Sen. Thomas R. Carper, D-Del., announced two staffing changes to his committee and personal offices Monday morning.  

As chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Carper promoted Jennie Westbrook to be the committee’s communications director. She was formerly the committee press secretary.  

Meghan Pennington has moved from the House to the Senate to become communications director for Carper’s personal office. Pennington and Westbrook replace the vacancy left by Emily Spain, who was promoted to legislative director in April.  

“Jennie Westbrook has been an integral asset to our team over the past five years,” Carper said in a statement, adding, “As she takes on this exciting new role to spearhead the committee’s communications team, I have the utmost confidence that she will continue to thrive.”  

Westbrook first joined Carper’s office in 2009 and worked as his press secretary. She then moved to the same position in his committee in 2013.  

Pennington has worked as a communications director for the past two-and-a-half years for Rep. John Sarbanes, D-Md. Before joining Sarbanes’ office, she worked as a press secretary for the late Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg, D-N.J., as well as deputy press secretary and press assistant for Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski, D-Md.  

“Her service in both chambers will prove to be an asset for me and Delawareans and I look forward to having her on our team,” Carper said of Pennington.