Tulsa Standard

Representative Kevin Hern has announced several staff appointments as he assumes the role of Chairman of the Republican Policy Committee (RPC) for the 119th Congress. The changes include key positions within his Washington, D.C. office.

Joe Barry will serve as RPC Executive Director. Barry joined the Republican Study Committee (RSC) in 2022 as Policy Director and later became Executive Director under Hern's leadership in 2023 and 2024. His experience includes working on policy for various House Republicans.

Kirby Tidmore has been appointed RPC Policy Director. Tidmore was previously a Senior Legislative Assistant in Hern’s congressional office and has been part of his legislative team since 2022, having also worked with Representative Jim Hagedorn.

Omar Hossino takes on the role of RPC National Security Advisor and General Counsel. He was formerly a Senior Policy Counsel at the RSC under Hern and has worked with former Chairs Jim Banks and Mike Johnson. Hossino also served as Legislative Director for Jim Banks.

Cameron Foster continues as Chief of Staff, a position he has held since Hern took office in 2018.

Marisa Burleson is named Director of Member Services and Senior Advisor, following her tenure as Director of Members Services and Coalitions at the RSC during Hern’s chairmanship. She previously worked with Representatives Jake LaTurner and Jodey Arrington.

Chris Giblin will be the new Director of Coalitions and Legislative Aide. Giblin was Deputy Director of Member Services and Coalitions at the RSC under Hern's leadership, having earlier worked for Representative Troy Nehls.

Miranda Dabney remains Communications Director, a role she has fulfilled since Hern entered office in 2018. Dabney also served as Communications Director for the RSC during the previous Congress.

Zack Lissau steps into the position of Press Secretary after serving as Deputy Press Secretary since 2023. He formerly worked with Senator Rand Paul.

Jefferson Willis is appointed Legislative Director, covering tax issues since joining Hern’s legislative team in 2021. Willis brings experience from government relations at Home Depot and is an alum of Senator Mike Enzi’s office.

Meg Maykoski continues her work on healthcare issues as Legislative Assistant, having joined Hern’s team in this capacity in 2023.

Karinne Coberly moves to become Director of Operations after serving as scheduler since 2022; she also has experience working in Hern's district office.

Chase Gurey joins as Staff Assistant, bringing prior internship experience with multiple House Republicans to his new role with Representative Hern's team.