Jackson Purchase News

U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell has announced updates to his senior staff for the 119th Congress. As Chairman of the Senate Rules Committee and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, McConnell stated, "As I continue to represent the people of Kentucky, my work over the next two years will focus especially on protecting the institution of the Senate and rebuilding American hard power. I am proud that several trusted, longtime advisors will join me in these efforts."

Tiffany Ge is appointed as Majority Staff Director of the Senate Rules Committee. Ge has been part of McConnell's office since 2017, serving in various roles including Counsel, Legislative Director, and Deputy Chief of Staff. She holds degrees from the University of Kentucky and George Washington University Law School.

Robert Story Karem will take on the role of Majority Clerk for the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. Karem previously served as National Security Advisor in McConnell's office from 2018-2024 and held positions advising Vice President Dick Cheney and other prominent figures on national security matters. He is a Columbia University graduate.

Melissa Bennett is named Archivist and Director of Operations. Since 2023, she has worked as Archivist for both McConnell’s office and the Office of the Republican Leader. Her previous experience includes serving as Deputy Chief of Staff to Senator Rob Portman and Assistant to President George W. Bush. Bennett graduated from Marietta College.

David Popp will serve as Senior Advisor with a focus on communications. His recent role was Communications Director in McConnell's office from 2016-2024, with prior experience at the House Financial Services Committee and House Republican Conference. Popp graduated from Ohio University.

Dylan Vorbach joins as Senior Advisor supporting defense and foreign policy work. Vorbach was Chief Speechwriter in McConnell’s office from 2018-2024 and held various roles with Senator Luther Strange and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. He graduated from both College of William & Mary and Naval War College.

The senior leadership team in McConnell’s personal office remains unchanged: Chief of Staff Terry Carmack, Communications Director Robert Steurer, Press Secretary Stephanie Penn, Speechwriter Sophia Slacik, along with Legislative Assistants Andrew Fisher, Dominic Travis, Richard St. Onge, and Will Clark.