Washington, D.C.— Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), incoming Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, today announced senior staff for the Committee. Additional staff announcements will be made in the coming days.

“The Energy and Commerce Committee is at the very center of our mission for America to win the future. I’m excited to announce members of my senior staff who are uniquely qualified to support this mission,” said McMorris Rodgers. “They are top-notch talents who have invaluable expertise. I’m grateful for their service and commitment to embracing value-based leadership on the Energy and Commerce Committee so every member shines and delivers results to restore, rebuild, and renew the American Dream.”

On the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the following staff will serve under Republican Staff Director Nate Hodson.

Sarah Rogers Burke – Deputy Staff Director

Sarah Rogers Burke is returning to the McMorris Rodgers team after serving as Rep. Jason Smith’s Deputy Chief of Staff for two years. She previously served under McMorris Rodgers as the Director of Member Services during her tenure as House Republican Conference Chair. Burke’s experience also includes working for multiple Members of Congress, in the private sector, and on the Romney – Ryan 2012 Presidential Campaign.

Michael Taggart – Policy Director

Michael Taggart has served as McMorris Rodgers’s Legislative Director since 2019. As Policy Director, he will be a senior advisor on policy and strategy, manage the subcommittees, and develop the legislative agenda for Energy and Commerce Republicans. Taggart previously served as Legislative Director to former E&C member Rep. Leonard Lance (R-NJ).

Olivia Hnat – Communications Director

Olivia Hnat has served as McMorris Rodgers’s Deputy Chief of Staff since 2019. Hnat was National Press Secretary for McMorris Rodgers when she chaired the House Republican Conference. She is a former spokesperson for Speaker John Boehner and Communications Director for Rep. Patrick Tiberi (R-OH).

Emily King – Director of Member Services

Emily King will continue serving McMorris Rodgers as Director of Member Services for the Committee. King started her career in the House with McMorris Rodgers five years ago and most recently served as Director of Operations.

Peter Kielty – General Counsel

Peter Kielty is a 20-year veteran of the Energy and Commerce Committee. He has served as Minority General Counsel since 2019 and previously as the Deputy General Counsel. Kielty has advised on parliamentary and jurisdictional matters before the Committee.

Bijan (BJ) Koohmaraie – Chief Counsel

BJ Koohmaraie will serve as Chief Counsel of the Committee, which will include advising McMorris Rodgers on all technology related policy matters across E&C’s jurisdiction. He most recently served as the Deputy Chief Counsel to the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee and the Director of Coalitions. Prior to joining the Committee in 2017, Koohmaraie served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office.