Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1100404
O n ursday, 12 July 2018, the United States Cap- itol Historical Society hosted a panel discussion featuring four female chiefs of staff and moderated by legendary journalist and USCHS Trustee Cokie Rob- erts. e bipartisan, bicameral group was comprised of Muff y Day, chief of staff for Rep. Karen Handel (R-GA); Rhonda Foxx, chief of staff for Rep. Alma Adams (D- NC); Kristen Gentile, chief of staff for Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA); and Stacy McBride, chief of staff for Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO). In a room of USCHS Leadership Council and Con- stitution Signers members, Roberts began her lively moderation by noting both how far women have come as Congressional employees and the progress yet to be made. A er introducing themselves, the panelists gave thoughtful and candid answers to the questions Roberts presented. One of the a ernoon's recurring themes ref- erenced the strength of the sisterhood of female chiefs of staff , frequently panelists' best source of advice and guidance. Foxx shared the story of winning her fi rst job on Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's campaign through confi dent perseverance; she also described how her professional experiences inspired her to found the Congressional Black Alliance. Bipartisanship among both chiefs of staff and their bosses was another common theme through- out the discussion, but McBride noted that much of that cooperation and friendship is not seen or reported by the media. In response to an audience question, Day spoke about how she tries to help younger staffers in her offi ce grow professionally by giving them the mentor- ship and advice she wished she had had access to when she fi rst began her career on the Hill. Gentile, a mother of three, fi elded an audience question about the demand- ing schedules of being a working mother and a chief of staff . She discussed the importance of keeping lines of communication open, knowing the needs of her employ- ees, and fostering a family-friendly offi ce culture. Upon the conclusion of the panel, USCHS Chair- man Donald Carlson thanked the panelists for their time, insights, and service to the Congress before guests took the opportunity to take photos with them and Roberts. THE CAPITOL DOME 64 U.S. CAPITOL HISTORICAL SOCIETY HOSTS PANEL WITH WOMEN CHIEFS OF STAFF Moderator Cokie Roberts (center) with chief of staff pan- elists (from le to right) Muff y Day, Rhonda Foxx, Stacy McBride, and Kristen Gentile. Kristen Gentile answers a question from moderator Cokie Roberts. BOTH: KATHY KUPKA USCHS wishes to thank Altria for generously hosting and Bank of America for exclusively supporting this event.