Veteran appropriations aide and lobbyist Jeff Shockey has been appointed staff director of the House Intelligence Committee under incoming Chairman Devin Nunes, R-Calif. The move marks the second time Shockey has left a lobbying gig to take a senior position with a House Committee.  

Shockey, a perennial on the Roll Call Fabulous 50 list of top staffers , spent about six years as the Republican staff director and deputy staff director for the House Appropriations Committee, where he managed the committee’s professional staff and oversaw the twelve annual appropriations bills, supplemental appropriations bills and continuing resolutions. Most recently, he’s been in business at Shockey Scofield Solutions, a lobby shop he founded in 2011 with John Scofield, a one-time Republican communications director for the House Appropriations Committee. Shockey’s start on Capitol Hill was in 1991 as a staff assistant for ex-Rep. Jerry Lewis, R-Calif. He worked his way up to legislative director for Lewis before going to work in 1999 for the government relations firm Copeland, Lowery & Jacquez. He left the firm in 2004 to take a job with Lewis on the Appropriations Committee.  

Copeland, Lowery & Jacquez, a major player in an earmark-heavy era, later came under federal scrutiny for its relationship with Lewis. In 2006, Shockey’s $2 million severance package with the firm came under scrutiny.  

Nunes emphasized Shockey’s Hill resume in his hiring statement. “As Staff Director, in addition to becoming well versed in classified Department of Defense and intelligence programs, he served as lead negotiator for House Republicans during several appropriations end-games,” the statement said.  

According to 2013 Lobbyist Disclosure Act reports, Shockey Scofield earned $3.4 million, an average of $1.1 million per lobbyist .  

Nunes also appointed Jennifer Miller as deputy staff director. Miller has served as a professional staff member at the House Appropriations Committee since 1996. During her tenure, she has managed oversight activities related to numerous federal departments and agencies, including key defense and intelligence programs.  

Long-time Nunes staffer Damon Nelson was named senior adviser. Nelson has served as Nunes’ deputy chief of staff since 2003. During that time his portfolio included defense, national security and foreign affairs.  

Related:

Revenge of the Little Shops | K Street Files


The 114th: CQ Roll Call’s Guide to the New Congress


Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call in your inbox or on your iPhone.