WASHINGTON— U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, announced that Fitzhugh Elder IV will succeed Martha Scott Poindexter as staff director for the Republican side of the committee after Poindexter steps down at the end of the month to assume the role of chief operating officer at the U.S. Dairy Export Council.
“I can’t thank Martha Scott enough for her contributions during her tenure. Her guidance and counsel have been crucial to my ability to hit the ground running as the lead Republican on the committee. Martha Scott helped me put together an exceptional team, and I am confident they will continue to build on the foundation she helped put in place,” Boozman said.
Elder currently serves as staff director for the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. He has close to two decades of Senate service, having previously served as staff director for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies; deputy staff director for the Senate Committee on Appropriations; Republican clerk for the Senate Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies; and in the office of former Senator Robert Bennett (R-UT).
“Much like Martha Scott, Fitz brings to the committee an accomplished Hill veteran’s leadership skills and a strong knowledge of the needs of the agricultural community. I am excited to welcome him onboard and look forward to working with him to advance policies that will expand opportunities for our farmers, ranchers and foresters,” Boozman said.
Elder will start as staff director on July 6.