07.16.04

Sen. Cantwell Taps Kurt Beckett as Chief of Staff

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) today announced that Kurt Beckett, formerly her Deputy Chief of Staff and State Director, has been promoted to Chief of Staff. Current Chief of Staff Caroline Fredrickson is joining NARAL Pro-Choice America as General Counsel and Legal Director.

“I'm looking forward to Kurt's new role on my team,” Cantwell said. “He's got the right experience to help me fight for Washington State in the U.S. Senate. Caroline helped me build a strong organization to serve the people of Washington state. I wish she weren't leaving, but I'm happy for her personally that she is going to such an important position with NARAL.”

Beckett has more than a decade of experience serving Washington state as a Congressional aide. He joined Cantwell's Senate staff in January, 2001. His previous experience includes 8 years in Congressman Norm Dicks' office, most recently serving as District Director. In 2000, he was State Director for the Gore-Lieberman campaign in Washington state. Beckett graduated cum laude from the University of Washington in 1995.

“Senator Cantwell and Caroline have built an incredible organization dedicated to serving Washington state,” Beckett said. “This is a great opportunity to help Maria continue being an advocate for the northwest in Washington, DC.”

Cantwell also announced that Jennifer Griffith would be promoted to Deputy Chief of Staff. Griffith served most recently as Senior Policy Director for Cantwell. Previously, she was Cantwell's State Outreach Director.

Both Beckett and Griffith will be based in Cantwell's DC office.