WASHINGTON D.C.-U.S. Sen. Mark Begich is rounding out his policy and legislative team with four new Alaskans joining his DC staff.

Lifelong Alaskan Andrea Sanders has joined Begich’s staff as the legislative assistant for Alaska Native and rural affairs. Sanders grew up in Bethel and Quinhagak, attended high school at West High in Anchorage and received a BA in government from Georgetown University.

A tribal member of the Native Village of Kwinhagak and Orutsararmuit Native Council, Sanders has worked as an associate policy analyst for the Alaska Native Policy Center at First Alaskans Institute; a land manager for the Native Village of Kwinhagak; a land law examiner for the Bureau of Land Management; and an administrative assistant for the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects.

On Sen. Begich’s staff, Sanders will have responsibility for rural economic development, Alaska Native affairs, Small Business Administration 8(a) contracting, telecommunications, the Indian Health Service, and subsistence issues.

• Joining Begich’s staff as a legislative correspondent for defense and military and other policy issues, Brittany Keates holds a BS in Foreign Service in Science, Technology and International Affairs from Georgetown University. Prior to joining the Begich team, Keates was a member of AmeriCorps. She is a graduate of Anchorage’s Service High School.

• Rosalie Abbott is working as a staff assistant. Abbott graduated from Bryn Mawr College with a degree in history. Rosalie was born and raised in Anchorage and graduated from West Anchorage High School.

• Stef Claus joins Begich’s staff as a deputy scheduler. Claus received her BS from Georgetown University and joins the team from the State Department, where she worked as a Visa analyst. She was born in Anchorage and is a graduate of Craig High School.

“I’m thrilled to have the knowledge and expertise of these Alaskans working on behalf of our great state,” Begich said. “We are constantly working to make sure Alaskans are well served as we deal with the many issues and opportunities we face each day.”

Source: Office of Senator Mark Begich