WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today announced that Erica Chabot will serve as the new incoming Majority Staff Director. Joe Shultz, who has served as Majority and Minority Staff Director, will be transitioning to work on climate and agriculture issues off Capitol Hill.
“I am excited to welcome Erica Chabot to the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee,” said Stabenow. “Whether it’s supporting our farmers and rural economy or making sure our children are fed, Erica has the knowledge and experience to lead our talented team as we continue our important work this Congress. There is nothing on Capitol Hill Erica hasn’t tackled—she knows how to get things done.”
“I cannot thank Joe Shultz enough for his incredible leadership and invaluable service to our team over the past 11 years,” Stabenow continued. “Under his steady hand, we’ve written the last two Farm Bills together—the last one passing with a historic bipartisan vote. There is no question our nation’s farmers, families, and rural communities are better off today because of his hard work and dedication. He may be an Ohio State Buckeye, but he will be deeply missed.”
A 20-year veteran of Capitol Hill, Erica Chabot has spent the last 10 years as Appropriations Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy’s Legislative Director and Deputy Chief of Staff. As Legislative Director, Chabot led agriculture and nutrition-related initiatives for Senator Leahy for the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills. Erica has been a key advisor on dairy policy, Farm to School, conservation, and rural development. She also served as the Judiciary Committee Communications Director for 5 years. Chabot is a New Hampshire native and graduate of St. Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont.
Joe Shultz is a 15-year veteran of the U.S. Senate and has served on the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry for over 11 years. Over the past 7 years, Shultz served as both Majority and Minority Staff Director. He previously served as Chief Economist for the committee and served as a Legislative Assistant to Senator Sherrod Brown. Shultz is an Ohio native and graduate of The Ohio State University.
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