CPSA Announces New Leadership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 19, 2023
Media Contact:
Michael Suchecki, CPSA Spokesperson
Michael.Suchecki@mail.house.gov
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On April 11, the Congressional Progressive Staff Association (CPSA) announced the winners of last month’s Steering Committee election. As our new leadership transitions into their roles, we would like to offer a warm thank you and congratulations to our outgoing Committee members for their incredible service this past year.
In the last year alone, CPSA has accomplished a great deal: we have not only helped win staff the ability to unionize and set a national pay floor for House employees, but we were at the forefront of ensuring family and medical leave and overtime pay protections no longer exclude congressional staff. These victories make clear when we stand together to fight for our shared progressive values, we can deliver real change.
The new CPSA Steering Committee:
Administrative Steward: Brandon Manbahal
Brandon Manbahal (he/him) is a legislative aide in Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi’s office. Prior to his government service, he was the campaign manager and finance director for Rep. Krishnamoorthi during the ’22 cycle, a field staffer on the Bernie 2020 campaign, and filled various finance roles on local/municipal campaigns. He is originally from Queens, NY and currently lives in the Shaw neighborhood.
Digital Steward: Jack Versten
Jack Versten (they/them) is originally from the suburbs of Chicago and serves as Rep. Sean Casten's Legislative Correspondent. They are excited to grow with CPSA, build community with progressive staff, and amplify the association's messages, policies, and events as Digital Steward.
Finance Steward: René Castellanos
René Castellanos (he/him) is really looking forward to getting to know everyone! He was raised in North Carolina, went to NYU for politics and Spanish, and is of Honduran-Ecuadorian heritage. His favorite things to do outside of work are playing soccer, shooting portrait and street photography on his Pentax 645N, and reading. His favorite food to cook would be platanitos fritos and he is shamelessly obsessed with the Walking Dead TV Show.
Jobs and Membership Steward: Sydney Dahiyat
Sydney Dahiyat (she/her) grew up in Los Angeles and attended school in Seattle, where environmental and socioeconomic issues inspired her to pursue grassroots campaigning, and ultimately, policy work. She is currently a Legislative Aide for Congresswoman Doris Matsui and is specifically interested in solving health and agricultural challenges in the United States. Having previously served as Admin Steward for the 21-22’ CPSA Steering Committee, Sydney is excited to continue working for CPSA as the Jobs & Membership Steward. In her new role, she is hopes to uplift progressive talent and create a social network of mentors and mentees within the CPSA membership body.
Literacy and Education Steward: Hale Diamond
Hale Diamond (she/her) is a proud Buffalonian serving as the Press Secretary and Digital Director for the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Passionate about stories that bring us together and education that pushes us forward, she is excited to continue the CPSA book club and cultural programming. What are you interested in discussing as a community? She would love to know!
Outreach Steward: Jacob Wilson
Jacob Wilson (he/him) is a CPSA co-founder in his final term on the Steering Committee. He’s previously served as the Outreach Steward and the Acting Administrative Steward. Passions include: getting staff paid, bringing the best of the progressive grassroots to the Hill, and putting together fun events.
Policy Steward: Jaya Khetarpal
Jaya Khetarpal (she/her) is a passionate advocate for the implementation of policies and programs that are progressive, inclusive, and sustainable. She currently serves as Policy Analyst for Rep. Joaquin Castro, focusing on issues related to Latin America and the Caribbean, immigration, and international development. Jaya also co-hosts a bi-monthly Progressive Foreign Policy Happy Hour with fellow CPSA Steering Committee Member Jacob Wilson, providing a space for individuals from all backgrounds and working in all sectors. In her free time, Jaya volunteers to support immigrants and refugees in her home state of Texas, serves in leadership roles for FP4A NextGen Cohort and Generation Citizen, and enjoys chilling with her cats after a long day on the Hill.
Spokesperson and Press Steward: Michael Suchecki
Michael Suchecki (he/him) is a Massachusetts native currently serving as Press Secretary and Digital Director for Congressman Seth Moulton. He previously ran the digital operation for the House Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth. He is excited to serve as CPSA's Spokesperson and Press Steward in order to elevate the voices of Capitol Hill's largest staff association to help make real change.
Workplace Advocacy Steward: Aria Kovalovich
Aria Kovalovich (she/her) is currently an investigator for the Senate Budget Committee where she focuses on oil & gas industry oversight and other corporate accountability work. Last Congress, she worked for Rep. Ro Khanna’s House Oversight Subcommittee to support his and Rep. Maloney’s investigation of Big Oil’s climate disinformation. The probe resulted in several hearings and reports on how the industry is doubling down on fossil fuels amid the climate crisis. As Workplace Advocacy Steward, Aria hopes to continue CPSA’s momentum in advocating for better working conditions and pay on Capitol Hill, and ensuring staffers’ stories are heard.
CPSA was formed in 2021 to uplift the voices and experiences of progressive staff. We believe by educating people on the issues impacting staff and advocating for structural reform, we can inspire meaningful change for congressional employees across the country. At nearly 1,500 members, CPSA is the largest staff association on Capitol Hill and is growing every day.