Personnel Update: J.J. McGrady to serve as new field representative in Rep. Robert Aderholt’s Jasper Office
On Wednesday, Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL04) announced hiring J.J. McGrady as his new field representative for the Jasper District Office. “I’m excited to have J.J. onboard, and I know he’s ready to hit the ground running,” said Congressman Aderholt. “J.J. will be working the western portion of the district that was previously covered by Paul Housel. And while I know people really loved working with Paul, I know they will enjoy getting to know J.J. and working with him as well. He has already been out meeting with constituents and elected officials.” McGrady previously worked for the Alabama Trucking Association, where he served as Manager of Special Projects. McGrady is a 2021 graduate of The University of Alabama, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, double majoring in public relations and political science. While a student at Alabama, J.J. interned for the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce, the Business Council of Alabama (BCA), and the Alabama Senate, working for Senate Pro Tempore Greg Reed (R-Jasper). J.J. is pursuing his Master of Public Administration from Troy University. “I am thrilled to be joining Congressman Aderholt’s staff,” said McGrady. “To be able to help and serve the state that I have always called home is extremely special to me.” McGrady will be responsible primarily for covering the western portion of the Fourth District. This includes a large portion of Tuscaloosa County, which McGrady is especially excited about as both he and his wife Amanda are huge University of Alabama fans. Robert Aderholt was first elected to represent Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District in 1996. He is serving in his fourteenth term and is running again in 2024. Aderholt is an attorney and previously served as Chief Counsel for Alabama Governor Fob James (R) To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com
Personnel Update: Robert Aderholt names Michael Lowry as new Chief of Staff
On Wednesday, Congressman Robert Aderholt announced that his Chief of Staff, Kerry Knott, is retiring after more than 17 years in public service on Capitol Hill. Knott will be succeeded in the position by Michael Lowry, who, like Knott, has years of Congressional experience. “Kerry Knott has done an outstanding job serving the constituents of Alabama’s Fourth District,” Rep. Aderholt said in a press release. “Prior to joining our office, Kerry spent many years in the private sector but had worked on Capitol Hill in the 1980s and 90s for Congressman Dick Armey and served as Congressman Armey’s Chief of Staff as the House Majority Leader. His experience was truly invaluable to the work we do in my office to serve our constituents. Kerry joined our staff during a trying time for our nation and the world as the COVID-19 pandemic began. During these past three years, he helped guide our response to the pandemic, but also made sure we stayed focused on the important issues beyond COVID, like strengthening our military, leading in space, and expanding broadband internet access for rural areas.” Knott thanked Rep. Aderholt. “My time as Robert’s Chief of Staff has been tremendously enjoyable,” said Knott. “Robert is in a great position to continue his work to help Alabama’s economy and to continue fighting to promote family values. He has a top-notch staff both in DC and in the district to push his agenda and to help his constituents. I’ve been blessed to participate in many historical moments in my seventeen-plus years on the Hill, but now I’m looking forward to being back in Alabama full-time with my family. I’m thankful for Robert and Caroline for this opportunity, and I will always consider myself part of Team Aderholt.” “A Congressional Chief of Staff plays a vital role in every office,” said Aderholt. “They are literally the second in command and act as a first officer in making sure constituents are being served, and the member’s agenda is being implemented. With that in mind, I’m happy to announce that Congressional veteran Michael Lowry will be coming on board as our new chief. Michael has worked for several Members, including a stint as my communications director back in the mid-2000s. Most recently, Michael served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Neal Dunn of Florida.” Lowry expressed excitement for the opportunity to return to work for Rep. Aderholt. “I feel like I’m coming home,” said Lowry. “Obviously, I worked with Congressman Aderholt previously, but my own roots are also in Alabama, with family in many different parts of the state. This is where I belong. I’m looking forward to helping Robert continue his strong record of fighting for his constituents, standing up for the most vulnerable among us, and protecting and strengthening our great nation, and appreciate his confidence in me.” “I wish Kerry and his family all the best as he begins the next chapter of his life,” said Aderholt. “And I’m looking forward to bringing Michael on board with his experience and perspective. I look forward to continuing to achieve great things for the people of the Fourth District and our great nation.” Aderholt previously announced staff changes in December when Paul Housel retired as District Director. Robert Aderholt has represented Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District for 14 terms. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Personnel Update: Robert Aderholt announces retirement of District Director Paul Housel
On Monday, Congressman Robert Aderholt announced the retirement of District Director Paul Housel after 25 years of Federal service. “It is bittersweet that we announce Paul Housel, our District Director, will be retiring at the end of this year,” Aderholt said. “Paul has gone above and beyond in serving the constituents of the 4th District for more than two decades. He has helped an untold number of people get their VA benefits, their Social Security benefits, their war medals, and so much more. It would be impossible to know how many people turned to Paul, and our office, as their last resort, and more times than not, Paul was able to help them through a difficult situation.” “Based out of our Jasper office,” Aderholt said. “Paul has been my representative on the ground when Congress was in session, and I could not be at an event, a meeting, or big announcement. He has many times played a role and helped lay the groundwork for projects that led to economic growth and more jobs for people in the 4th District.” “While all of us on my staff will miss Paul, we know he has earned his retirement,” Aderholt continued. “And while he is retiring from Federal service, he will soon be embarking on a new career to continue to be a servant leader in North Alabama. I wish him, his wife Tricia, and their daughter Lucy, all the best in this new chapter.” Congressman Aderholt will host a retirement reception for Paul so that his friends, and those he has helped, can wish him well in retirement: Aderholt was recently re-elected to his nineteenth term representing Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District. With Republicans taking control of the U.S. House of Representatives, Aderholt could potentially chair the powerful House Appropriations Committee in the next Congress. Aderholt is an attorney who formerly served as legal counsel for Gov. Fob James. He is a native of Haleyville. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
