Montana Senator Jon Tester Announces New Chief of Staff – Aaron Murphy will Lead Senator’s Montana and Washington D.C. Offices

Senator Jon Tester http://www.tester.senate.gov/? today announced that he has hired his long-time adviser Aaron Murphy as Chief of Staff to lead his Montana and Washington D.C. offices.

Murphy served as Tester’s Communications Director and Press Secretary between 2006 and 2013. Prior to that he worked as executive producer at KTVQ-Television in Billings and as a ranger in Yellowstone National Park. Most recently Murphy has been working as a consultant specializing in political communications and public lands issues.

"Aaron is a strong leader who will help me continue to fight for the next generation of Montanans," said Tester. "Whether it’s strengthening our national security or guaranteeing all Montanans have access to public lands, health care and education, Aaron will ensure my staff continues to deliver on the issues that matter to our state."

"I’m among the many Montanans who are inspired by Jon’s record of bringing accountability and honesty to Washington and making responsible decisions for our kids," said Murphy, a father of two. "Jon works long, hard hours as both a farmer and as Montana’s senior Senator, and I look forward to working again at his side to protect our values, traditions and freedoms."

Murphy is a 2001 graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism.

He follows in the footsteps of Jamie Wise, who in 2007 started as Tester’s Legislative Assistant working on veterans and homeland security issues. Wise then worked his way up through the ranks to become Legislative Director and Chief of Staff.

"I want to thank Jamie Wise for his decade of service to Montana and this nation. Under his leadership, we’ve delivered incredible victories for Montana’s service members, veterans, and middle class families," said Tester. "Jamie’s institutional knowledge, passion, and creativity are a hallmark of his tenure. As his friends and colleagues, Sharla and I wish him the very best in his next endeavor."

Murphy will start January 3, 2017, joining State Director Dayna Swanson, Legislative Director Dylan Laslovich, and Communications Director Marneé Banks to make up Tester’s senior staff.