Thornberry names new committee staff director

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry (R-TX) announced today Jen Stewart will assume the role of staff director.

Stewart, who will officially join the committee Sept. 5, currently serves as the senior adviser to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford. Stewart previously served as national security adviser to House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) and former House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH).

Jenness Simler, who had been serving as interim staff director since the departure of Bob Simmons in May, will continue to serve as deputy staff director.

"I am excited about the team that will be leading the HASC staff. As Staff Director, Jen's experience, talents, and commitment to the nation's security will augment our already considerable staff resources," Thornberry said in a statement. "Jen and Jenness' skill and dedication are the perfect combination to lead the committee going forward. Together, they will be invaluable to the House as we fulfill our first constitutional obligation, to keep the country safe."