Weekly Newsletter

Recess Special

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Caught Our Eye

A journalist-turned-Hill communications staffer has left the Hill for a job at communications and lobbying firm Glover Park Group.

Sarah Elkins has left her position as Democratic communications director for the Joint Economic Committee. Her first job in Congress came in 2008 when she worked as a speechwriter for Rep. Nydia Velazquez, (D-N.Y.) then chair of the House Small Business Committee. Elkins joined Sen. Amy Klobuchar's (D-Minn.) staff as senior adviser for communications in 2010 and then moved over to Klobuchar's staff on the committee last year.

Founded by former Democratic campaigners and strategists, Glover Park Group boasts a variety of communication and lobbying services.

Before working for Congress, Elkins worked for a variety of news outlets, including USA Today, the Fox News Channel and Newsweek. She holds a bachelor's in English from the College of William and Mary.

Some people and organizations who "caught our eye" last week:

Trending Staffers› learn more

Hani S. Garabyare, Legislative Aide for Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI) (current staffer) – Bravo!
The Senate's a long way from Somalia
Fran Person, Special Assistant to the Vice President Joe Biden (former staffer) – So-So
Biden loses right hand in Gamecock fight
Robert Story Karem, Policy Adviser for House Republican Majority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) (current staffer) – Bravo!
Same office, new boss
Luke Bolar, Official Spokesperson for Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) (current staffer) – Bravo!
No Gulfstreams for gulf state senator
Doug Heye, Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications for Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) (current staffer) – Bravo!
Battles foes of Israel

Hill Hires

Waelston Tanner Black (Tanner), House Chief Deputy Republican Whip Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC), Special Assistant to the Chief Deputy Whip
Kyra Thomas, Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL), Executive Assistant/Scheduler
Leslie Leavoy, Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Press Assistant

Hill Departures

Louis Andrew Schreiber (Andrew), formerly Press Secretary to Rep. John Conyers (D-MI)
Adam Gordon Brand, formerly Chief of Staff to Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-CA)
John C. Angell, formerly Senior Adviser to Senate Finance Committee Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR)

Hill Moves and Promotions

Stephanie Baez, now Democratic Communications Director for House Judiciary Committee Rep. John Conyers (D-MI)
(formerly Press Secretary to Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY))
Brenden DeLuke, now Special Assistant for House Republican Whip Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA)
(formerly Staff Assistant to House Republican Study Committee Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA))
Darren A. Achord, now Deputy Chief of Staff/Legislative Director for Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA)
(formerly Legislative Assistant to Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL))

Revolvers

John D. Skipper (Tripp),
Lobbies for: Skipper Group LLC
Most recent congressional employment: Sen. Fred Thompson (R-TN), Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL)
Kristen K. Walsh,
Lobbies for: Tonio Burgos and Associates Inc.
Most recent congressional employment: Sen. Kirsten Rutnik Gillibrand (D-NY), Senate Resolution and Reorganization Reserve
Leah M. Curtsinger,
Lobbies for: Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry
Most recent congressional employment: Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY)

StormFeed press release of the week

Costa, Crawford announce Congressional Rodeo Caucus

from the office of Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.)