NEWS RELEASE – Today, Congressman Howard “Buck” McKeon announced he has hired Alan Tennille as his new Chief of Staff.  Tennille will be replacing current Chief of Staff, Bob Cochran, who announced his retirement earlier this month.  Tennille will officially assume the position starting January 1, 2013. 

 Tennille is a seasoned political and policy veteran.  Tennille started his career in Washington in 1995 working at the National Republican Congressional Committee, an organization focused on electing Republican Congressional Candidates.  Tennille has served as Chief of Staff to former Representative Jerry Weller of Illinois, and most recently as Chief of Staff to Representative Blake Farenthold of Texas.  Tennille has worked on a diverse array of issues in his career, including energy, water, transportation, natural resources, trade and foreign policy.

 Previous to assuming his position as Chief of Staff to Congressman Farenthold, Tennille served as Congressman McKeon’s Legislative Director for 2 years, where he was instrumental in working on a substantial portfolio of issues critical to the 25^th District including, working to find a solution to the CEMEX mine, ensuring the steady growth of Mammoth’s economy through a land exchange between Mammoth Mountain and the Forest Service, finding an equitable solution for the Bridgeport Indian tribe, and working with city officials, constituents, and non-profits to ensure the continuing prosperity of the district.

 “Hiring Alan to assume the role of my Chief of Staff was a no-brainer,” said Congressman McKeon.  “While we had several exceptional and well qualified candidates, Alan stood out as someone who, on top of his talent and top notch credentials, could come in on day one and start functioning immediately in a seamless and effective way for the people of the 25^th District.  As my Legislative Director, Alan was extraordinary and I know that he will be a fantastic Chief of Staff.”

 “I’m excited about the opportunity to serve Congressman McKeon as his Chief of Staff,” said Tennille.  “It’s an honor and privilege to again work for the people of the 25th District of California.”

 Tennille is originally from Houston, graduated from Loyola University in New Orleans and is married to his lovely wife Lacye, with whom he has been blessed with his two year old daughter Anna.