By Mary Kerr 202-225-6260
Rep. James L. Oberstar (Minn.), Chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, announced two staff changes today.
Stacie Soumbeniotis, currently serving as Staff Director for the Aviation Subcommittee, has been promoted to Deputy Chief Counsel of the Full Committee. In her new position, Soumbeniotis will handle all issues under the Committee’s jurisdiction, in addition to continuing to serve as Staff Director for the Aviation Subcommittee.
Also, Joseph Wender, previously Counsel and Director of Legal Affairs for Grassroots Campaigns, a political consulting group, joins the Committee’s Oversight and Investigations staff. Wender will not be assigned specific issue areas but will work on a variety of issues, as needed.
Soumbeniotis joined the Aviation Subcommittee in 1999, and she has served as the Subcommittee’s Democratic Staff Director since January 2000. During that time, she has participated in the drafting of several landmark aviation laws including, AIR 21, the Aviation and Transportation Security Act; VISION 100; and the aviation security provisions of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004.
“Stacie has been a key member of our team for a decade, and she has made invaluable contributions to the crafting of public policy for the aviation industry,” said Oberstar. “I know the entire Committee will benefit from her experience and expertise, and I look forward to continue working with her on the FAA Authorization bill and other vital issues under the Committee’s jurisdiction.”
Prior to coming to the Hill, Soumbeniotis was an attorney with the Federal Aviation Administration’s Office of the Chief Counsel, focusing on aircraft operational and cabin safety issues. Soumbeniotis began practicing law in 1993 at the Washington D.C. firm of Morgan Lewis, specializing in environmental law. She earned a law degree at The Catholic University of America and her undergraduate degree at Marymount University.
A 2008 graduate of Harvard Law School, Wender most recently served as in-house counsel for a political consulting group that manages progressive fundraising canvasses. Wender’s previous Hill experience includes working as a law clerk on Senator Edward Kennedy’s Judiciary Committee staff in 2007. Wender earned his undergraduate degree from Wesleyan University.
“We are excited to have Joseph join our staff,” Oberstar said. “He has a broad range of experience in public service, and he will be a great addition to carrying out the Committee’s oversight responsibilities.”
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