Personnel note: Alexa Chappell hired as House minority staff director

Top House Democrat Janet Cruz has hired a former Justice Department lawyer to serve as staff director for the Minority Office.

Alexa Chappell, most recently an attorney with the Department of Justice, will replace Joe McCann, who exited the position last month. Before her time at the Justice Department, Chappell served in a number of roles for Obama for America in 2008, ending the campaign as Director of Compliance.

“Alexa is an incredibly accomplished professional and I know she will do a great job directing our caucus,” said Cruz in an email to her members.

During her time at DOJ, Chappell served as the Justice Department’s liaison for state caucuses and governors, both Republican and Democrat, where she dealt with the intricacies of the federal budget.

Cruz said her federal level policy experience will be a major asset for our caucus.

“You will be as impressed as I am by her sharp intellect and vision for our office,” said Cruz.

All staff, including those who work in the Minority Office, technically work for the Speaker, but tradition dictates that the Minority Leader be allowed to hire their own staff.

Chappell is an Indiana native and a graduate of Indiana University and Michigan State College of Law.