Insiders' Views on Working with Federal Agencies: Two Former House CoS's/Exec Branch Staff Discuss What Works

Have you ever tried to communicate with someone who speaks a different language? If you're a Hill staffer, successfully communicating with the Executive Branch can feel a bit like that ... and you figuratively (if not literally) do speak different languages.

How can your office navigate the tricky waters that are the many tributaries of the federal agency bureaucracy? CMF is delighted to welcome TWO former House Chiefs of Staff who have both also worked within the Executive Branch. They will discuss what they've learned in their various roles, sharing their insights to answer:

• Which Hill requests spur action within agencies and which ones are just counter-productive (or ignored)?
• How do you build relationships with the Congressional/Legislative Affairs officers in the various agencies?
• What district-specific information do the agencies have that can be helpful for your office?

To RSVP for this event, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

This program is geared towards senior House staff. Lunch will be served.

About the Presenters

Peter Kovar is the Ward 1 City Council Member for Takoma Park. Peter worked in the Federal Government for over 30 years, before retiring in 2013. His jobs included working for U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) for 25 years, with 18 years as Chief of Staff, and four years at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, serving as Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations.

Karen Czarnecki is the Vice President for Outreach for the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. Karen was previously the director of education at the Law & Economics Center (LEC) at George Mason University School of Law. Karen worked as Chief of Staff for Congressman Mike Kelly (R-PA). She also served in the U.S. Department of Labor as Director of the Office of the 21st Century Workforce; Deputy Assistant Secretary, Intergovernmental Affairs; and Acting Assistant Secretary, Office of Disability Employment Policy.

More Information

The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to building trust and effectiveness in Congress. CMF does not employ or retain a registered lobbyist. Our programs comply with both House and Senate ethics rules and laws, allowing staff to attend. Learn more about CMF at www.CongressFoundation.org or follow us on Twitter @CongressFdn.