Congress Executive and Leadership Team

Sarah Stern, the President, Endowment For Middle Truth (East) at Congress, directs the specialized research initiatives focused on regional policy analysis and international relations. The President, Endowment For Middle Truth (East) oversees the production of in-depth reports regarding foreign affairs and intelligence, providing critical context for legislative decision-making. By managing the research agenda for specific geographic portfolios, Stern ensures that the information provided to members is both timely and accurate. This leadership role involves coordinating with other research directors to integrate regional insights into broader policy frameworks. Sarah Stern drives the development of analytical methodologies that enhance the quality of testimony and legal sidebars. Through the oversight of these specialized research products, the President, Endowment For Middle Truth (East) supports the institutional role of the United States in global affairs. Ultimately, Stern maintains the rigorous standards required for nonpartisan research in complex international environments.

Curtis Swager, the Chief of Staff at Congress, manages the internal administrative functions and organizational workflows that support legislative research. The Chief of Staff coordinates communication between research teams and congressional offices to ensure timely delivery of testimony and policy analysis. Overseeing the daily operations of the staff, Swager optimizes resource allocation to meet the high-demand requirements of the legislative and budget process. This leadership role involves managing cross-departmental initiatives that enhance the accessibility of public-facing documents. Curtis Swager drives the implementation of internal policies that maintain the nonpartisan mission of the organization. By streamlining administrative processes, the Chief of Staff enables researchers to focus on complex policy areas such as health care and intelligence. Ultimately, Swager ensures that the organizational infrastructure remains robust, allowing for the consistent production of specialized research products that serve the institutional needs of the United States.

Katie Heller, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Congress, focuses on the integration of legislative research into actionable policy briefings for congressional members. The Deputy Chief of Staff manages the dissemination of specialized research products, ensuring that complex data reaches the appropriate committees. By facilitating collaboration between subject matter experts and legislative staff, Heller enhances the utility of reports covering foreign affairs and defense. This leadership role involves monitoring the impact of research output on the legislative process and adjusting workflows to improve responsiveness. Katie Heller drives initiatives that modernize the delivery of infographics and legal sidebars to meet contemporary digital standards. Through the management of internal project timelines, the Deputy Chief of Staff supports the overall mission of providing nonpartisan, evidence-based information. Ultimately, Heller strengthens the connection between research findings and the practical requirements of the United States legislative branch.

Stephen Dennis, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Director, Staff at Congress, leads the recruitment, training, and professional development of the research workforce. The Deputy Chief of Staff & Director, Staff oversees the human capital strategy, ensuring that the organization retains top-tier experts in policy areas such as health care and budget analysis. By fostering a culture of nonpartisan excellence, Dennis maintains the high quality of testimony and research products provided to members. This leadership role involves aligning staff capabilities with the shifting priorities of congressional committees. Stephen Dennis drives the implementation of performance standards that uphold the integrity of the research process. Through the management of internal staff structures, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Director, Staff ensures that the organization remains agile in the face of complex legislative demands. Ultimately, Dennis secures the long-term operational capacity of the institution to serve the United States.

Caleb Gilchrist, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Congress, manages the external relations and stakeholder engagement strategies that support the dissemination of research findings. The Deputy Chief of Staff coordinates with congressional committees to identify emerging policy needs and prioritize research efforts accordingly. By overseeing the outreach functions, Gilchrist ensures that public-facing documents and specialized reports are effectively communicated to the relevant legislative bodies. This leadership role involves managing the flow of information between the research staff and the members of the United States government. Caleb Gilchrist drives the development of communication protocols that protect the nonpartisan reputation of the organization. Through the strategic management of stakeholder interactions, the Deputy Chief of Staff facilitates a deeper understanding of complex policy issues. Ultimately, Gilchrist ensures that the research produced by the organization remains highly relevant and accessible to those shaping federal law.

Hakan Tasman, the Managing Director at Congress, oversees the strategic delivery of nonpartisan research products to legislative committees. Managing Director Tasman directs the production of comprehensive reports, infographics, and legal sidebars that inform federal policy debates. By coordinating across diverse research divisions, the Managing Director ensures that all materials maintain rigorous standards of accuracy and neutrality. This leadership role involves aligning research output with the evolving needs of congressional members during complex budget cycles. Hakan Tasman drives the operational efficiency of the organization, facilitating seamless access to intelligence for lawmakers. Through the oversight of defense, intelligence, and foreign affairs portfolios, the Managing Director supports the institutional integrity of the legislative branch. Ultimately, Tasman secures the availability of high-quality, evidence-based information for the United States government, fostering informed decision-making at the highest levels of federal governance.