Top 10 Legislative Directors
Behind every strong legislative agenda is an LD keeping the policy moving, the team aligned, and the chaos at least somewhat contained. Meet CNCT's 2026 Top 10 Legislative Directors, selected from nominations submitted by the colleagues who work alongside them every day. Based on the response, there is no shortage of appreciation for the people running the leg shop.
Meet CNCT's Top 10 Legislative Directors on the Hill…
Nathan Mark leads with professionalism, integrity, and a steady approach to even the most complicated legislative challenges. Colleagues say he remains approachable and collaborative while keeping projects moving with care and close attention to detail. He is also deeply invested in mentoring his team and helping those around him grow professionally. That combination of thoughtful judgment and genuine support has strengthened both the legislative operation and the broader office.
Every office has that one person who somehow has the answer, the institutional knowledge, and the ability to keep everyone calm when things get chaotic. For Rep. Dina Titus’ team, Colby Harriman is that person. He trusts his team, keeps the Congresswoman’s legislative priorities moving, and brings enough humor to make the stressful days slightly less stressful. As one nominator put it, the office simply would not be the same without him.
If you arrive at the office early, there is a good chance Allen Garnes already beat you there. Frequently the first to arrive and the last to leave, he balances long Rules Committee nights, healthcare policy, agriculture issues, and the day-to-day demands of leading the leg shop. His nominators praised his tireless work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to guide the rest of the team. He sets the standard by doing the work—and then helping everyone else do theirs.
Bradley Truding has worked for Delegate Norton since 2008. Considering the average Hill staffer stays for two years, this makes Bradley an institution. His team calls him a walking encyclopedia, but one who takes the time to explain things to everyone from interns to senior staff. He gives away credit, treats everyone with respect, and makes complicated policy understandable to non-lawyers. “Everyone needs a Brad,” one nominator wrote. Hard to argue with that.
Alec Zender is known for his strong policy expertise, steady leadership, and commitment to serving his constituents. After working in Congressional offices across the country, colleagues say he has a remarkable ability to quickly understand the unique priorities of every district he serves. He runs Rep. Bergman’s legislative team like a well-oiled machine, brings deep expertise to his policy work, and still finds time to talk sports with the interns. One nominator compared him to Caleb Williams, which is especially generous considering Alec is a Chicago sports fan and therefore accustomed to adversity.
A strong legislative operation is one thing. A strong legislative operation where people are genuinely excited to come to work is another. Antwoin Monach has helped create both, leading with professionalism while keeping the office welcoming, lively, and inclusive. His colleagues describe him as kind, proactive, down-to-earth, and able to balance the Congressman’s position with the bigger policy picture. He has never met a stranger, which is a useful quality in this town.
Davis Bunn may be one of our most nominated staffers ever, and nearly every nomination made the same point: he gets serious legislative work done without forgetting the people doing it. He has helped lead an ambitious agenda across immigration, veterans’ issues, government accountability, agriculture, artificial intelligence, and digital assets. Staff at every level describe him as patient, generous with opportunities, and deeply invested in their growth. He reportedly asks his colleagues every day, "What can I do for you?"—and apparently means it.
Devin Kelsey pairs sharp legislative leadership with a serious commitment to mentoring the next generation of Hill staff. He checks in regularly, explains the reasoning behind his edits, highlights junior staffers’ work, and corrects mistakes in a way that actually helps people improve. His team describes him as a legislative strategist, mentor, vault of knowledge, and the person who will inevitably find an answer when no one else can. “When in doubt, Devin will figure it out” is not a bad reputation to have on the Hill.
Rosie Heiss leads by investing in the people around her. Staff describe her as an exceptional mentor who works with colleagues to set clear goals, provides thoughtful feedback along the way, and helps each person grow professionally. Her collaborative, service-oriented approach has also helped bring the broader office together. The result is a team where staffers feel supported, empowered, and genuinely encouraged to succeed.
With more than 13 years on Capitol Hill and experience in nearly every role a Congressional office can offer, Sayanna Molina brings no shortage of institutional knowledge to the job. She oversees one of the House's busiest legislative operations while also pursuing a full-time Master of Public Policy. Despite that schedule, colleagues say she remains a dependable mentor, collaborative leader, and reliable resource for the entire office. Her nominators mention her professionalism, humility, and kindness just as often as her legislative expertise.
Honorable mention: James Thomas - Rep. Aaron Bean
Recently promoted from Legislative Director to Chief of Staff, James Thomas leaves behind a legislative legacy built over nearly 25 years on Capitol Hill. Colleagues credit him with driving the office’s legislative success while serving as a trusted mentor to interns and staff at every level. His institutional knowledge, steady guidance, and willingness to share what he has learned have shaped generations of Hill staffers. He may have outgrown the LD title, but he was still a natural choice for this year's honorable mention.