by CMF
on September 27, 2024
*** PRESS RELEASE ***
Contact: Natalia Gutierrez at
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For Immediate Release
Members of Congress and Staff Honored At Democracy Awards Ceremony
Congressional Management Foundation recognizes 9 members, the House Legislative Counsel, and staff of the Clerk of the House of Representatives for outstanding office work and service to Congress.
Congressional Management Foundation Honors Excellence in 11 Capitol Hill Offices at Seventh Annual Democracy Awards
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) celebrated the achievements of Members of Congress and their staff in non-legislative operations and constituent services at the seventh annual Democracy Awards held today.
“The Democracy Awards aim to highlight the dedication of legislators and their teams who go above and beyond to serve their constituents and implement best practices within their offices,” said Jen Daulby, CEO of the Congressional Management Foundation.
This year’s ceremony also recognized lifetime achievements within the First Branch. A notable honoree, Wade Ballou, has led the Office of Legislative Counsel with unwavering commitment, managing a team of 90 staff—including 68 attorneys—over the past eight years in a non-partisan, impartial, and confidential capacity.
In addition, the Office of the Clerk was acknowledged for its exemplary handling of two contentious Speaker elections, which included a historic 15 rounds of voting, a motion to vacate, and a transition to a Speaker Pro Tempore. Clerk Cheryl Johnson and Acting Clerk Kevin McCumber were commended for their steady leadership during these challenging times.
The Democracy Awards serve as a reminder of the vital work being done behind the scenes in Congress, ensuring that the legislative process runs smoothly and effectively for the American people.
The 2024 Democracy Awards winners by category are:
Constituent Service
- Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL)
- Rep. Lucy McBath (D-GA)
Constituent Accountability and Accessibility
- Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL)
- Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA)
“Life in Congress” Workplace Environment
- Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE)
- Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)
Innovation and Modernization
- Rep. Don Davis (D–NC)
- Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL)
Lifetime Achievement
Members of Congress
- Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC)
- Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
Congressional Staff
- House Legislative Counsel, Wade Ballou
- Staff of the Office of the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives
The Congressional Management Foundation is the premier bipartisan foundation that supports Congress. It provides leadership and professional development opportunities, creates a community that strengthens bipartisan relationships, and facilitates educational opportunities. It advocates on behalf of Congress and educates the American citizenry on the First Branch to strengthen our democratic institution.
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by CMF
on August 14, 2024
Congressional Management Foundation Welcomes Jen Daulby as New Chief Executive Officer
WASHINGTON, DC – August 14, 2024 – The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) Board of Directors today announced the appointment of Jen Daulby as the organization's new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective September 3, 2024.
"Public service has been passed down through my family, who have answered the call to serve government at all levels and strive to leave our community better than we found it. I know first-hand the importance of a strong democracy and believe in CMF's work as the premier bipartisan foundation supporting Congress. Continuing this work as CMF's next CEO will be an honor," said Daulby.
Daulby brings her recognized ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with diverse constituencies and her steadfast focus on improving the function of Congress to CMF where she will advance CMF's mission of strengthening Congress and building trust in its work with and for the American people.
"We are thrilled to welcome Jen as our new CEO," said Amy Plaster, Chair of the CMF Board. "She brings substantial leadership experience and a long track record of dedication to Congress. On a personal level, she embodies the vision of CMF - to support Congress as it fulfills its critical Article I responsibilities."
Known as a tireless advocate for Congress, particularly its members and staff, Daulby's most recent role on Capitol Hill was as Chief of Staff to Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) and as his Minority Staff Director on the Committee on House Administration. In that role, she helped lead House legislative branch operations through a series of unprecedented historical events.
Daulby got her start on Capitol Hill as a legislative assistant to Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL), moving on to serve as Counsel for the Committee on
Agriculture under then-Chairman Bob Goodlatte as well as for the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution under Chairman Steve Chabot (R-OH). She gained extensive experience developing government relations strategies while working for and with Fortune 500 companies. Daulby also served as the Chief of Staff and Head of Government Affairs for Indigov, a technology company providing communication platforms for elected officials. She holds a law degree from Southern Illinois University and a bachelor's degree in political science from Eastern Illinois University where she was a collegiate athlete. She was awarded the Stennis Center for Public Service's Cresswell Award for the 117th Congress by her former Congressional colleagues.
Daulby succeeds retiring CEO Brad Fitch who served the organization since 2010.
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About the Congressional Management Foundation
The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) is the premier bipartisan organization that works to create an effective and responsive Congress to serve the American people. CMF advances this goal by working directly with Members of Congress and staff to enhance their operations and interactions with constituents. CMF works directly with citizen groups to educate them on how Congress works, giving constituents a stronger voice in policy outcomes.
For more information, contact Amy Plaster, 202-257-4359
7 Members of Congress Named Winners of Democracy Awards for Extraordinary Public Service
The Congressional Management Foundation's "Oscars for Congress" Recognizes Member and Office Performance
WASHINGTON, D.C.–The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) today announced the winners for the seventh annual Democracy Awards, CMF's program recognizing non-legislative achievement and performance in congressional offices and by Members of Congress.
"Americans usually only hear about Congress when something goes wrong. The Democracy Awards shines a light on Congress when it does something right," said Bradford Fitch, CMF's President and CEO. "These Members of Congress and their staff deserve recognition for their work to improve accountability in government, modernize their work environments and serve their constituents."
The 2024 Democracy Awards Winners by category are:
Constituent Service
- Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL)
- Rep. Lucy McBath (D-GA)
More information on Constituent Service winners here
Constituent Accountability and Accessibility
- Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL)
- Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA)
More information on Constituent Accountability and Accessibility winners here
"Life in Congress" Workplace Environment
- Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE)
- Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)
More information on "Life in Congress" Workplace Environment winners here
Innovation and Modernization
- Rep. Don Davis (D–NC)
- Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL)
More information on Innovation and Modernization winners here
Methodology. CMF created a detailed process to identify and recognize the best congressional offices. House and Senate personal offices self-nominated in early 2024 using an online questionnaire. CMF then followed up with offices to conduct interviews and assess the office's adherence to the established criteria, using a detailed checklist to determine a list of Finalists that would advance to the Selection Committee phase. In June, a Selection Committee comprised of former congressional staffers and former Members of Congress selected two winners (one Democrat and one Republican) for each category using the nomination forms, interview notes, and supporting material provided by the office.
The ceremony honoring all finalists and winners will be held on September 26, 2024.
The Founding Partner for the Democracy Awards is the Bridge Alliance, which provided a generous grant to launch the program. Bridge Alliance is a diverse coalition of more than 100 organizations committed to revitalizing democratic practice in America.
The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) is a 501(c)(3)nonpartisan nonprofit founded in 1977 dedicated to strengthening Congress and building trust in its work with and for the American people. CMF works to revitalize Congress as an institution; promotes best practices in congressional offices; and helps Congress and the people they represent engage in a constructive and inclusive dialogue toward a thriving American democracy.
by Bradford Fitch
on June 24, 2024
In the history of congressional staff in Washington, D.C., only one would regularly be called "a legend": Judy Schneider. The congressional community lost Judy this week, and it is a loss we will all feel on a personal and institutional level.
It was more than her encyclopedic knowledge of Congress that endeared her to all of us. Who else could explain arcane parliamentary procedure while simultaneously being funny and opinionated. Those who were lucky enough to receive her wisdom and guidance may remember how she brought the legislative process to life, each anecdote or arcane nuance was like a pearl, another gift she bestowed on us, her students. They also may remember the first time they were DUMB enough to ask a question in one of those sessions – and you probably got what we know as "The Judy Treatment." But even that reprobation became some kind of honor. You'd joined some exclusive club, the initiation into which can only be gained by having a love of the Congress, the grit to know that in this mild punishment there was a lesson to learn from Judy, and you learned it.
At the core of this person was a deep love of country and of the Congress. Her exacting lectures had a purpose, to train us – Members and staff – so that Congress functions better, so that democracy functions better. This is the gift she gave us. For more than four decades Judy tutored staff assistant and chief of staff, Senator and Representative, Speaker and Parliamentarian. That is why in 2018, when CMF launched the Democracy Awards, the decision of who would be the first staffer to receive a lifetime achievement award was easy – of course, it was Judy.
We will miss her humor and wisdom, her charm and expertise, her lecturing and even her swearing. But we will also never forget the extraordinary contribution she gave to us, the Congress, and the nation.
15 Members of Congress Named Finalists for Democracy Awards for Extraordinary Public Service
WASHINGTON, D.C. –The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) today announced the finalists for the seventh annual Democracy Awards, CMF's program recognizing non-legislative achievement and performance in congressional offices and by Members of Congress.
"Americans usually only hear about Congress when something goes wrong. The Democracy Awards shines a light on Congress when it does something right," said Bradford Fitch, CMF's President and CEO. "These Members of Congress and their staff deserve recognition for their work to improve accountability in government, modernize their work environments and serve their constituents."
The 2024 Democracy Awards finalists by category are:
Constituent Service
- Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL)
More Information on Constituent Service Finalists Here:
Constituent Accountability and Accessibility
-
Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL)
-
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA)
-
Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL)
-
Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA)
More Information on Constituent Accountability and Accessibility Finalists Here:
"Life in Congress" Workplace Environment
More Information on "Life in Congress" Workplace Environment Finalists Here:
Innovation and Modernization
More Information on Innovation and Modernization Finalists Here:
Methodology. CMF created a detailed process to identify and recognize the best congressional offices. House and Senate personal offices self-nominated in early 2024 using an online questionnaire. CMF then followed up with offices to conduct interviews and assess the office's adherence to the established criteria, using a detailed checklist to determine a list of finalists that would advance to the Selection Committee phase.
In June, the Selection Committee, comprised primarily of former Members of Congress and former congressional staffers, will select two winners (one Democrat and one Republican) for each category using the nomination forms, interview notes, and supporting material provided by the office. The winners will be announced in July, and a ceremony honoring all finalists and winners will be held on September 26, 2024.
The Founding Partner for the Democracy Awards is the Bridge Alliance, which provided a generous grant to launch the program. Bridge Alliance is a diverse coalition of more than 100 organizations committed to revitalizing democratic practice in America.
The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan nonprofit founded in 1977 dedicated to strengthening Congress and building trust in its work with and for the American people. CMF works to revitalize Congress as an institution; promotes best practices in congressional offices; and helps Congress and the people they represent engage in a constructive and inclusive dialogue toward a thriving American democracy.Click Here to See the 2024 Democracy Awards Finalists
15 Members of Congress Named Finalists for Democracy Awards for Extraordinary Public Service
WASHINGTON, D.C. –The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) today announced the finalists for the seventh annual Democracy Awards, CMF's program recognizing non-legislative achievement and performance in congressional offices and by Members of Congress.
"Americans usually only hear about Congress when something goes wrong. The Democracy Awards shines a light on Congress when it does something right," said Bradford Fitch, CMF's President and CEO. "These Members of Congress and their staff deserve recognition for their work to improve accountability in government, modernize their work environments and serve their constituents."
The 2024 Democracy Awards finalists by category are:
Constituent Service
- Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL)
More Information on Constituent Service Finalists Here:
Constituent Accountability and Accessibility
-
Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL)
-
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA)
-
Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL)
-
Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA)
More Information on Constituent Accountability and Accessibility Finalists Here:
"Life in Congress" Workplace Environment
More Information on "Life in Congress" Workplace Environment Finalists Here:
Innovation and Modernization
More Information on Innovation and Modernization Finalists Here:
Methodology. CMF created a detailed process to identify and recognize the best congressional offices. House and Senate personal offices self-nominated in early 2024 using an online questionnaire. CMF then followed up with offices to conduct interviews and assess the office's adherence to the established criteria, using a detailed checklist to determine a list of finalists that would advance to the Selection Committee phase.
In June, the Selection Committee, comprised primarily of former Members of Congress and former congressional staffers, will select two winners (one Democrat and one Republican) for each category using the nomination forms, interview notes, and supporting material provided by the office. The winners will be announced in July, and a ceremony honoring all finalists and winners will be held on September 26, 2024.
The Founding Partner for the Democracy Awards is the Bridge Alliance, which provided a generous grant to launch the program. Bridge Alliance is a diverse coalition of more than 100 organizations committed to revitalizing democratic practice in America.
The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan nonprofit founded in 1977 dedicated to strengthening Congress and building trust in its work with and for the American people. CMF works to revitalize Congress as an institution; promotes best practices in congressional offices; and helps Congress and the people they represent engage in a constructive and inclusive dialogue toward a thriving American democracy.Click Here to See the 2024 Democracy Awards Finalists
STATEMENT FROM THE CMF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
With deep gratitude for his leadership and service, the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) Board of Directors announces the upcoming retirement of Bradford Fitch, our President and CEO since 2010. CMF plans to complete the leadership transition by the end of 2024 ensuring a smooth process.
After three decades of serving Congress in a variety of roles, Brad is well-known and regarded in Washington. His long history with CMF started in 2001, when he came on board as Deputy Director. Since then, he has carefully stewarded CMF's strong reputation for nonpartisan work strengthening the management skills and workplace practices in Congress while building public understanding and trust in the legislative branch.
Having spent 38 years in Washington as a journalist, congressional aide, consultant, college instructor, internet entrepreneur, and writer, Brad is known for his spirited and enthusiastic training sessions and speeches and his work on Capitol Hill made him a lifelong advocate for the institution of Congress, members, and staff. During his tenure, he led CMF's citizen-advocate training and conducted 451 trainings involving more than 48,000 advocates since 2014.
Commenting on this announcement, Brad noted: "After 19 years at CMF, 14 years as CEO, it's the right moment to pass the mantle of leadership to another generation of leaders. I cannot express how grateful I am for the opportunity to work at such a great organization. While I hope I have contributed to enhancing our democracy during my tenure here, I know that CMF has significantly and positively improved me both professionally and personally. I thank the board of directors and CMF staff for being amazing partners in my journey."
The Board of Directors has initiated planning to begin the difficult search process for the next President & CEO of CMF. More information, including a description of the role, will be available in May. Inquiries may be sent to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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About Congressional Management Foundation
CMF is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan nonprofit, founded in 1977, dedicated to strengthening Congress and building trust in its work with and for the American people. CMF works to revitalize Congress as an institution; promotes best practices in congressional offices; and helps Congress and the people they represent engage in a constructive and inclusive dialogue toward a thriving American democracy.
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