Ernst Announces Senate Committee Assignments, Chief of Staff

U.S. Senator-Elect Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) yesterday announced that she has been assigned to four Senate committees of major importance to Iowans, beginning in the 114th Congress: Armed Services; Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; and Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

“I am honored to serve on these four committees which impact Iowans’ everyday lives,” Ernst said of the committee assignments.  “Ensuring Iowans’ voices are heard in Washington is my top priority and these committees focus on areas of critical importance to our state including strengthening our agricultural industry and growing our economy, advocating for Iowa small businesses, holding the government accountable to act effectively and efficiently, and ensuring the United States remains safe and secure.

“Agriculture is our lifeblood in Iowa. I am eager to join Senator Grassley on the Agriculture Committee to continue fighting for the interests and values of Iowa farmers and businesses in Washington,” Ernst added. “In addition, as a soldier and veteran I will work tirelessly on the Armed Services Committee to ensure the safety and security of the American people, as well as prioritize the well being and operations of those in uniform.”

Ernst announced today that that Lisa Goeas will lead Ernst’s Senate office as chief-of-staff. Goeas brings with her ten years of experience on Capitol Hill and more than a decade working on behalf of small businesses.

“Lisa Goeas brings a strong record of both public and private sector experience on Capitol Hill and serving small businesses,” Ernst stated. “Lisa’s leadership and unique experience will help ensure that Iowa’s priorities and interests are not only represented, but advanced from day one in Washington.”

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve Senator-elect Ernst and the people of Iowa,” Goeas said. “I look forward to making sure Iowans’ voices, values and beliefs are heard loud and clear in Washington.”

Goeas joins the Ernst office after working as Vice President for Political and Grassroots Operations for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) for nearly a decade (2005-2014). At NFIB, Goeas developed and directed a political program designed to have a significant effect on public policy issues relevant to the small business community. Goeas also handled day-to-day management of a staff that ranged from 6 to 11 people and coordinated with all 50 state staffs.

Before NFIB, Goeas led the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as the chief-of-staff from 2003 to 2004. At the SBA, Goeas served as the primary senior executive advisor to the administrator on program and policy matters; represented the agency in negotiations and liaison activities with officials of the White House, Congress and other federal agencies; and managed day-to-day operations of the Agency’s offices and executive team.

Prior to her time with NFIB and the SBA, Goeas worked for Tim Hutchinson of Arkansas in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Goeas served as Hutchinson’s deputy chief-of-staff for six years in the Senate.

Senator-elect Joni Ernst will take the Oath of Office on January 6, 2015.