Top 10 Bipartisan Staffers
One of our founding principles at CNCT is to create bipartisanship in Congress. If you're reading this, you probably know that this is easier said than done. With that being said, we are always on the lookout to recognize staffers on the frontlines, exemplifying bipartisanship.
Here are our picks for the Top 10 Bipartisan Staffers...
Currently serving as Legislative Director for Chairman French Hill, Amelia Allert is a seasoned, highly successful policy staffer working across the aisle. Within her first tenure with Rep. Hill, she contributed to multiple pieces of legislation – from draft to law. Amelia’s nominator writes, “Her ability to work with Democrats and hammer our deals is a meaningful part of why Chairman Hill is routinely rated as one of the most effective bipartisan lawmakers in the Congress.”
Despite being new to Capitol Hill, Evan Ashy has quickly distinguished himself as a bipartisan leader by drawing on his entrepreneurial background in technology start-ups. He has become the kind of Legislative Director who breaks through political gridlock by genuinely listening and finding common ground. His personal connections—forged over cups of coffee with Republican colleagues and late-night strategy sessions with the Louisiana delegation—reveal a deep commitment to understanding different perspectives and crafting solutions that matter to real people. Where some see partisan divides, Evan sees an opportunity to bridge gaps, bringing the collaborative spirit of a startup to the halls of Congress and proving that meaningful progress happens when people choose conversation over confrontation.
Toby Douthat is the Chief of Staff for Rep. Chuck Edwards and, until recently, she served as Executive Director of the Problem Solvers Caucus. As a group dedicated to working across the aisle to solve pressing problems for constituents, Toby’s work for the Problem Solvers Caucus is a shining example of bipartisanship. Toby’s nominator writes that she is “very committed to working across the aisle” as well as forging friendships across it too!
Steven Carlson is Chief of Staff for Rep. Chris Pappas and a valued member of the Bipartisan Chief of Staff's Book Club. “I witness, meeting after meeting, his belief that Democrats don’t have a monopoly on good ideas,” his nominator writes. Steven is also active in multiple bipartisan leadership programs such as Aspen and Center Froward – moving the needle forward for bipartisan conversations.
As Senior Director for Innovation at the House Office of the Chief Administrator, Stephen Dwyer creates technology that streamlines and connects work on the Hill – a true bipartisan effort! While working for Majority Leader Hoyer, Stephen worked to create Dome Watch – a popular app on the Hill that allows staff to closely follow the House Floor. In addition, Stephen was the Chief Architect and Manager of former Majority Leader, Steny Hoyer’s website, which averaged over 1,000 unique visitors per day, and DemCom, a secure, collaborative intranet used daily by thousands of House Democratic staff. Stephen’s behind-the-scenes work is key to creating a more connected Capitol!
While serving under Rep. Mike Kelly, Matthew Knoedler received the opportunity to be the Communications Director for the bipartisan Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump. His nominator writes, “He always worked closely with minority staff, increased efficiency, and ensured we stayed on mission as the majority while collaborating with the minority.” Matthew shows that bipartisanship is not just a tool to accomplish goals, but to increase efficiency as well.
Through her many roles, Ornella Musinguzi is focused on creating change in health policy and using bipartisanship to leverage that change. Ornella is a graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder and a recipient of the Bipartisan Learning Communities Congressional Fellowship. Ornella’s nominator writes: “From building and nurturing relationships with Republican offices to having Republican members sign onto Democratic letters and bills, her desire and proven ability to bring people together–regardless of party–are worth spotlighting.”
With years worth of Hill experience on the Comms side, experience working on a committee, and on campaigns, Callie Strock knows what it means to work and create meaningful relationships with the other side. In Rep. Young Kim’s office, Callie recently made the move from her long-term position as Communications Director to being Senior Advisor. If you’re looking to connect with someone who incorporates bipartisanship with comms, talk to Callie!
As Communications Director for Rep. Pat Ryan, Sam Silverman works closely with Rep. John James’ office because of the two Congressmen’s friendship dating back to when they attended West Point together. Sam’s nominee, a staffer in Rep. James’ office, notes how he is a “trustworthy partner across the aisle” that has worked with him to broker relationships between the offices and bolster co-sponsorships for John James-Pat Ryan legislation. The nominator writes, “He is, in the most direct definition, a true public servant – and a rare Hill staffer who will put partisanship aside to converse with the right on solutions for America. The only negative is he's a Jets fan!”
As an Energy Policy Analyst for the Congressional Research Service, Emma Kaboli supports Hill staffers and Members with nonpartisan information on one of the most high-profile energy policy issues; critical minerals and mining policy. From briefing Members of Congress, to writing confidential memos, to authoring CRS reports, providing clear and helpful advice to staffers is no easy task. Doing it all while providing unbiased analysis is a balancing act that requires deep expertise and awareness of the policy landscape.