CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today announced that Joel Brubaker, her long-time chief of staff of 18 years, will be leaving for a new opportunity outside the government. With Brubaker’s departure, J.T. Jezierski, who currently serves as the senator’s Legislative Director, will assume the role of chief of staff.

“I am incredibly grateful to Joel for his nearly two decades of service to West Virginia. Not only did Joel serve as my chief of staff, but he also became like a member of the Capito family, a great confidant, and friend. He has been by my side through tough times, hard campaigns, long days and nights, missed vacations, and challenges associated with larger responsibilities. Joel has an enormous affection for the State of West Virginia, holding the same sense of pride in our foundations and aspirations, and for that I am forever thankful,” Senator Capito said.

J.T. Jezierski, a native of Weirton, W.Va., will move into the role as chief of staff to Senator Capito. He has served in various roles in Senator Capito’s office, including Legislative Director and Director of Appropriations. Prior to his time in Senator Capito’s office, Jezierski worked for Reps. David McKinley (R-W.Va.), and on the Congressional campaign of Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.). In the U.S. House of Representatives, Jezierski worked for Rep. Pete Olson (R-Texas) and the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. He also served in the George W. Bush administration at the White House Office of Presidential Personnel, and at NASA. Jezierski worked on Mitt Romney’s 2008 and 2012 campaigns and at DCI Group. He holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree from Wheeling-Jesuit University, as well as a Master of Arts in Public Policy from Regent University.

“J.T. has been a member of my staff since my very first day in the United States Senate, and I am excited that he will continue serving our great state of West Virginia as my new chief of staff. I am confident that J.T.’s knowledge, extensive government experience, and devotion to West Virginia have prepared him well for this role, and I know he will do a fantastic job in leading our team going forward,” Senator Capito said.  

# # #