McCollum Announces Josh Straka Will Serve as Chief of Staff, Katie Connolly as District Director

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.), Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, announced today that Josh Straka will be her chief of staff following the retirement of Bill Harper on January 6. Straka takes on the role after serving as her district director for the past 20 years. McCollum also announced that Katie Connolly will be her district director. Connolly has served as her Minnesota scheduler and office manager since 2015.

Congresswoman McCollum released the following statement:
"Experience, knowledge, and leadership are central to my staff in Minnesota and Washington as they serve the public," said Congresswoman McCollum. "I'm pleased to announce that Josh Straka will be my chief of staff and Katie Connolly will by my district director. For two decades, Josh has been a trusted senior leader, guiding the most experienced constituent services team in the state, navigating federal agencies, and connecting East Metro communities with federal funding opportunities and my work on the Appropriations Committee. He is a natural fit as my chief of staff.

"Katie Connolly has adeptly managed one of the most challenging jobs on any congressional staff – managing a member's schedule. She will bring those skills, professionalism, and her own deep roots in Saint Paul to the position of district director.

"Serving residents of the Fourth Congressional District is a true team effort, and I'm fortunate that Josh and Katie will be leading my staff – who bring nearly 130 years of combined service – to work on behalf of Minnesotans. Their collective efforts serving constituents and delivering for Minnesota makes a difference in countless lives."

Prior to joining Congresswoman McCollum's office as district director in 2002, Josh Straka served as communications director on McCollum's historic 2000 election when she became just the second woman elected to Congress in Minnesota history. Earlier, he served as communications director for Congressman Joseph Crowley of New York.

Katie Connolly is a 5^th-generation Saint Paulite. She served on the campaign team for Congressman Rick Nolan (MN-08) during his historic comeback in 2012 through early 2015 before joining McCollum's congressional staff.

###