United States Senate Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

United States Senate has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, policy, and communications.

Driven by legislative excellence, United States Senate is dedicated to representing state interests, shaping federal law, and ensuring democratic oversight through its bicameral structure.

Leadership Roles at United States Senate

  • Chief Executive Officer - Windol Jenkins
  • Chief of Staff - Brian Winseck
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Edward Shelleby
  • Deputy Chief of Staff & Director, Communications - [Not Provided] [Not Provided]
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Jane Meyer
  • Chief of Staff & Office of Tammy Duckworth Senator (Il) - Kalina Thompson
  • Chief of Staff & Brian Schatz Senator (D-Hi, US) - Eric Eric
  • Deputy Chief of Staff & Director, State - Van Cato
  • Deputy Chief of Staff, Policy - Caitlin Miller
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Kim Barnes
  • Windol Jenkins - Chief Executive Officer

    Windol Jenkins, the Chief Executive Officer at United States Senate, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational framework for the legislative body. This leadership role involves guiding the Senate's core functions, including lawmaking, appointment confirmations, and treaty approvals, ensuring alignment with the federal government's foundational principles. Jenkins oversees the integration of state representation with national policy objectives, driving legislative initiatives that maintain balance and continuity within the democratic system. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to fostering inter-chamber collaboration and upholding the Senate's role as a key pillar of governance. Jenkins ensures the effective execution of legislative mandates and the strategic positioning of the Senate within the broader governmental landscape. This executive's focus remains on enhancing the Senate's capacity to debate, shape, and enact laws critical to national progress and stability.

    Brian Winseck - Chief of Staff

    Brian Winseck, the Chief of Staff at United States Senate, manages the day-to-day administrative and operational functions critical to the Senate's legislative activities. This position involves coordinating staff efforts, overseeing internal communications, and ensuring the efficient workflow of legislative processes. Winseck directs the implementation of strategic directives, translating policy goals into actionable operational plans. The Chief of Staff's role is pivotal in maintaining the organizational integrity and responsiveness of the Senate's support structures. Brian Winseck ensures that all departments operate in concert, facilitating the seamless execution of the Senate's mandate to represent states and shape federal law. This leadership ensures that legislative priorities are effectively supported by robust administrative infrastructure, contributing directly to the Senate's oversight and continuity functions within the federal government.

    Edward Shelleby - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Edward Shelleby, the Deputy Chief of Staff at United States Senate, supports the Chief of Staff in overseeing critical operational and administrative functions. This role involves managing specific departmental initiatives and ensuring the smooth execution of legislative support services. Shelleby focuses on enhancing the efficiency of internal processes and facilitating inter-departmental collaboration to uphold the Senate's legislative and oversight responsibilities. The Deputy Chief of Staff's contributions are vital to maintaining the Senate's capacity to debate and shape laws effectively. Edward Shelleby works to streamline operations, ensuring that legislative agendas are supported by a well-coordinated administrative framework. This executive's efforts directly impact the Senate's ability to fulfill its role as a key pillar of the federal government, representing state interests with continuity and balance.

    [Not Provided] [Not Provided] - Deputy Chief of Staff & Director, Communications

    [Not Provided] [Not Provided], the Deputy Chief of Staff & Director, Communications at United States Senate, spearheads the strategic communication efforts for the legislative body. This dual role involves managing public relations, disseminating legislative information, and shaping the Senate's public narrative. The Director, Communications oversees the development and execution of communication strategies that inform stakeholders and the public about legislative activities and the Senate's role in governance. [Not Provided] [Not Provided] also contributes to operational oversight as Deputy Chief of Staff, ensuring that communication initiatives are integrated with broader administrative functions. This executive's work is crucial for maintaining transparency and public trust, supporting the Senate's function in debating and shaping laws. The focus is on articulating the Senate's impact and legislative direction effectively to diverse audiences.

    Jane Meyer - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Jane Meyer, the Deputy Chief of Staff at United States Senate, provides essential support to the Chief of Staff in managing the complex operations of the legislative chamber. This position involves overseeing specific administrative portfolios and ensuring the effective implementation of policies and procedures that govern the Senate's functions. Meyer's responsibilities include enhancing operational efficiency and facilitating seamless coordination among various Senate departments. The Deputy Chief of Staff plays a key part in upholding the Senate's commitment to representing state interests and shaping federal law. Jane Meyer contributes to the strategic execution of legislative support, ensuring that the Senate can effectively debate, confirm appointments, and approve treaties. This leadership ensures the continuity and balance required for the Senate's pivotal role in the federal government.

    Kalina Thompson - Chief of Staff & Office of Tammy Duckworth Senator (Il)

    Kalina Thompson, the Chief of Staff & Office of Tammy Duckworth Senator (Il) at United States Senate, directs the strategic operations and administrative functions for Senator Duckworth's office. This leadership role involves managing legislative staff, coordinating policy development, and ensuring the effective representation of Illinois constituents' interests. Thompson oversees the execution of the Senator's legislative agenda, focusing on key policy areas and constituent outreach. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities are critical for translating the Senator's policy objectives into tangible legislative action and constituent services. Kalina Thompson ensures that the office operates with maximum efficiency, supporting the Senator's contributions to debates, confirmations, and treaty approvals. This executive's work directly supports the Senate's broader mission of federal governance and state representation.

    Eric Eric - Chief of Staff & Brian Schatz Senator (D-Hi, US)

    Eric Eric, the Chief of Staff & Brian Schatz Senator (D-Hi, US) at United States Senate, leads the strategic and operational management for Senator Schatz's legislative office. This position involves directing staff, overseeing policy initiatives, and ensuring the effective advocacy for Hawaii's interests within the federal government. Eric Eric manages the Senator's legislative priorities, focusing on critical issues and constituent engagement. The Chief of Staff's role is essential in facilitating the Senator's participation in lawmaking, confirmations, and treaty processes. Eric Eric ensures that the office functions as a highly effective support unit, enabling the Senator to fulfill legislative duties and maintain continuity in governance. This executive's leadership directly contributes to the Senate's function of representing states and shaping national policy.

    Van Cato - Deputy Chief of Staff & Director, State

    Van Cato, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Director, State at United States Senate, focuses on managing state-level relations and initiatives critical to the Senate's representational duties. This role involves coordinating outreach and engagement with state governments and stakeholders, ensuring that diverse state perspectives inform legislative processes. Cato directs strategies that bridge federal policy with state-specific needs, enhancing the Senate's ability to shape laws relevant to all regions. As Deputy Chief of Staff, Van Cato also contributes to the broader operational oversight, ensuring administrative functions support these state-focused efforts. This executive's work is vital for maintaining the Senate's balance and continuity in representing the nation's states. The focus is on strengthening the connection between federal governance and state-level impact.

    Caitlin Miller - Deputy Chief of Staff, Policy

    Caitlin Miller, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Policy at United States Senate, directs the development and analysis of legislative policy for the Senate. This critical role involves overseeing research, drafting legislation, and ensuring that policy proposals align with the Senate's strategic objectives and representational mandates. Miller leads teams focused on evaluating the impact of proposed laws, confirmations, and treaties, providing essential expertise to senators. The Deputy Chief of Staff, Policy's contributions are fundamental to the Senate's function in shaping federal law and maintaining governmental balance. Caitlin Miller ensures that policy frameworks are robust and responsive to national needs, supporting the Senate's continuity in governance. This executive's focus is on the substantive quality and strategic direction of legislative policy.

    Kim Barnes - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Kim Barnes, the Deputy Chief of Staff at United States Senate, supports the Chief of Staff in managing the intricate operational landscape of the legislative body. This position involves overseeing specific administrative departments and ensuring the efficient execution of Senate procedures and protocols. Barnes focuses on optimizing internal workflows and fostering collaboration across various Senate functions to uphold legislative and oversight responsibilities. The Deputy Chief of Staff plays a crucial part in ensuring the Senate's capacity to debate, shape laws, and confirm appointments effectively. Kim Barnes contributes to the strategic implementation of administrative support, ensuring that the Senate's core functions are consistently maintained. This leadership ensures the operational integrity necessary for the Senate's role in the federal government.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding United States Senate Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads United States Senate?
    United States Senate is led by Windol Jenkins (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Brian Winseck (Chief of Staff) and Edward Shelleby (Deputy Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of United States Senate’s executive team?
    The executive team of United States Senate includes leaders such as Windol Jenkins (Chief Executive Officer), Brian Winseck (Chief of Staff), Edward Shelleby (Deputy Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does United States Senate have?
    United States Senate has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in United States Senate’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of United States Senate includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff & Director, Communications, Deputy Chief of Staff.