Director of Operations, Office of Jennifer McClellan (VA-04)

Tessa grew up in Virginia (via Hawaii and New York) and is a proud member of a military family (Go Navy!). She studied arts administration at the University of Mary Washington and began working for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in 2018 after graduating from UMW. In 2020, Tessa decided to bring her passion for community engagement to the Hill and had the privilege of working for both Rep. Elaine Luria (VA-02) and Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) after interning in the Hawaii and Virginia delegations. In 2023 she returned to her Virginia & HASC roots as Rep. Jennifer McClellan’s (VA-04) Director of Operations and could not be happier to be serving her home state again.

Tessa previously served as CJSA’s Vice President of Professional Development where she spearheaded CJSA’s mentorship program and created networking opportunities for CJSA members with our partners across the Hill. She is grateful for the chance to work with so many amazing Jewish staffers and she’s incredibly proud of the kehillah kedoshah they have worked so hard to build.

When Tessa is not on the Hill, she can be found immersed in a good book, cheering on the Caps, driving to Cookout, camping, or planning her next trip!

Contracts Administrator, Immediate Office, Office of the House Clerk

Dana Gansman is thrilled to return to the CJSA board this year as the Vice President of Member Outreach after having served as association Co-President from 2021 - 2023, and as a Vice President from 2020 - 2021. During her day job, Dana serves as Contracts Administrator for the House Clerk, where she supports the Clerk and Deputy Clerk in operational and administrative duties. She has been living & working in DC for just over 12 years now, with 8 of those spent on the Hill in both the House and Senate. Outside of work, Dana loves being surrounded by her Jewish community – whether it is volunteering as an EntryPoint JCC Shabbat Cluster Coordinator, working her Sunday religious school teaching job, going to a young professionals social event, or just meeting up with her “Jew Crew” for Shabbat services. She also recently took 2 cruises and became hooked to travel by boat, as well as attending Camp Nai (hosted by Moishe House) every summer. If you ever need someone to talk to about Marvel movies/shows, college basketball (Go Orange!), or MLB, she is your girl. Dana is always happy to connect with prospective and existing members of CJSA, so please reach out!

Senior Legislative Assistant, Office of Rep. Matt Cartwright (PA-08)

Aliza is a New Jersey native and a graduate of the University of Chicago, where she studied Political Science and Law, Letters, and Society. She currently serves as a Senior Legislative Assistant in the Office of Congressman Matt Cartwright (PA-08) where she handles a wide-ranging portfolio of policy issues. In her free time, she can be found seeing every musical that tours the Kennedy Center, reading, kayaking, and baking challah.

Legislative Correspondent, Office of Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)

Ari grew up in New Haven, CT and is a proud graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park. He began his career in early 2022 as a Staff Assistant for Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (RI), after interning for Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-02), and Cornerstone Government Affairs. In 2023, he was promoted to Legislative Correspondent and now covers Banking, Housing, Tax, Budget, Tech/Telecom, Antitrust, IP, Small Business, Trade, and Veterans issues for the office.

Ari is grateful for the opportunity to serve on CJSA’s board and plan social events for the phenomenal Jewish staffers on the Hill.

When Ari is not on the Hill, he can be found rooting for his beloved Boston sports and UMD/UCONN basketball teams, reminiscing about New Haven Apizza, learning a new recipe, and planning his next trip.

Professional Staff Member, House Appropriations Committee

Jared Sutton is the Vice President of Professional Development for the CJSA. In this role, he facilitates programming and activities related to professional development and networking and coordinates the CJSA Mentorship Program. On the Hill, he is a Professional Staff Member with the House Appropriations Committee (Majority) Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies. In his free time, he likes to attend concerts, hike, tend to his garden, and watch the Marlins and Dolphins lose when it counts the most. Jared is a graduate of Drew University, lives in Northeast DC with his fiancée, and attends Adas Israel Congregation in Cleveland Park.

Director of Communications, Office of Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02)

Eliana Locke currently serves as Communications Director for Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02). She previously served as National Press Secretary for Priorities USA, which works to elect Democrats across the country. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Health Legislative Assistant, Office of Senator Martin Heinrich