SHAHEEN ANNOUNCES FOURTEEN ADDITIONS TO NEW HAMPSHIRE STAFF

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen today announced fourteen additions to her New Hampshire staff. These staff members will be located in offices across the state and will lead outreach efforts and constituent services to New Hampshire residents.

 

“I’m pleased that such an exceptional and diverse group of New Hampshire leaders have joined our staff to direct our outreach efforts in the state,” said Senator Shaheen. “Our staff includes a state representative, a town and city councilor, individuals with experience in the Statehouse and on School Boards, and many others who have been long-time leaders in their communities through small businesses, non-profits and other organizations. We’ve built an outstanding team, and I look forward to working with my staff to make sure we get things done for the people of New Hampshire.”

 

These new members of Senator Shaheen’s New Hampshire staff will join Mike Vlacich, who was previously appointed as the State Director.

 

Full details on the staff additions are below:

 

Brent Carney – Senior State Adviser and New Hampshire Press Secretary

Brent currently serves as a Town Councilor in Derry. He most recently worked as the Communications Director for the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation and on the staff of Senator Edward M. Kennedy as Deputy Press Secretary. He was recently named a “40 under 40” by the Union Leader, and lives in Derry with his wife and daughter.

 

Candace Schaefer – Director of Constituent Services

Candace grew up in Loudon, New Hampshire and graduated from Saint Anselm’s college with a degree in Politics. She most recently worked for Congressman Hodes as a community representative. She and her husband live in Pembroke.

 

Dan Calegari – Special Assistant for Constituent Services

Dan has been active in the Manchester community for many years as the owner of Barwind, a small business specializing in home window replacement. Dan is a long-time volunteer for the Spaulding Youth Center in Tilton, New Hampshire.

 

Maggie Leuzarder – Special Assistant for Constituent Services

Maggie most recently worked as Campaign Manager for State Senator Maggie Hassan’s successful reelection campaign. She previously served as Legislative Assistant to Senator Hassan and the Commerce Committee. She lives in Manchester, New Hampshire.

 

Madeline Lewis – Special Assistant for Constituent Services

Madeline was born in Exeter and grew up in Durham, New Hampshire. After graduating from Oyster River High School, she went to Columbia University and obtained a Bachelor's degree in U.S. History, followed by a Master’s degree in journalism.

 

Scott Merrick – Special Assistant for Constituent Services

Scott is a graduate of White Mountains Regional High School and Tufts University. He is currently serving his third term as State Representative for Lancaster, and he was the prime sponsor of the recently enacted Coos County Tax Credit. He was recently named a Union Leader “40 Under 40.”

 

Letizia Ortiz – Special Assistant for Constituent Services

Letizia helps New Hampshire’s refugee and immigrant community as a member of the planning committee for the Family Understanding Nights program. She has served as a Commissioner on the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs since 2005. She currently lives in Bedford with her two children, Clark and Christian.

 

Sarah Sigel – Special Assistant for Constituent Services

Sarah has worked in community planning and development at the local, state and regional levels. For the last several years, she has volunteered and been a substitute teacher in Manchester public schools. She lives in Manchester with her husband and two daughters.

 

Pam Russell Slack – Special Assistant for Constituent Services

Pam was born and raised in Keene and is currently serving her second term as a Keene City Councilor. She graduated from Keene State College and served in the New Hampshire Legislature from 2001-2004.

 

Meaghan D’Arcy – Director of Operations

Meaghan is a native of Londonderry, New Hampshire. She graduated from the University of New Hampshire in May with a major in Political Science and a minor in Business Administration.

 

Max Giella – Scheduler

Max graduated from the University of San Diego where he was a founding member of USD Students for Obama and volunteered as an assistant pre-school teacher at a non-profit community center. He graduated in May with a major in Business Administration. He currently lives in Londonderry, New Hampshire.

 

Amanda Leese – Special Assistant for Projects and Policy

Amanda grew up in Amherst, New Hampshire and first worked for Jeanne Shaheen as an intern when Shaheen was Governor. After graduating from Johns Hopkins with a degree in International Relations, Amanda worked for the Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative in Monrovia, Liberia.

 

Laura Simoes—Special Assistant for Policy and Projects

Laura was most recently partner in the communications firm Louis Karno & Company.   She has worked at the NH Department of Resources and Economic Development and the NH Charitable Foundation.  She is a former Selectman for the Town of Hillsborough and served as a Commissioner on Human Rights for the State of New Hampshire.  She lives in Concord with her husband and two children.

 

Carson Smith – Special Assistant for Policy and Projects

Carson grew up in New Hampshire’s Seacoast and formerly served on the Portsmouth School Board and as Dean of Students for the Derryfield School. He currently lives in Portsmouth with his wife Amy and their daughter Catherine.