During last week’s markup, Ranking Republican Rob Bishop (R-Utah) recognized three retiring staff members for their dedication and decades of service to the Committee on Natural Resources and the U.S. House of Representatives.  Lisa Pittman, Chief Counsel, will be retiring at the end of this Congress after more than 33 years with the Committee.  Chris Fluhr, Staff Director, Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States, has retired after 32 years with the Committee.  Additionally, Joycelyn Coleman, the Committee’s Calendar Clerk, will be retiring after more than 30 years of service in the U.S. House under both Republican and Democrat majorities.

Today, Bishop announced Ken Degenfelder, a six year veteran of the House Committee on Natural Resources, will take over as Staff Director, Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States. Prior to coming to the Committee, Ken spent four years on the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. 

“Ken has been invaluable to the Committee and its members, and I am pleased he’ll be stepping into this expanded leadership role. Ken’s experience and expertise will continue to benefit our work as we finish out this Congress,” Bishop stated. 

Following the departure of Austin Hacker (Press Secretary and Digital Director) from the Committee, Megan Stookey, currently Clerk and Press Assistant, will assume the role of Press Secretary for Committee Republicans.  

“We hired Austin for our shared passion for the Chicago Cubs, but he quickly became a vital asset to our team. I wish him the best of luck in his new endeavor.  He left big shoes to fill, but Megan has stepped into the position seamlessly,” Bishop said.