Cole Announces D.C. Staff Changes and Promotions

Statement

Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) announced recent staff changes, including promotions and hires, in his D.C. office.

Shane Hand has been promoted to Legislative Director. An experienced Capitol Hill policy professional and a member of Cole's staff for three years, he most recently held the position of Senior Policy Advisor, Health, specializing closely on health issues and advising Cole on a variety of other policy areas. Hand attended Southern Methodist University, where he studied political science with an emphasis in international relations and comparative politics and graduated with highest honors.

"I am delighted to promote Shane to the role of Legislative Director," said Cole. "Since day one in my office, his contributions have been invaluable -- offering fresh and creative policy ideas and thoughtfully shepherding them through the legislative process. I am excited for him to assume this new leadership role."

Staff changes in recent months also include the promotion of Sofia Deiro from Legislative Aide to Legislative Assistant, with the addition of Native American issues to her legislative portfolio. Adam Sullivan continues his role as Cole's Senior Advisor.

Recent hires include Zach Kensinger as Legislative Correspondent and Jessie Troutman as Staff Assistant. A native Oklahoman from Enid who joins the office after working as a Staff Assistant in the U.S. Senate, Kensinger received his undergraduate education from Oklahoma State University and recently completed a master's degree in public administration from George Washington University. A recent graduate of the University of Oklahoma and native Oklahoman from Edmond, Troutman interned at the Oklahoma Tax Commission and then worked as marketing and public relations consultant for the Cooperative Council for the Oklahoma School Administration prior to joining the office.

"I am proud of Sofia's growth within the legislative team and her dedication to a job well done. The additions of Zach and Jessie round out what is an exceptional team in my Washington office," said Cole. "I am truly proud of the work they do on behalf of my constituents from the Fourth District of Oklahoma and look forward to working with them in the days ahead."

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