February 28, 2017

Ranking Member Tim Walz Welcomes New Staff Director and Deputy Staff Director

WASHINGTON, D.C. --- Today, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Tim Walz (D-MN) released the following statement welcoming Raymond ‘Ray’ Kelley as the Democrats’ new Staff Director and Matt Reel as the Democrats’ new Deputy Staff Director.

“It is my tremendous privilege and honor to welcome Ray and Matt into our organization,” Rep. Walz said. “Having both served in the military, Ray and Matt bring with them veterans’ perspectives as well as the experience necessary to ensure our promise to serve and protect veterans is always upheld. I am confident in their ability to lead our staff, and I look forward to working closely with them in order to improve the lives of those who have served our country.”   

As Staff Director, Ray Kelley will oversee the daily operations of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Democratic Staff while serving as the primary legislative and political advisor to Ranking Member Tim Walz for veterans’ issues. Prior to accepting the position, Kelley served as the National Legislative Director for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and has also served as the National Legislative Director for AMVETS. Kelley served six years in the United States Marine Corps and later entered service in the Army Reserve.

Matt Reel began his congressional career 14 years ago as a field representative and district casework manager. He rose to serve as Legislative Director for Congressman Lincoln Davis and then Deputy Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Terri Sewell. Upon returning from his most recent deployment and immediately prior to joining the Committee, Reel served as Congressional Liaison for the Veterans Health Administration.

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