Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) announced staff changes and promotions in his D.C. and District offices for the 118th Congress.
Will McPherson will be promoted from District Director in Cole’s Norman office to State Policy Advisor in the Washington, D.C. office. Before his promotion to District Director in 2019, McPherson previously served as Field Representative for the northern part of the Fourth District of Oklahoma since 2015. Scott Chance will take over for McPherson as District Director. Chance joined Cole’s office in 2019 and has previously covered the southwest and northern areas with distinction as Field Representative.
“I am very proud of Will and Scott, and I look forward to seeing them excel in their new roles,” said Cole. “Will’s understanding and knowledge gained working in the state will be undoubtedly beneficial in helping shape policy in D.C. that reflects the values of Oklahomans in the Fourth District. In addition, Scott’s experience as a Field Representative in two key areas of the Fourth District has uniquely prepared him to assume the position of District Director. I look forward to working with him as he continues to further outreach and deepen relationships within the Fourth District.”
Staff changes also include the promotion of Melissa Stooksbury from Press Secretary to Communications Director. Stooksbury has worked in Cole’s Washington, D.C. office since 2019 in various positions. In her new role, she will head Cole’s communications strategy in the personal office while also serving as the point of contact for national and Oklahoma media outlets. Zach Kensinger has also been promoted from Legislative Aide to Legislative Assistant, with the addition of immigration, transportation and infrastructure and homeland security issues to his legislative portfolio. Kensinger has worked in Cole’s office since 2021 as Legislative Correspondent and Legislative Aide.
“Melissa is an incredibly hard worker, and I enjoy having her on my staff and am thankful for her advice and counsel,” said Cole. “She is well-versed in the issues that matter to Oklahomans, and I am confident in her ability as Communications Director. I am also proud of Zach’s growth within the legislative team and his dedication to his job. He is passionate about the issues he is taking on, and as a native Oklahoman, I know he will handle them with our state’s values at the forefront of his mind.”
Finally, Jessie Troutman will be promoted from Legislative Correspondent in the Washington, D.C. office to Field Representative in Cole’s Norman office covering the northern part of the Fourth District. Troutman has worked on Cole’s staff since 2021 in various positions.
“Jessie’s personable character and experience interacting with constituents as Staff Assistant and Legislative Correspondent certainly makes her the perfect fit for the Field Representative position,” said Cole. “Additionally, as a graduate from the University of Oklahoma and native Oklahoman, she knows this area and the surrounding communities well. I look forward to working with her in the days ahead.”
