Alyssa Erdel: Deputy chief of staff, House Republican Conference

Heading up member services is a “chameleon position,” Alyssa Erdel says — highly adaptable depending on the vision of the lawmaker in charge, whether for the House’s Republican Conference or in a committee.

“My mission is always the same: I listen, identify what’s missing, build trusted relationships, solve problems, and fill voids,” Erdel said.

Erdel still does that — and more — as deputy chief of staff for the House Republican Conference under Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.).

Erdel said her new role includes managing the communications team, leading meetings and working with McClain on management and strategy to execute her vision, as well as the member services leadership position she previously held.

Leading member services for the GOP conference means that Erdel talks to a lot of staff across the conference to help figure out what they need. Then she helps them make connections, aids in education for members and other staff, and fills any gaps in lawmakers’ operation of their offices.

One recent project of the House GOP conference was launching a “Meet the Cabinet” series, giving House Republicans the opportunity to meet members of President Trump’s Cabinet, enabling them to build relationships and make any specific requests.

Connecting the staff members at the committee level or Trump administration level is as important as connecting the principals, Erdel said.

“It’s not about where they stand ideologically. It’s about what their need is,” Erdel said, giving an example: “Are they in need of an Appropriations 101, or is their staff?”

The House GOP also launched a communications director mentorship program, has a scheduler mentorship program, and provides training for staff members.

“It’s like arming the entire conference, giving them the tools to be successful,” Erdel said.

Each of the 219 House Republican members, and their offices, have different needs. For veteran members with a stable staff, Erdel can connect with their staffers directly; other members might want to communicate on a more personal level.

McClain’s vision, Erdel said, is to “lift up” every member of the House GOP, be it through helping them advocate for their priorities with the Trump administration; helping them get national media attention; helping them solve constituent issues; or providing opportunities to learn about intricate policy issues.

The key, she said, is “knowing the members, knowing their districts, knowing their staff, understanding their constituencies.”

“And most importantly: Consistent execution, so when you’re hearing of something, you’re not just the eyes and ears — you are consistently executing and making this place just run a little bit smoother and be a little bit stronger,” Erdel said.