May 03, 2021

Senator Duckworth Appoints Kalina Thompson as Chief of Staff

 

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) announced the departure of her longtime Chief of Staff Kaitlin Fahey today as well as the appointment of Kalina Thompson as her new Chief of Staff. Thompson has served on Duckworth’s team over the past eight years and most recently served as Deputy Chief of Staff. Fahey, an Elmhurst native, has worked for Duckworth since 2006 in several roles, including as Chief of Staff in her House office, as a senior advisor at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and as Campaign Manager of Duckworth’s successful first race for the U.S. Senate. Video of Senator Duckworth’s remarks on the floor of the U.S. Senate honoring Fahey’s service is available here.

“While I’m saddened for my Senate office to lose a trusted advisor, confidant and friend in Kaitlin Fahey, I am excited for the energy, expertise and efficacy Kalina Thompson will bring to her new role as my Chief of Staff,” said Senator Duckworth. “Kaitlin certainly leaves big shoes to fill, but I know Kalina will hit the ground running and help me continue my work for Illinois families, small businesses, servicemembers and Veterans for years to come.”

Kalina Thompson is a graduate of Georgetown University and brings twelve years of experience in both the House and Senate. She joined then-Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth’s staff in 2013 as a Legislative Assistant. Thompson has since served in multiple leadership roles on Duckworth’s team, including Legislative Director, Chief of Staff in her House office and Deputy Chief of Staff in her Senate office. Thompson played an integral role in standing up Duckworth’s Senate operation, serving as a senior advisor and strategist and managing implementation of the Senator’s priorities and agenda. Originally from Bulgaria, she immigrated to the United States with her family and learned English at age 9. She lives in Washington, D.C., with her husband, William Thompson, and her two-year-old son, Wills.

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