Congressman-Elect Jodey Arrington is pleased to announce key staff hires who will assist him in ensuring the people of District 19 are well-represented. Russell Thomasson, of Lubbock will serve as his Chief of Staff. Thomasson and Arrington have worked together extensively in their previous roles at Texas Tech. Arrington also selected Jay Hardaway of Abilene to serve as District Director, and Mary Whistler of Lubbock as the Deputy District Director. In addition to these key hires, Arrington will be consolidating the three existing offices into two – a district headquarters in Lubbock, and a regional office in Abilene.

Of the office space reduction, Arrington said, “We are re-prioritizing our resources to focus on people and time spent in communities throughout the District –  not on unnecessary office space. I don’t want people sitting at a desk, I want our team in the coffee shops, cotton gins, and school cafeterias connecting with the people of West Texas.”

Mr. Thomasson is graduate of of both Coronado High School and Texas Tech University. Thomasson graduated from Texas Tech University in 1998 where he served as student body president and received his BBA in Accounting. He received his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law in 2001 and was in private practice in Dallas and Lubbock before serving as senior advisor and Chief of Staff to Texas Tech Chancellor Kent Hance.  Thomasson is currently focused on securing investment for start-up companies and technologies based on university innovations. Thomasson was recognized as a top 20 under 40 by the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce and Young Professionals of Greater Lubbock. He is married to Gracelyn Thomasson, and they have five children. He and his family are active members of Melonie Park Bible Church in Lubbock, where he serves in ministry leadership.

Of Thomasson, Arrington said, “I am thrilled Russell is willing to serve as my Chief of Staff. Russell grew up in West Texas and embodies our values, including a strong faith, a diligent work ethic, and principled leadership. Russell is one the best administrators and problem solvers I’ve worked with in my career. Like me, Russell has a young family, and shares my desire to change the course and culture of Washington so our kids grow up with the same freedoms and opportunities we’ve enjoyed.  Having been raised in West Texas, Russell is familiar with the interests of our region, and will bring an outsider’s perspective to Washington – having never worked in politics. The people of District 19 will be well served with Russell leading our team.”

Mr. Hardaway was born in Abilene, and is a graduate of both Abilene Christian High School and McMurry University. Mr. Hardaway is a businessman who helps run a multi-generation family business, headquartered in Albany. Jay currently serves the City of Abilene as a member of the City Council and has been a strong advocate for careful stewardship of tax dollars, strengthening Dyess Air Force Base, and promoting transparency in government.  Hardaway also serves his community on multiple boards and foundations. Jay and his wife, Lindsay, a graduate of Abilene High and Texas Tech University, have three children, Lucy, Claire, and Nellie Cate.

Of Hardaway, Arrington said, “Jay is a native West Texan, a family man, and an effective leader. Jay brings a passion for public service, a record of conservative leadership, and a strong relationship with Dyess Air Force Base. Too often, Washington operates without consideration of the consequences to local government, making Jay’s experience in city leadership an invaluable contribution to our office. Jay’s deep roots in Abilene and the Big Country will bring a balanced perspective to the needs of the entire district. We are fortunate to have a capable and energetic leader like Jay at the helm of our district operations.”

Ms. Whistler is a graduate of Texas Tech University, and has an impressive career serving the people of West Texas for 30 years under Congressmen Combest and Neugebauer in the Lubbock office.  Ms. Whistler will bring a breadth of experience and knowledge of district operations to the team.  Mary is a long-time member of the Lubbock Area Republican Women, and has been recognized as “Volunteer of the Year” by the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce.

Of Ms. Whistler, Arrington said, “While Mary may be new to our team, she has dedicated her entire career to serving the people of District 19. There are few who know these 29 counties and 75 cities in West Texas like she does. Mary will continue to run the day-to-day operations in our district offices, and will manage a strong constituent service team. Mary has a remarkable record of service to West Texas, and will maintain her active presence throughout the District.  After 30 years of serving our region, I know Mary will be a pillar of experience and a steady hand of continuity for our office. We are grateful Mary has a agreed to join our team – she is the epitome of a true servant leader.”

(News release from Jodey Arrington)