MADISON – With the 2023-24 legislative session underway, Senator Democratic Leader Melissa Agard (D-Madison) announced her staff team for the upcoming biennium.
Aaron Collins has spent the last 12 years working in Wisconsin state politics. He has served as Senator Agard’s Chief of Staff since January 2021. Previous to this role, Collins worked for Representative Gordon Hintz as the Communications Director for the Assembly Democratic Caucus. With Senator Agard assuming her position as Senate Democratic Leader, Collins will serve as Executive Director in the upcoming session. Aaron and his wife live on the west side of Madison with their 5-year old daughter.
Contact: Aaron.Collins@legis.wisconsin.gov
Chandra Munroe will continue to serve as Senator Agard’s Communications Director. Chandra previously worked for State Representatives Sondy Pope and Jill Billings after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and completing an internship with former Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling.
Contact: Chandra.Munroe@legis.wisconsin.gov
Robert Abrahamian will serve as Policy Director for Senator Agard. He previously worked in the Wisconsin State Assembly for Representative Katrina Shankland and Representative Greta Neubauer and most recently worked as the Candidate Services Director for the Wisconsin Assembly Democratic Campaign Committee.
Contact: Robert.Abrahamian@legis.wisconsin.gov
Mandy (Amanda) Kind, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse,will serve as the Digital Director for Senator Agard. She joined the legislature in 2021 and previously worked for Senator Brad Pfaff and Senator Jeff Smith. Most recently she served as campaign staff for Senator Smith.
Contact: Amanda.Kind@legis.wisconsin.gov
Zen Kitisook will serve as Deputy Policy Director for Senator Agard. He most recently worked in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Previously, Zen served in the Office of Governor Tony Evers and began his career in the Capitol as an intern in the State Senate.
Contact: Zen.Kitisook@legis.wisconsin.gov
Emily Duernberger will serve as Operations Director for Senator Agard. She recently worked as a legislative aide after joining the team last year. As a recent UW-Madison graduate, she began as a capitol intern in the summer of 2022.
Contact: Emily.Duernberger@ legis.wisconsin.gov
Joe Splinter will serve as Senator Agard’s District Director. A Carroll University graduate and Stevens Point native, Joe previously worked for Sen. Janet Bewley starting in May 2021. Splinter holds a degree in Psychology and is a proud Returned Peace Corps Volunteer. Joe and his wife live in Madison with their infant son.
Daniel Zaydman will serve as Constituent Services Director for Senator Agard. Daniel began his career in the Wisconsin State Legislature as a fellow in Senator Agard’s office in 2021 and then joined Congressman Mark Pocan’s team as Campaign Coordinator during the 2022 midterm election cycle.
Contact: Daniel.Zaydman@ legis.wisconsin.gov
Laurel Noack will serve as Digital Strategy Director for Senate Democratic Leader Melissa Agard. She recently worked for the Wisconsin Senate Democratic Campaign Committee as their Digital Director. Laurel began her career in the Capitol as an intern in the Office of Representative Greta Neubauer.
Contact: Laurel.Noack@ legis.wisconsin.gov
Brett Halverson will serve as Budget and Policy Specialist for Senator Agard and Senate Democrats. Brett has spent his career working in state and federal politics, most recently as Deputy Legislative Director to former Assembly Democratic Leader Gordon Hintz and as Assistant Director of State Relations at UW-Madison.
Contact: Brett.Halverson@legis.wisconsin.gov
