WASHINGTON, DC – The Ripon Society hosted a luncheon discussion yesterday afternoon with the Chiefs of Staff for 11 U.S. Senators, who talked about the political environment heading into the 2020 election and the legislative agenda between now and the end of the year.

The Chiefs participating in the discussion included: Nick Rossi, who serves as the Chief of Staff in the Office of the Majority Whip, U.S. Sen John Thune (R-SD); Beth Jafari, who serves as Chief of Staff for U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX); Lisa Goeas, the Chief of Staff for U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA); Alex Siciliano, who serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff for U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO); Luke Holland, the Chief of Staff for U.S. Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK); Phil Maxson, who serves as the Chief of Staff for U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY); Justin Roth, the Chief of Staff for U.S. Sen. Martha McSally (R-AZ); Megan Whittemore, the Chief of Staff for U.S. Sen. David Perdue (R-GA); John Insinger, the Chief of Staff for U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-ID); Larry Burton, who serves as Chief of Staff for U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK); and, Ted Lehman, the Chief of Staff for U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC).

Rossi, who has spent over a decade as a Senate staffer, kicked off the discussion by delivering opening remarks and introducing his 10 colleagues as well.

“The Chiefs who joined us define what it means to be a leader in Washington.”

“We appreciate Nick and his Senate colleagues for taking the time to join us yesterday afternoon,” stated Jim Conzelman, the President & CEO of The Ripon Society who spent over 27 years as a Chief of Staff on Capitol Hill, himself. “The character of a Chief of Staff helps to define the character of any office, and the quality of their leadership sets the tone for how an office serves the people of their state. The Chiefs who joined us define what it means to be a leader in Washington, and we wish them the best of luck in the months ahead.”

According to Conzelman, yesterday’s round table discussion was attended by a crowd of over 100 people, and was the 61st event The Ripon Society has hosted so far in 2019. Upcoming events for The Ripon Society include a breakfast discussion with House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) on October 17th and a breakfast discussion with Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn on October 23rd focusing on the importance of expanding access to broadband internet in rural areas.

The Ripon Society is a public policy organization that was founded in 1962 and takes its name from the town where the Republican Party was born in 1854 — Ripon, Wisconsin. One of the main goals of The Ripon Society is to promote the ideas and principles that have made America great and contributed to the GOP’s success. These ideas include keeping our nation secure, keeping taxes low and having a federal government that is smaller, smarter and more accountable to the people.

To view additional photos of yesterday’s luncheon discussion, please click here.