Georgia Lieutenant Governor-elect Burt Jones, a Republican, announced key hires Monday as he prepares to take office next month.
Jones announced hires for chief of staff, legislative director and counsel, policy and communications director, director of constituent services, director of operations and scheduling and legislative liaison.
“As we hit the ground running following the campaign, I’m proud to announce that Loree Anne Paradise will serve as my Chief of Staff,” Jones wrote in a press release announcing the hires. “Loree Anne was an integral part of our campaign, and her experience, work ethic, dedication and expertise will be instrumental to the successor our administration.”
Paradise served as Jones’ legal advisor and chief fundraiser in his 2022 campaign, leading efforts to raise more than $12 million for Jones’ successful election. Paradise is an attorney with experience in campaign finance, regulatory compliance, constitutional and election law and government affairs management. She previously served as chief of staff and deputy chief of staff for then-Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley, communications director for U.S. Rep. Doug Collins, press secretary for U.S. Reps. David McKinley and John Culbertson and has worked on campaigns for Hawley’s congressional bid and Collins.
“I’m also honored to have a tremendous incoming staff of seasoned policy experts and trusted advisors who will work everyday to benefit the people of Georgia and help us deliver on our campaign promises of lower taxes, safer communities, and better schools,” Jones wrote of his additional staff picks.
Brad Vaughan will serve as legislative director and counsel. He has more than a decade of experience working in private law practice, public policy advocacy and government service. Vaughan previously served as a staff attorney Justice Charlie Bethel on the Georgia Supreme Court and is a former member of the Georgia Senate policy staff.
Ines Owens will serve as policy and communications director for Jones. She has 12 years of experience working on state policy issues, including seven years as a legislative staffer for the Georgia state Senate. Owens also previously worked in government affairs for Emory University/Healthcare, Grady Health System and the Association County Commissioners of Georgia.
Serving as Director of Constituent Services will be Denese Sampson, a former legislative Assistant for various Georgia state Senators.
Tiffany Hull will direct operations and scheduling for Jones. She served as a volunteer for his 2022 campaign before being hired to staff as Jones’ scheduler in June.
Ben Garcia, a former Senate aide in the Georgia General Assembly, will serve as Jones’ legislative liaison. Garcia served as a travel aide and executive assistant to Jones in his campaign. He previously interned with Troutman Pepper Strategies.
Jones won his race for Lt. Governor in November, earning more than 51% of the vote over Democrat Charlie Bailey and third party candidate Ryan Graham.
Jones will be inaugurated Jan. 12.
