South of the James

For Immediate Release

Contact: Jessica Smith

c: 202-236-3002

jsmith@webbforsenate.com

January 3, 2007

Washington, D.C., January 3 – Senator-elect Jim Webb announced today the appointment of several members to his senior staff.

“Over the course of the past several weeks, we have been working to assemble an experienced staff of professionals who can help advance the agenda I articulated in the fall campaign,” Senator Webb stated. “I am extremely pleased that this outstanding team has agreed to serve Virginia and our nation in the coming six years.”

Webb’s additional staff members include:

Michael Sozan – Legislative Director. As Legislative Director, Sozan will coordinate all committee and floor activities for Senator Webb and assist in establishing legislative priorities. Sozan has served since 2004 as Legislative Counsel in Senator Bill Nelson’s (D-FL) office. He grew up in Clifton, graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1991 and George Washington University School of Law in 1994. Prior to working on Capitol Hill, he was an Associate at Arnold and Porter.

Kathryn M. Wilmoth – Administrative Director. The Administrative Director is responsible for office accounts, personnel policies and technology systems. Wilmoth is a 21-year veteran of the Senate, having served in similar capacities for Senators John H. Chafee (R – RI) and Lincoln D. Chafee (R – RI). She grew up in Arlington County and is a 1985 graduate of Northern Virginia Community College.

Louise F. Ware – State Director. The State Director will manage Webb’s regional offices and coordinate constituent casework. Ware has a long record of public service in Virginia government and at the federal level. During the administration of Governor Mark Warner, she managed the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. She has also served in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and on the Democratic National Committee. Ware is a native of Lynchburg and holds a B.S. from Lynchburg College and a M.A. from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Gordon I. Peterson – Military Legislative Assistant. The Military Legislative Assistant will serve as the key staff person for Webb on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Peterson is a retired Captain in the U.S. Navy. He is currently a strategic communications specialist with General Dynamics supporting the U.S. Coast Guard’s Deepwater Program. His previous positions include Director of Congressional and Public Affairs for the Naval Sea Systems Command, and Deputy Chief of Information for the Department of the Navy. He is a naval aviator with more than 500 combat missions during the Vietnam War. Peterson, who is long-time resident of Virginia, holds a B.A. from the United States Naval Academy and an M.S. from George Washington University. He also graduated with highest distinction from the U.S. Naval War College.

Lisa Marie Stark – Director of Scheduling. Stark is currently the Deputy Scheduling Director for Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. As Webb’s scheduling director, she will coordinate state travel and his daily activities in Washington. Stark holds a BA. in International Relations from Michigan State University and is a candidate for a masters degree at the University of Michigan.

Conaway B. Haskins, III – Deputy State Director. As Deputy State Director, Haskins will assist in managing Webb’s regional offices and in coordinating constituent casework. He will also focus on economic development and special projects. Haskins currently serves as a Senior Program Officer for the Cameron Foundation, a non-profit organization in the Petersburg area that focuses on regional development. He holds a B.A from George Mason University and a M.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Michael “Mac” McGarvey – Legislative Assistant for Veterans Affairs. McGarvey will serve as Webb’s principal aide for the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. McGarvey has long been involved with veterans’ issues. He served in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a prosthetics specialist from 1985 to 2001. He served as a Marine infantryman in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

Phillip Thompson – Executive Assistant. As executive assistant, Thompson will handle Webb’s personal correspondence, help coordinate long range planning, and support the communications staff. Thompson served in a similar capacity in Webb’s campaign. Thompson, who is a long-time resident of Virginia, is a former Marine combat veteran and journalist. He is a native of Mississippi and a graduate of Ole Miss.

Webb noted that additional staff members will be appointed over the next several weeks.

Paid for by James Webb for U.S. Senate