Chairman Roberts Announces New Hires for Senate Agriculture Committee

Press Release

U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry today announced additional senior staff selections.

"I am proud to add people with experience in farming, ranching and agriculture policymaking to the staff," Roberts said. "With our first business meeting scheduled for next week, we are ready to get to work."

In addition to Staff Director Joel Leftwich and Communications Director Sarah Little announced earlier this month, Chairman Roberts will add the following individuals to the Agriculture Committee staff:

Julian Baer, Sr. Policy Advisor for Nutrition: Julian Baer joined the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee in early 2013. His issue portfolio includes nutrition, horticulture, and specialty crops. Prior to joining the Committee, Julian spent over 12 years working in agriculture, food, and nutrition policy. He previously held positions at OFW Law, FoodMinds LLC, the Food Marketing Institute, and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives. During his time at Education and the Workforce, he worked on the 2004 reauthorization of the child nutrition programs. Julian grew up on a Christmas tree farm outside of Ithaca, in upstate New York. Focusing on government and education studies, he graduated from Hamilton College in Clinton, New York.

Janae Brady, Sr. Professional Staff for Trade, Food Aid: Janae Brady most recently worked as an Associate for Gordley Associates where she represented the soybean industry working on issues related to trade, international development, biotechnology, and food aid. Prior to this, she worked as a Legislative Assistant, then Professional Staff for Senator Roberts on the Ag Committee assisting on trade, food aid, farm and rural credit, livestock and financial services issues. Brady is a fifth generation Kansan born and raised in Parsons, Kansas, and grew up working on her family's wheat and sorghum farm located in Deerfield, Kansas. She received her undergraduate degree from Kansas State University. After teaching high school for three years in Wichita, Kansas, she moved to Washington, DC where she received her master's degree at the George Washington University.

Meghan Cline, Press Secretary: Meghan most recently worked as Assistant Director of Communications for the National Pork Producers Council. She also holds internship experience with the dairy, wine, grains, and agriculture education sectors. Cline was born and raised in Dalton, Georgia, and earned both Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Agricultural Communications from the University of Georgia and Oklahoma State University, respectively.

James Glueck, Sr. Policy Advisor for Biotechnology, Risk Management, and Grain Inspection: James Glueck most recently worked as Deputy Staff Director and Policy Director for the Senate Ag Committee. He previously served as a Legislative Assistant for agriculture, trade, and water issues for Senator Mike Johanns (R-NE). Glueck has also worked for Bunge North America and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including roles as a senior advisor to the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, congressional liaison, deputy White House liaison, deputy director of intergovernmental affairs, and confidential assistant in the Farm Service Agency. Glueck is from Canyon, Texas and earned a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Development from Texas A&M University as well as a graduate certificate in Advanced International Affairs from the George Bush School of Government and Public Service.

Darin Guries, Sr. Professional Staff for Rural Development, Energy, and Transportation: Darin has worked in Senator Robert's personal office for a little over 4 years, first serving as a Legislative Assistant and then as Deputy Legislative Director. His current issue portfolio includes energy, environmental regulations, telecommunications, transportation, and judicial nominees. Prior to his time with Senator Roberts, Darin served as General Counsel for then Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS). Darin did his undergrad work at Kansas State University and received his Juris Doctor from Regent University. Darin was raised in Salina, Kansas.

Wayne Stoskopf, Professional Staff for Commodities, Crop Insurance, and Dairy: Wayne Stoskopf has worked as a Legislative Assistant for Senator Roberts handling agriculture, nutrition, and water issues since June 2012. He also served as the liaison between Roberts personal and Agriculture Ranking Member offices. He previously worked for U.S. Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (R-Kan.) handling agriculture policy and was a Field Director in central Kansas for U.S. Senator Jerry Moran's 2010 campaign. Stoskopf was born and raised on his family's wheat, sorghum and livestock farm near Hoisington, Kansas. He graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agribusiness. He served as Student Government Vice President from 2009-2010.

Katherine Thomas, Executive Assistant: Katherine Thomas has been the Staff Assistant for Congressman Mike Pompeo since August 2013. She also worked on mail and handled Education, Postal, and Social Security issues for the Congressman. Katherine graduated from the College of William and Mary with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Environmental Science. She is a lifelong Kansan and grew up in Wichita, Kansas.

Andrew Vlasaty, Sr. Professional Staff for Conservation, Environment, and Forestry: Andrew Vlasaty has served on the Senate Agriculture Committee since 2011 where he managed dairy, conservation, agricultural research, forestry and energy issues during the 2014 Farm Bill negotiations. Prior to joining the Senate Agriculture Committee, Vlasaty worked at the Russell Group, a food and agriculture consulting firm, and handled a variety of issues related to agriculture policy. Vlasaty started his agricultural policy career while serving in USDA's Office of Congressional Relations during the Bush Administration. Originally from St. Louis, Mo., Vlasaty graduated from Santa Clara University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science.

Chairman Roberts will have further Committee hires to announce in the coming days.

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