Press Releases

Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) today congratulated his departing Chief of Staff, Tanya Bradsher, who was appointed by President-elect Joe Biden to serve as Senior Director for Partnerships and Global Engagement on the National Security Council. Beyer also announced staffing changes as a result of her departure.

“Everyone who knows Tanya knows she is a wonderful person who is bound for greatness. 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.”

Beyer announced that his Acting Chief of Staff Zach Cafritz, who had previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director, would take over as Chief of Staff, with Policy Advisor Kate Schisler being promoted to 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. Zach and Kate are talented, creative, experienced, and wise counselors, and I appreciate their continued service to Virginia’s 8^th District. I am so proud of my team, and look forward to what we will accomplish in the time to come.”

Bradsher joined Beyer as Chief of Staff in 2019 following years of service in the U.S. Army, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Security Council, and had been on leave while serving as an advisor on the Biden-Harris Transition. Cafritz and Schisler are Capitol Hill veterans with years of experience, having been with Beyer since he took office and previously with Beyer’s predecessor James P. Moran.

Details from the Transition’s announcement of Bradsher’s appointment follow below:

Tanya Bradsher, Senior Director for Partnerships and Global Engagement
Tanya Bradsher is the National Security Agency lead on the Biden-Harris Transition Team. Prior to her role on transition, she served as Chief of Staff for Congressman Don Beyer. Bradsher served as the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security during the Obama-Biden administration, led Veteran and Military Family outreach in the Office of Public Engagement, and served as the Assistant Press Secretary on the National Security Council. Bradsher is an Iraq war veteran who served 20 years in the United States Army and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Bradsher was born in Virginia, is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and The George Washington University. She lives in Virginia with her husband and three daughters.

“The National Security Council plays a critical role in keeping our nation safe and secure. These crisis-tested, deeply experienced public servants will work tirelessly to protect the American people and restore America’s leadership in the world. They will ensure that the needs of working Americans are front and center in our national security policymaking, and our country will be better for it,” said President-elect Joe Biden.

“This outstanding team of dedicated public servants will be ready to hit the ground running on day one to address the transnational challenges facing the American people -- from climate to cyber. They reflect the very best of our nation and they have the knowledge and experience to help build our nation back better for all Americans,” said Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.

“I am proud to announce that these incredibly accomplished individuals will be joining the National Security Council. They will bring a wide range of perspectives to tackling the defining challenges of our time, and I thank them for their willingness to serve their country,” said incoming White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain.