Senator Collins Announces Senior Staff for Historic 5th Term
Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins today announced her senior leadership team for the 117th Congress. Steve Abbott will be returning to serve as her Chief of Staff after managing her successful re-election campaign for an historic fifth term. Betsy McDonnell has been named Deputy Chief of Staff, and Katie Brown has been appointed Legislative Director. Annie Clark will be returning to serve as Communications Director, and Darci Greenacre will continue to serve as Director of Scheduling. Senator Collins’ current Chief of Staff, Olivia Kurtz, is leaving for a new opportunity outside the government.
“I am so fortunate to have a team of trusted advisors leading my staff as we embark on a new Congress and continue to confront the many serious challenges facing Maine and our country. Their wisdom, skill, and dedication will help me best serve the people of Maine,” said Senator Collins. “I am particularly grateful that Steve Abbott, who has advised me for more than two decades, is resuming his previous position of Chief of Staff.”
Steve Abbott, a native of Orono, Maine, is an attorney who has been Senator Collins’ chief of staff for 20 years. Widely respected for his strategic skills and in-depth knowledge of Maine, Mr. Abbott served as campaign manager for Senator Collins’ successful re-election campaigns in 2002, 2008, 2014, and 2020.
Betsy McDonnell has a wealth of experience on Capitol Hill and a deep understanding of the intricacies of Senate procedure. In addition to serving as Staff Director for the Senate Aging Committee, Ms. McDonnell served as the Staff Director for the Senate Budget Committee and as Deputy Chief of Staff, Legislative Director, and a senior policy advisor to Senator Collins.
Katie Brown has served as chief counsel and a senior policy advisor to Senator Collins since 2013, and she has a wide range of expertise, from appropriations to education policy. Prior to working for Senator Collins, Ms. Brown served in the office of Congressman Chris Shays.
Annie Clark has served as Senator Collins’ Communications Director since 2016. Ms. Clark also served as Communications Director for Senator Collins’ successful 2020 reelection campaign.
Darci Greenacre, a native of Hampden, Maine, has worked for Senator Collins since 2010 and has served as her Director of Scheduling for the past six years.
Alycia Tomaino has served as Senator Collins’ Administrative Director since 2015.
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