Staffer Profiles
Top 10 Schedulerson the Hill
On Capitol Hill, a Member’s calendar rarely stays put. Between votes, hearings, travel, constituent meetings, and last-minute changes, schedulers keep the day—and often the entire office—on track.
We asked Hill staffers to nominate the colleagues who do it best.
Here are CNCT’s Top 10 Schedulers on the Hill...
Abby Stahl
Office of Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE)Scheduling for a Senator who serves on six committees is no small task, but Abby Stahl has earned a reputation for keeping everything running smoothly. She received more nominations than anyone else on this list, with colleagues praising her organization, professionalism, and commitment to mentoring newer staffers. One colleague wrote, I have never worked with a more extraordinary scheduler in my 6 years on Capitol Hill.
Another summed up her impact in just one sentence: She is the reason our office functions.
Jonas Munson
Office of Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI)Jonas Munson’s colleagues describe him as someone who is always two steps ahead of everything.
From navigating competing priorities to solving last-minute problems, he’s earned a reputation for being dependable, sharp, and willing to take responsibility even when a mistake wasn’t his. Despite the demands of the job, his colleagues consistently highlight his kindness and compassion. One nominator also pointed out that Jonas is exceptionally tall, but he treats fellow staffers as equals with his unwavering compassion.
That is, unless you disagree with him about The Wire.
Ashlyn Kammerlocher
Office of Rep. Tom Barrett (R-MI)Being a scheduler in a freshman office means building systems from the ground up, and Ashlyn Kammerlocher has done just that for Rep. Tom Barrett. Her colleagues credit her with creating an organized scheduling operation while remaining astoundingly calm in all of the chaos.
Beyond her scheduling skills, Ashlyn is known for her positive attitude and leadership under pressure. As one colleague put it, In times of crisis, you can always count on her to stay calm and lead the team.
Abby Sullivan
Office of Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ)At just 24, Abby Sullivan took on a director role in a very busy Congressional office. Her colleagues praise her ability to manage an exceptionally active Member’s calendar with grace, patience, and attention to detail.
Even when Congress is out of session, the schedule stays packed. On top of her regular responsibilities, Abby has helped guide the office through a full reorganization. Her colleagues credit her ability to manage both a department and a demanding schedule, with one adding that she’s just the best to work with!
Ashley Zecca
Office of Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI)Ashley Zecca manages the demanding schedule of House Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg, who also serves as dean of Michigan’s congressional delegation. Between constituent requests, meetings with stakeholders nationwide, and coordinating across the Michigan delegation, Ashley has plenty to juggle. Her colleagues credit her with keeping both the Congressman and the broader team prepared and organized. And her responsibilities apparently extend beyond the calendar. One nominator praised her for everything from creating yet another spreadsheet
to finding parking for Rep. Walberg’s Harley.
Valeria Gaytan
Office of Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA)Valeria Gaytan received seven nominations, with colleagues praising her ability to manage dozens of hearings, interviews, and events while keeping Rep. Robert Garcia’s entire office on track. Previously a scheduler for Rep. Joaquin Castro, Valeria is also known for mentoring other Hill staffers. Her colleagues describe her as having a fierce calmness,
whether she’s briefing the Congressman or spending an hour on hold with an airline. She’s also the first to take ownership when something goes wrong, even when it wasn’t her fault. As one colleague put it, Val keeps our office running.
Anna Catherine Strong
Office of Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS)As Director of Scheduling for Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, Anna Catherine Strong is known for her strategic approach to the Senator’s calendar and her extensive network of relationships across the Hill. Her nominator says she knows someone in nearly every office, and if she doesn’t, she makes a point of introducing herself. A former LSU Student Body President, Anna Catherine also brings her own experience as an elected student leader to the role. Her colleague describes her as an invaluable asset to the office and a fun, vibrant person to be around.
Thor Reimann
Office of Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY)Thor Reimann may be newer to scheduling, but he’s taken on an important role as Rep. Jerry Nadler prepares to conclude his 34 years in Congress. Alongside managing the calendar, Thor has stepped up to serve as the office archivist, helping preserve the Congressman’s legacy. He’s also taken on internship management and legislative correspondence to fill important gaps across the office. His colleagues credit him with helping ensure a smooth close to the Congressman’s tenure, all while bringing joy and positivity to the office like no one else!
Zehra Bakirdan
Office of Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL)In addition to managing Rep. Darin LaHood’s busy schedule, Zehra Bakirdan goes above and beyond to invest in the next generation of Hill staffers. She runs an intern program that provides unique experiences both on and off the Hill, including visits to federal agencies like USDA. She also makes time to mentor new schedulers and interns interested in pursuing scheduling careers. Her nominator particularly praised her willingness to invest in others despite the demands of her own schedule.
Katie McCool
Office of Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-MI)Katie has a way of making the impossible happen,
her nominator writes. No matter how packed the schedule or how many last-minute changes arise, Katie McCool finds a way to keep Rep. Hillary Scholten and her team on track. Her colleagues describe her as dependable, resourceful, and consistently willing to go above and beyond. Much of her work happens behind the scenes, but her impact is felt across the office. As her nominator put it, Anyone who works with Katie knows just how much she does behind the scenes.