Courtney Announces Staff Changes

WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-2) announced that his longtime Chief of Staff, Jason Gross, will be departing next month after having served in his office for the past nine years. Additionally, current Legislative Director, Neil McKiernan, will be elevated to serve as the new Chief of Staff overseeing both the Washington, D.C. and the district offices in Norwich and Enfield. Tim Brown has assumed the role of Communications Director following the departure of Liz Donovan in November.

“Today I am announcing with personal regret but with warm wishes that my longtime chief of staff, Jason Gross, will be moving on to pursue a new opportunity,” said Courtney. “Jason’s departure will mark the end of an era for my office, as he has been a foundational part of everything I have done here over the past nine years. During his tenure as Chief of Staff, Jason has served this office and the people of eastern Connecticut with dedication and distinction – and he will be missed. I will wish him all the best in his new role serving as Executive Director for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition.”

“I am pleased to announce that another longtime aide, Neil McKiernan, who has served as Legislative Director since 2009 has agreed to take over as Chief of Staff. Neil is a dedicated and hardworking public servant, and I have no doubt that he be a great asset to me and the people of eastern Connecticut for years to come.”

“I am happy to have Tim Brown joining our office as the new Communications Director. His extensive policy and political experience in Connecticut will equip him to provide valuable contributions to my Congressional office.”

Gross has served as Chief of Staff for Congressman Courtney since his first day in office in 2007. He will be rejoining the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, where he previously served as Managing Director before joining Courtney’s office, as the incoming Executive Director. Prior to his first stint with the USGLC, he served as an aide to the House International Affairs Committee under former Second District of Connecticut Representative Sam Gejdenson.

McKiernan has also served in Courtney’s office since 2007, first as a Legislative Assistant before being promoted to Legislative Director in 2009. McKiernan serves as Courtney’s primary aide on the House Armed Services Committee, including Congressman Courtney’s duties as the Ranking Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces subcommittee.

Brown previously served as a Legislative Assistant in Congressman John Larson’s Washington D.C. office since 2011.

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