Quigley Announces Staff Changes in Hill Office

WASHINGTON - U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) announced today several staff changes in his Washington, D.C. office, including many promotions within his current team.

"I know that a Member of Congress is only as good as his staff, and I'm fortunate to have a spectacular team who would make my colleagues green with envy," said Rep. Quigley. "I'm proud to see so many of my staff members grow into new positions and know we are well-equipped for the opportunities and challenges ahead."

Lindsey Matese, formerly Rep. Quigley's Legislative Director, will now serve as Chief of Staff. In her role as Legislative Director, Ms. Matese led the Congressman's policy team and advised him on all legislative matters ranging from the environment to LGBT equality to ethics and reform. A Hill veteran, Matese has previously held positions with Nancy Boyda (KS) and Steve Kagen (WI). Following graduation from James Madison University, Matese also gained experience in public affairs and consulting. She is an avid marathon runner and volunteer with Back On My Feet, a national non-profit organization dedicated to creating self-sufficiency within the homeless and other under-served populations by engaging them in running as a means to build strength and independence.

Robyn Russell, formerly Rep. Quigley's Senior Legislative Assistant, will now serve as Legislative Director. Ms. Russell will continue to assist the Congressman with his work on the House Judiciary Committee and manage several other issue areas including health care and foreign affairs. Russell received her Bachelor's degree from Loyola University in Chicago and is now pursuing a Master's degree in Public Policy at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced Governmental Studies. Prior to working in Washington, she worked for two years in Cook County government in Illinois, as a legislative aide to then-County Commissioner Quigley.

Jesse Feinberg, formerly Rep. Quigley's Legislative Assistant, will serve as Senior Policy Adviser and Director of Special Projects, working on several economic issues including the budget, appropriations, business, and taxes. A Chicago native, Fulbright Scholar and graduate of Columbia University in New York and the London School of Economics, Mr. Feinberg will continue to support the Congressman in his role as the Ranking Member on the Oversight Subcommittee on TARP and Financial Services. While at Columbia, Feinberg spent two terms studying abroad, first in Chile and later in Spain, and is a fluent Spanish speaker.

Matese, Russell, and Feinberg have all worked for Rep. Quigley since the spring/summer of 2009, when he was sworn in following a special election to replace then-Congressman and now-Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Quigley also welcomed this week Tramell Thomas to serve as Legislative Correspondent. Like his colleagues above, Mr. Thomas won't have to move far for his new position either; he recently completed an internship with Rep. Quigley. He has also served as an intern for the U.S. Department of State, Rep. Lloyd Doggett, the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida, and a Texas State Representative. Thomas holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Juris Doctor from the University of Miami. He has additional experience in legal research, political campaigns, and as a Member-at-Large for the NAACP.

Aviva Bowen will continue to oversee media and local operations from Chicago in her role as District and Communications Director. The Chicago office also recently welcomed Anabel Abarca and Tim Nazanin to the team as congressional aides, handling constituent casework and outreach opportunities.