information provided by the Office of Congresswoman Kelly
WASHINGTON, DC (July 13, 2020) – Last week Congresswoman Robin Kelly announced the hiring of two new staffers and the promotion of a current staffer to Legislative Director. Julius West joined the office July 1 as Chief of Staff, Matt McMurray has been promoted from Senior Legislative Assistant to Legislative Director, and Nicole Varner will join the office as Health Policy Advisor and General Counsel.
“After seven years, new opportunities present themselves and I want my team to continue growing as professionals, people and public servants. While I’m sad to say goodbye to some longtime, dedicated team members, it has created new opportunities to serve the families of the Second Congressional District, especially as 2020 presents new and unprecedented challenges,” said Congresswoman Robin Kelly in her July 9 press release. “I’m excited to welcome Julius and Nicole to Team Kelly and to congratulate Matt on his promotion. I know you’re going to continue doing great work.”
New Chief of Staff Julius West joins the team from the Office of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, where he served as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and Deputy Director of Member Services. In this role, he managed relationships with stakeholders at all levels of government, as well as within the Democratic Caucus. Previously West served in various roles for then-Congressman Chris Van Hollen (MD-08) and as a Senior Regional Field Adviser to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
Nicole Varner, Esq., will become Health Policy Advisor and General Counsel. She will be responsible for healthcare and Judiciary issues and serve as the staff liaison for the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust and the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls. Varner joins the team from the Office of Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33), where she served as his Legislative Director. She obtained her JD from Loyola University New Orleans and B.A. from Oglethorpe University.
Matt McMurray has been promoted to Legislative Director. Previously he served as Senior Legislative Assistant to Congresswoman Kelly and has been a member of her team since she took her oath of office in 2013. He will continue to handle national security, veterans, technology/telecommunications, transportation, and appropriations; he will be the staff liaison for the House Tech Accountability Caucus and House Democracy Partnership.
