Boozman Announces New Chief of Staff

WASHINGTON —U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) announced Rosie Heiss will become his Chief of Staff upon the departure of his current top aide, Toni-Marie Higgins, at the start of the 120th Congress. “Rosie first served as a key advisor to me on national security and veterans policy before returning to our team to lead my entire legislative staff, including our Appropriations Committee efforts that deliver critical federal investments to The Natural State. She has admirably dedicated her talents and expertise to public service for much of her career. I am confident that she will continue providing invaluable counsel and strategic initiative as my incoming Chief of Staff to the benefit of all Arkansans,” Boozman said . Heiss was active-duty U.S. Air Force during the Global War on Terror and deployed in support of operations in Iraq. She also held civilian roles with the U.S. Navy and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency prior to her time on the Hill. Previously, she served as Boozman’s Senior Defense Advisor and then as a Professional Staff Member on the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Defense. She returned to Boozman’s staff in January 2025 as Legislative Director and Deputy Chief of Staff. Her father is a native of Carlisle, Arkansas, and also served in the Air Force. Heiss’ parents both graduated from the University of Arkansas. “I am honored to serve in this new capacity for Senator Boozman and the team, as well as incredibly grateful that I get to keep serving Arkansans. The senator always tells us to use the power of the office for good, and that will continue to be my favorite part of this new job,” Heiss said . Higgins is departing for an opportunity in the private sector, having worked for Boozman since 2007 and serving as Chief of Staff since 2017. Her leadership has been integral to advancing the senator’s policy priorities as well as his celebrated constituent casework and outreach. Higgins was named Senate Republican Chief of Staff of the Year in 2026 by the Congressional Management Foundation, served as a Stennis Center for Public Service Senior Fellow, and was recognized as one of the most influential women on Capitol Hill by Washingtonian Magazine. “Toni-Marie has been my most trusted advisor for a decade and championed her adopted state of Arkansas with passion and unwavering dedication. I could not be more proud of her many contributions over the years as well as the professionalism, knowledge and personal care she demonstrated each and every day. Her impact not just on my office or the state of Arkansas, but also on the Senate and entire Capitol Hill community, fills me with tremendous pride and gratitude. I wish Toni-Marie and her family all the best and can never thank her enough for the job she has done, and continues to do, for me, every Arkansan and our nation,” Boozman said .