Congressman Mike Lawler Announces Staff Changes

Pearl River, N.Y. - 3/18/2025… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) announced recent staff changes in the following statement. After a successful stint as Chief of Staff, Andrea Grace left for the Office of Legislative Affairs in the White House. Nate Soule , a longtime aide, has been promoted from Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director to Chief of Staff. James McNamee is now Deputy Chief and Legislative Director. Ciro Riccardi , who moved over to run the 2024 campaign, is now back as Communications Director and Senior Advisor. Ava Verzani recently replaced Ashley Phillips as Director of Operations and Scheduler. Phillips left earlier this year to work for EPA Director Lee Zeldin. Courtney Kaufman is now Senior Policy Advisor and handles Lawler’s Foreign Affairs portfolio. Rafi Silberberg has shifted from District Director to Senior Advisor. Donna Chiapperino has been promoted to District Director with Putnam County Legislator Erin Crowley serving as Deputy District Director. Sean Glendening is now Chief Counsel. Glendening earned his J.D. at Albany Law School and also works as a Judge Advocate for the U.S. Army. Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. ###