Former Beyer Chief Of Staff To Begin Job In Biden Administration

ARLINGTON, VA — President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will be sworn in on Wednesday. That means numerous people will be hired to fill government jobs in support of the new administration. One of those people is Tanya Bradsher, the former chief of staff of U.S. Rep. Don Beyer, who represents the Arlington and Alexandria area in Congress.

“Everyone who knows Tanya knows she is a wonderful person who is bound for greatness," Beyer said, in a release. "I wish her all the best as she continues her already-storied career of service to this country. I can’t fault President-elect Biden for stealing my Chief of Staff, he showed excellent judgment in hiring her. I will feel safer knowing that Tanya is playing this important role on the National Security Council, but I also hope that she visits us on the Hill, because we will miss her.”

Bradsher will take on the new role as the senior director for partnerships and global engagement. Previously, she served as the National Security Agency lead for the Biden-Harris Transition Team.

Before joining Beyer's team in 2019, Bradsher was an Iraq War veteran and served 20 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. Bradsher worked as the assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security during the Obama Administration, and led the Office of Public Engagement's veteran and military family outreach. She was also the assistant press secretary on the National Security Council.

A Virginia native, Bradsher is a graduate of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and The George Washington University. She lives with her husband and three daughters in Virginia.

Following Bradsher's departure, Beyer announced that Acting Chief of Staff Zach Cafritz would take over as the new chief of staff. Policy Advisor Kate Schisler was also promoted to be the congressman's legislative director.

“In addition to celebrating Tanya’s appointment, I can also share the good news that even after her departure my office will be in extremely capable hands," Beyer said. "Zach and Kate are talented, creative, experienced, and wise counselors, and I appreciate their continued service to Virginia’s 8th District. I am so proud of my team, and look forward to what we will accomplish in the time to come.”