Owens Announces Changes to Senior Staff

Resources / Press Share on Owens Announces Changes to Senior Staff Jul 24, 2026 Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04) announced key changes to his senior leadership team. Devon Murphy to Succeed Lee Lonsberry as Chief of Staff After three years as Chief of Staff to Congressman Owens, Lee Lonsberry concluded his time on Capitol Hill , rounding out an incredibly successful and meaningful decade of service to Utah across three members of Congress in the House and Senate. Succeeding him as Chief of Staff is Devon Murphy. Murphy is a veteran of the Utah Army National Guard and a seasoned staffer with just under a decade of congressional experience, in both the state and Washington D.C . He began his service to Utah’s congressional delegation as Military Legislative Assistant to Rep. Rob Bishop and later served as Senior Policy Advisor to Rep. Blake Moore. He has since played a central role in advancing Congressman Owens’ legislative agenda, most recently as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director for the last three years. “I am saddened to see my friend Lee Lonsberry leave, but I am excited for the bright future that he has ahead of him in his next chapter,” Rep. Owens said. “Lee has become one of Utah’s most trusted voices, from his time at KSL to his decade of dedicated and capable service to Utah and our nation in the Halls of Congress. His larger-than-life charisma and boundless energy all but ensured everyone who met him quickly became his friend. I’ve been incredibly grateful for the team we assembled, which has become an invaluable asset to the people of Utah’s Fourth District, and we’re excited to see him take those skills of service, patience, encouragement and that as a strategist into his next chapter. We know, as has been his last chapter, it will be a successful one. “I am pleased to announce Devon Murphy as my new Chief of Staff,” Owens continued. “Devon is an exceptional staffer with deep knowledge of the House of Representatives and a genuine love for Utah and our nation. As my Legislative Director, he helped secure the most significant legislative wins of my career in Congress. He understands how to build a culture rooted in hard work, attention to detail, and hustle. Utah’s Fourth District is fortunate to have a public servant of his character and caliber. Devon has my full trust and confidence, and I know he will serve this office and this district well.” “Mr. Owen’s story and his genuine love of people inspires everyone he meets,” Murphy said. “He is one of Congress’s most powerful communicators and, quite simply, one of its kindest people. It is the honor of a lifetime to serve him and Utah’s Fourth District during this final chapter in Washington and help secure an earned legacy of both kindness and as a serious legislator who made a meaningful difference in education, workforce development, and transportation.” As Chief of Staff, Murphy will oversee office operations, lead the staff, and direct the strategy and execution of Congressman Owens’ priorities for his remaining time in Congress. Cody Rowe Named Legislative Director Rep. Owens has also announced that Cody Rowe has been promoted as his new Legislative Director. Rowe has been with the Owens’ office for the last four years where he has served as the Congressman’s Education & Workforce Legislative Assistant and Senior Legislative Advisor. “I came to Congress to make a difference for our kids and work in education,” Rep. Owens said. “Cody has been an incredible asset as my Senior Legislative Assistant, where we have secured incredible wins for our youth and educational choice and freedom. Cody has put in the effort to command the respect of those inside and outside my office. I am proud of his hustle and work ethic, which has brought him this far. He was the only choice to fill the position as my new Legislative Director, as we continue to work towards securing a new golden age for our children.” “I cannot express how grateful I am for the chance to serve the people of Utah in a greater capacity,” Rowe said. “I will strive to achieve wins for Utah’s Fourth District and support Congressman Owens in his duties as an elected official of the people.” In his expanded role as Legislative Director, Rowe will continue to oversee Congressman Owens’ work on the Education & Workforce Committee while serving as the Congressman’s principal advisor on legislative matters. He will coordinate policy strategy and ensure that Rep. Owens’ vision and priorities are carried out. Colby Walker Remains Communications Director Colby Walker will remain in his role serving as Congressman Owens’ Communications Director. He started in the role in January after serving as Sen. Mike Lee’s State Communications Specialist since 2021. Before his time in Congress, Walker worked as a digital content producer for KSL News in Salt Lake City. “Colby has been an incredible addition to our team, and I have been pleased with his efforts in amplifyin