Architect of the Capitol Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Architect of the Capitol has 6 executives leading key functions including visitor engagement, strategic operations, financial management, administrative oversight, and staff coordination.

Committed to the preservation of national heritage, Architect of the Capitol maintains historic monuments and grounds while ensuring the Capitol campus remains a source of inspiration for the entire nation.

Leadership Roles at Architect of the Capitol

  • Visitor Services Acting Chief Executive Officer - Fay Ott
  • Chief Financial Officer - Sherri Jordan
  • Chief of Staff - Patrick Briggs
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Danna Ocasio
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Christine Picaut
  • Chief Operations Officer - Rudy Benavides
  • Fay Ott - Visitor Services Acting Chief Executive Officer

    Fay Ott, the Visitor Services Acting Chief Executive Officer at Architect of the Capitol, directs all public engagement initiatives across the expansive 570-acre campus. Overseeing the visitor experience, the Visitor Services Acting Chief Executive Officer ensures that millions of annual guests access the historic treasures within the Capitol grounds safely and efficiently. This leadership role involves coordinating with historians and artisans to curate educational programs that highlight the grandeur of the federal buildings. By optimizing visitor flow and accessibility, Fay Ott directly impacts the public perception of these national landmarks. Through the implementation of modern digital tools alongside traditional preservation methods, the Visitor Services Acting Chief Executive Officer maintains the integrity of the visitor experience. Ultimately, Ott secures the long-term connection between the American public and the historic art and architecture housed within the Capitol campus.

    Sherri Jordan - Chief Financial Officer

    Sherri Jordan, the Chief Financial Officer at Architect of the Capitol, directs the fiscal strategy and budgetary planning for the maintenance of the historic Capitol campus. Overseeing the allocation of funds for both modern preservation techniques and historical tradecrafts, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources support the long-term care of thousands of works of art. This leadership role involves managing complex federal funding streams to sustain the 570-acre grounds and massive infrastructure. By optimizing capital expenditures, Sherri Jordan directly impacts the ability of the organization to complete critical restoration projects. Through the implementation of robust financial controls and transparent reporting, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the fiscal health of the agency. Ultimately, Jordan secures the necessary capital to preserve and inspire the nation through the continued upkeep of these vital historic assets.

    Patrick Briggs - Chief of Staff

    Patrick Briggs, the Chief of Staff at Architect of the Capitol, manages the internal alignment of all departmental objectives across the 18.4 million square feet of managed space. Overseeing the executive office, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic priorities remain consistent with the mission to preserve and maintain federal monuments. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between various craftspeople, historians, and administrative teams to streamline project execution. By synchronizing operational workflows, Patrick Briggs directly impacts the efficiency of the entire organization. Through the rigorous oversight of internal policies and resource allocation, the Chief of Staff supports the broader goal of protecting national treasures. Ultimately, Briggs secures the operational stability required to uphold the high standards of maintenance and historical preservation expected at the Capitol campus.

    Danna Ocasio - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Danna Ocasio, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Architect of the Capitol, supports the execution of organizational strategy across the diverse departments responsible for the Capitol campus. Overseeing cross-functional projects, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that the efforts of artisans and historians align with the overarching mission of the agency. This leadership role involves managing internal communications and resolving operational bottlenecks to maintain the grandeur of the 18.4 million square feet of facilities. By fostering collaboration between specialized teams, Danna Ocasio directly impacts the success of large-scale preservation initiatives. Through the coordination of administrative support and project tracking, the Deputy Chief of Staff enhances the overall productivity of the workforce. Ultimately, Ocasio secures the seamless integration of daily operations required to protect the historic treasures and grounds of the Capitol.

    Christine Picaut - Chief Administrative Officer

    Christine Picaut, the Chief Administrative Officer at Architect of the Capitol, directs the human resources, procurement, and facility support services necessary to maintain the Capitol campus. Overseeing the administrative infrastructure, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that the workforce of artisans and craftspeople possesses the tools and support required for their specialized preservation work. This leadership role involves managing the complex logistics of a 570-acre site to ensure compliance and operational readiness. By streamlining administrative processes, Christine Picaut directly impacts the efficiency of the entire agency. Through the implementation of modern management systems, the Chief Administrative Officer supports the preservation of historical art and architecture. Ultimately, Picaut secures the organizational foundation that allows the agency to serve, preserve, and inspire the nation through the meticulous care of the Capitol campus.

    Rudy Benavides - Chief Operations Officer

    Rudy Benavides, the Chief Operations Officer at Architect of the Capitol, manages the physical maintenance and technical operations of the 18.4 million square feet of federal buildings. Overseeing the application of both modern techniques and historical tradecrafts, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that the structural integrity of the Capitol campus remains uncompromised. This leadership role involves directing the teams responsible for the daily care of monuments, grounds, and thousands of works of historical art. By optimizing maintenance schedules and technical workflows, Rudy Benavides directly impacts the longevity of these national treasures. Through the rigorous oversight of field operations and site safety, the Chief Operations Officer maintains the grandeur of the environment for all visitors. Ultimately, Benavides secures the physical condition of the campus to fulfill the mission of serving and inspiring the nation.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Architect of the Capitol Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Architect of the Capitol?
    Architect of the Capitol is led by Fay Ott (Visitor Services Acting Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Sherri Jordan (Chief Financial Officer) and Patrick Briggs (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Architect of the Capitol’s executive team?
    The executive team of Architect of the Capitol includes leaders such as Fay Ott (Visitor Services Acting Chief Executive Officer), Sherri Jordan (Chief Financial Officer), Patrick Briggs (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Architect of the Capitol have?
    Architect of the Capitol has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Architect of the Capitol’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Architect of the Capitol includes roles such as Visitor Services Acting Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Chief Administrative Officer.