering Committee
Hometown: Columbus, Ga.
Gender: Male
Education:
University of Edinburgh (Scotland) - Master's, international and European politics (2005)
University of Georgia - Bachelor's, political science (2003)
Catholic University of America - Attending, doctoral studies in political science
Employment History (most recent):
Executive Director
Senate Republican Steering Committee
Sen. Patrick J. Toomey (R-PA)
(Aug. 2012-)
Legislative Director
Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL)
(2008-Jan. 2011)
Legislative Assistant
Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL)
(June 2007-2008)
Legislative Assistant
Rep. Terry Everett (R-AL)
(July 2005-June 2007)
Legislative Director
Sen. Patrick J. Toomey (R-PA)
(Jan. 2011-Aug. 2012)
Influence: Advises on ways to promote the conservative message
Kelly
Ward
Executive Director,
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nev.
Gender: Female
Education:
Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government - MPP (2004-2006)
University of Arizona - Bachelor's, political science, Spanish (1998-2002)
Las Vegas (Nev.) High School (1998)
Employment History (most recent):
Executive Director
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
(Jan. 2013-)
Political Director
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
Rep. Harry E. Mitchell (D-AZ)
(Jan. 2011-Jan. 2013)
Regional Political Director for Incumbent Retention
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
Rep. Harry E. Mitchell (D-AZ)
(Jan. 2010-Jan. 2011)
Director of America Forward
New Profit Inc.
(Aug. 2007-Aug. 2009)
Campaign Manager
Alan Khazei for U.S. Senate
-2009
Influence: Has earned members' trust after three cycles at DCCC
Spin: Has helped frame debate on three cycles of campaigns
