Alaskans,
It is the honor of my life to represent you in Congress. I’ve always prided myself on having the support of an incredible team. I truly believe I have the best staff in Congress, and I wanted to take a moment to introduce you to my team in Washington, D.C. Each day, I witness their tireless work on behalf of all Alaskans. In Congress, workdays can be incredibly long, sometimes lasting until the early hours of the following day. No matter how tough the job gets, my staff members pour every last bit of effort into putting Alaska first. It is truly a privilege to work alongside them as we secure results for our great state.
When you call my D.C. office, these are the committed staffers who are always ready to hear from you. I hope you’ll take a moment to meet my team and learn about what they do in this special newsletter. Our office’s number one priority has always been and continues to be standing up for Alaska. Never hesitate to contact my office if you have any questions or concerns about matters before Congress.
Sincerely,
Don Young
Congressman for All Alaska
Alex Ortiz – Chief of Staff
Hi Alaska, I’m Alex Ortiz and I serve as Congressman Young’s Chief of Staff. I lead the Congressman’s team and work to advance his overarching objectives. I’ve held many roles in Congressman Young’s office over the last ten years and enjoy the chance to meet folks from all over the state. Previously I was on the staff of Senator Ted Stevens. I’m originally from Ketchikan and get back to rainy Southeast as much as possible.
Paula Conru – Executive Assistant and Director of Scheduling
Hi, I’m Paula. I have been with Congressman Young’s Washington, DC office for over seven years as the Director of Scheduling and Office Manager. Many years ago, I drove to Alaska for adventure shortly after college, quickly fell in love with the state, and ended up staying for over twenty years. Congressman Young’s passion and dedication for the Last Frontier is truly amazing, and I am honored to work with him.
Jesse von Stein – Legislative Director
Hello, I’m Jesse von Stein, Legislative Director for Congressman Don Young, the Congressman for All Alaska and Dean of the House. I’ve been in the Congressman’s office for over seven years and frankly couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. I feel blessed and honored to come in each day and work to help him represent the people of Alaska here in Washington, D.C. In the office I manage the Congressman’s legislative team to accomplish policy goals and promote legislation on behalf of Alaska while covering my own policy portfolio of health care, trade, cannabis, and other issues.
Zack Brown – Communications Director
Hi, I’m Zack Brown and I serve as Communications Director for Congressman Young. I've been with the Congressman for over three years and have thoroughly enjoyed each and every day. I have family members in Anchorage, Chugiak, and Kenai. My passion for Alaska began when I took a trip to Seward for a fishing trip following my high school graduation. One of the best parts of my job is serving as a public link between Alaskans and their Congressman and making sure their lines of communication are always open. I am very lucky to do what I do. It's an honor to work alongside Congressman Young on behalf of Alaskans, and I look forward to serving with this incredible team in the years ahead!
Kellie Chong – Legislative Assistant
My name is Kellie Chong and I’m a second-generation Korean-American born and raised in the state of Alaska, specifically, Fairbanks. I started my career on Capitol Hill as a staffer for Senator Lisa Murkowski, and I now currently serve as a Legislative Assistant for Congressman Don Young. I handle issues related to agriculture, education, civil rights, social justice, and financial services. I am one of the first chairs of the Congressional Korean American Staff Association (CKASA) since its official establishment at the start of the 116th Congress. I am honored to be a part of Congressman Young’s team and am humbled to continue my service to Alaska and to make a positive and innovative impact.
Bruce Newman – Special Assistant
I am Bruce Newman and work as a Special Assistant for Congressman Young, I have also lived in Alaska. Some of the issue areas that I cover include the Postal Service, seniors and Social Security; travel and tourism; as well as elections and campaign finance. One of the aspects of working for Congressman Young that I really enjoy is constantly dealing with different issues and helping to solve problems for Alaskans.
Nicole Desrochers – Legislative Assistant
Hi, I’m Nicole Desrochers and I serve as a Legislative Assistant, handling Natural Resources issues for Congressman Young. The first time I visited Alaska was on a cruise following my high school graduation, and I quickly fell in love with the state and all that it had to offer. My favorite part about working for Congressman Young is meeting the Alaskans that so heavily rely on resources such as fish, timber, and oil to meet their everyday needs. Helping the Congressman represent their interests in Washington, D.C. is truly an honor, and I look forward to continuing working alongside the Dean of the House in the years to come.
Mike Songer – Senior Legislative Assistant and Defense Policy Advisor
Hi, I’m Mike Songer, an Air Force veteran, and I serve as Senior Legislative Assistant for Congressman Young. I've been with the Congressman since 2017 and advise him on policy issues related to national defense, foreign affairs, and veterans. Congressman Young is a steadfast advocate for Alaska and it’s an honor to be part of his team.
Jocelyn Broman – Legislative Assistant
Hello! I’m Jocelyn Broman and I am the Legislative Assistant covering the Alaska Native and American Indian policy portfolio for Congressman Young. I also cover the telecommunication, tax, law enforcement and legal systems, and federal budget policy areas. I’ve worked for Congressman Young since December 2020, and it’s been the highlight of my six years working in Congress. My favorite parts of my job are that I learn something new every day; and I get to work promoting practical solutions and your stories with an amazing team dedicated to putting Alaska first. Each day is an honor to work alongside Congressman Young on behalf of Alaskans, and I look forward to doing so for many years.
Lauren Noland – Legislative Correspondent
Hello, I’m Lauren Noland, and I serve as Legislative Correspondent for Congressman Don Young. I enjoy working every day with the Congressman and our team, and it is an honor working with such caring people. I was born In Anchorage and have lived in several areas in both Southcentral and the Interior – I’m also a veteran. Even though I am currently in the D.C. area, Alaska is still my home. I love visiting my family and friends as much as I possibly can. The best part of my job is being able to come to work and help Alaskans truly feel heard as they relay their concerns about current policy issues.
Anderson Tran – Legislative Assistant and NOAA Sea Grant Fellow
Hi, I’m Anderson Tran, and I serve Congressman Young as a Legislative Assistant through the NOAA Sea Grant John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship. During 2022, I will help advise the Congressman on issues related to oceans and fisheries policy. It is exciting to work for a Representative who is so passionate about serving his constituents. I am looking forward to helping Congressman Young represent the interests of Alaskans over the next year and beyond!
Kevin Swanson – Legislative Assistant
Hi, I'm Kevin Swanson and I serve as a Legislative Assistant for Congressman Young. In that capacity, I work on issues relating to transportation and labor. I've worked for the Congressman for over two and half years and have relished the opportunity to focus on issues that are fundamental to Alaskans’ well-being. Congressman Young is a national leader on transportation issues and his work has built the foundation for Alaska's prosperity for many decades. It has been an honor to work with him. Congressman Young's dogged passion for Alaska is a model for public service in today's day and age.
