Staff Photos
Chief of Staff: Justin Harding
Justin Harding is a product of southern Utah. He attended schools in Iron and Beaver Counties, graduating from Beaver High School in 1993. He attended Southern Utah University, and graduated in 2000 with a B.S. in Political Science. He first came to Capitol Hill in 1999 as an intern in the office of former Congressman James V. Hansen (UT-01). After his internship, Congressman Hansen hired him full time as a Legislative Assistant. Following Hansen’s retirement in 2002, he went to work for Congressman Rob Bishop. After six successful years in Congressman Bishop’s office, the last four as his Legislative Director, he was hired by newly elected Congressman Jason Chaffetz to serve as his Chief of Staff. Over the years, Harding has worked on behalf of Utahns on natural resource, energy, agriculture, and transportation issues. He is well known on Capitol Hill and in Utah amongst elected officials and industry leaders. His work ethic and love for all things Utah have served the state well. He and his wife, Bridget, live in northern Virginia with their three (almost four) children, where they are active in civic, community, and religious affairs.
Legislative Director: Mike Jerman
Mike Jerman was vice president of the Utah Taxpayers Association for five years where he advocated for lower taxes, tax reform, charter schools, and a business-friendly tax climate. Mike also worked in international sales and marketing management for twelve years for Utah-based manufacturers of control and calibration equipment. Mike has a Masters in Business Administration and a Bachelors of Science in mechanical engineering from Brigham Young University. Mike’s specialties include public policy analysis with emphasis on taxation, appropriations, energy and transporation.
Senior Policy Advisor and Counsel: Erek Loosli
Erek Loosli was born and raised in Provo, and graduated from Timpview High. He received his degree in mathematics and philosophy at Brigham Young University. He then pursued joint degrees in law and public policy on scholarship at Georgetown in Washington, DC. He completed a legislative fellowship in Senator Gordon Smith’s office, clerked at two DC law firms, and taught graduate labs in econometrics. He was then selected as a Presidential Management Fellow, and served in the Office of the CFO for DHS, and as a Country Director for Southeast Asia in the Pentagon, using his Thai language proficiency. He and his wife, Mireille van Tonder, are the parents of five children.
Communications Director and Legislative Aide: Alisia Abegg Essig
Alisia Essig was born in Salt Lake City and raised in Davis County Utah. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Communications and Political Science from the University of Utah in 2005. Alisia completed her Masters degree in Public Administration at The George Washington University in 2009. While attending graduate school, Alisia interned for the National Center for Victims of Crime in Washington, D.C., as well as for Congressman Denny Rehberg (R-MT). Alisia is also a certified Pilates instructor and in her spare time she can be found teaching Pilates mat classes at The George Washington University.
Scheduler and Office Manager: Karilyn Henshaw
Karilyn Henshaw was born and raised in Orem, Utah. She attended Timpanogos High School and then Utah Valley University, where she received bachelor’s degrees in business finance and accounting. During and after college, Karilyn worked for many Utah based companies including Central Bank and Acute Engineering. After graduation, she received a position in Senator Orrin Hatch's Washington D.C. office as a staff assistant and later as a member of his legislative staff. In her spare time KA enjoys running and has completed both the Deseret Morning News and St. George Marathons.
Legislative Aide: Fred Ferguson
Fred Ferguson attended Skyline High School in Salt Lake City and then attended Dixie State College and the University of Utah on a baseball scholarship. In 2008, Fred graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and was named an Academic All-Mountain West Conference student-athlete. Fred was hired by Representative Chaffetz in December 2008 and currently serves as one of Rep. Chaffetz’ legislative aides. Fred has become a staple in local Congressional softball leagues, and you can usually find him on the National Mall after work hours playing for various teams.
District Director: Jennifer Scott
Jennifer Scott has a long history of grass roots activism. She most recently served as the volunteer campaign manager to Congressman Chaffetz during his initial run for Congress, helping him defeat a 6-term incumbent using an all-volunteer staff and a limited budget. She has spent a decade working on municipal campaigns and issues in West Jordan, where she served as campaign manager to Mayor David Newton. Jennifer was the General Coordinator for the Wild West Jordan Playground, a community-built project in which organizers raised over $400,000 and pulled together more than 6,000 volunteers to build a playground over a 10-day period. Jennifer earned a degree in public relations and political science from Brigham Young University. She is married to Rusty Scott and they have 3 children.
Duputy District Director: Dell Smith
Dell Smith is the Deputy District Director for Congressman Jason Chaffetz. Dell served for 18 months on the Congressman’s campaign staff as the field director in a volunteer status. He is a veteran of the Utah National Guard having served 37 years with his last assignment as the State Command Sergeant Major. He has been married for 37 years to his wife Connie and they have 5 children and 16 grand children.
Provo Office Manager: Emily Ellsworth
Emily Ellsworth grew up in Genola, UT. A graduate of Payson High School and Utah Valley University in 2005, she spent time in a variety of careers including public relations, education, technology, and business. Emily is the Office Manager for the Provo, UT office and handles casework related to Social Security, IRS and CMS in Utah County. Among her many interests are reading, computers and watching movies with her husband.
Field Rep/Caseworker: Jennifer Andelin
Jennifer Andelin: Jennifer has been actively involved in the community and local politics for over 20 years. She has a passion for politics and international work. She has served in various capacities in West Jordan and is the former Utah State Coordinator for Sister Cities International. She has hosted numerous international delegations through the Open World and Community Connections programs. Jennifer graduated from BYU with a BA degree in Latin American Studies. She and her husband, Nathan, are the parents of five children and the grandparents of three.
Field Rep/Caseworker: Jessica Palfreyman
Jessica Palfreyman: Jessica was born and raised in South Jordan, Utah. She attended Bingham High School and the University of Utah where she received bachelor’s degree in Political Science. During her college years she was a Hinckley Institute intern with Senator Orrin Hatch for his local constituent services. After graduation she was an office manager, fundraiser and campaign liaison at the Utah Republican Party. In her spare time Jessica enjoys traveling, Mini Cooper rallies and reading.
Field Rep for Rural Public Lands and Agriculture: Wade Garrett
Wade Garrett was raised on a family farm in Nephi, Utah. He is a graduate of Juab High School and received his Associates Degree from Snow College. He is actively involved in production agriculture and running cattle on private, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), School Trust, and U.S. Forest Service land. He mined BLM mineral leases at a Juab County mining company for ten years. He is a member of the local FFA Adult Advisory Committee, Juab County Fair Board, and the County Farm Bureau Board. He also serves on the State Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher Committee. He, his wife, and their four children currently reside in Nephi where they enjoy the rural life and spending time on the farm.
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Washington DC Fall Interns:
Becca Paul and John Hadlock
