“You are integral to keeping Congress running and the democratic process alive, and we owe you our deepest gratitude.”
WASHINGTON, DC – The Ripon Society and The Franklin Center for Global Policy Exchange held their 13th annual bipartisan luncheon honoring the Operations Directors and Schedulers in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate this past Friday. These staff members, as described by Ripon and Franklin President & CEO Jim Conzelman, “play an indispensable role in ensuring the smooth functioning of Congress.”
“Every day, despite countless requests and an ever-changing agenda, the Schedulers and Executive Assistants in the House and Senate make the impossible happen,” Conzelman shared in his opening remarks. “This marks the 13th year we’ve gathered to honor this hardworking group of Congressional staff members, whom we refer to as the ‘Unsung Heroes of Capitol Hill.’
“Your work often goes unappreciated, but it has not gone unnoticed. Both Congress and the nation are better because of everything you do. You are integral to keeping Congress running and the democratic process alive, and we owe you our deepest gratitude.”
The luncheon, which was attended by more than 90 Operations Directors and Schedulers, featured remarks from Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN-08), who serves as House co-chair of The Ripon Society. In his address, Bucshon shared how his own Operations Directors have supported him throughout his time on Capitol Hill.
Following Bucshon’s remarks, Conzelman followed another tradition of the annual luncheon – naming the top Operations Directors and Schedulers as selected by members of The Ripon Society and Franklin Center.
“Every year we do this,” Conzelman said, “and every year the responses are so overwhelming that we just cannot keep the list to 10 – and this year is no exception. The individuals here today from both sides of the aisle were nominated because of their steadfast commitment and dedication to public service. So, it is now my honor to recognize the ‘Top 20 of 2024!’”
Those honored this year include:
- Sara Garcia – with Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (OK-5)
- Ansley Boylan – with Congressman Larry Bucshon (IN-8)
- Lauren Allen – with Senator Shelley Moore Capito (WV)
- Jamie Johnson – with Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-1)
- Hannah Barr – with Senator Bill Cassidy (LA)
- Brandon T. Smith – with Congressman Ron Estes (KS-4)
- Laura Steven – with Congressman Randy Feenstra (IA-4)
- Shannon McDermott – with Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-7)
- Savannah Berryman – with Congressman French Hill (AK-2)
- Holly McDonald – with Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4)
- Jude Al-Hmoud – with Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-2)
- Nicole Malec – with Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-8)
- Libby Otto – with Congressman Rick Larsen (WA-2)
- Ethan Sanders – with Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19)
- Brooke Oliver – with Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)
- Sthevanie Lopez-Amaro – with Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38)
- Jasmine Goodman – with Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-7)
- Marshall Stallings – with Congressman Jason Smith (MO-8)
- Angela Schulze – with Senator Thom Tillis (NC); and,
- Emily Button – with Senator Todd Young (IN)
Conzelman – who spent over two decades serving as the Chief of Staff to former Congressman Mike Oxley (R-OH) — concluded the event by once again expressing his appreciation to those in attendance and the important jobs they fulfill every day.
“On behalf of the Ripon Society and Franklin Center, thank you! Thank you for your hard work and dedication to serving one of the most consequential institutions in the world, the United States Congress.”
The Ripon Society is a public policy organization that was founded in 1962 and takes its name from the town where the Republican Party was born in 1854 – Ripon, Wisconsin. One of the main goals of The Ripon Society is to promote the ideas and principles that have made America great and contributed to the GOP’s success. These ideas include keeping our nation secure, keeping taxes low and having a federal government that is smaller, smarter and more accountable to the people.
Founded in 1978, The Franklin Center for Global Policy Exchange is a non-partisan, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to enhancing global understanding of important international issues. The Franklin Center brings together Members of the U.S. Congress and their international parliamentary counterparts as well as experts from the Diplomatic corps, foreign officials, senior private sector representatives, scholars, and other public policy experts. Through regular conferences and events where leading international opinion leaders share ideas, the Franklin Center promotes enlightened, balanced, and unbiased international policy discussion on major international issues.
To view additional photos from Friday’s luncheon, please visit here.