U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, announced that former staff member Leila Kimbrell is returning to serve as her new State Director. In addition, Murkowski welcomes new hire Hannah Ray to join her communications team, serving as Press Secretary.
“I’m excited to welcome both Leila and Hannah to my team. Both of these women have a strong heart and passion for Alaska that I know will serve my office and our state well,” the senator said in a release. “Leila’s work ethic and experience, not only in Alaska, but also previously serving as a member of my staff, enable her to know how to get things done for Alaskans. Hannah’s professionalism and ability to communicate effectively with Alaskans will help share the information about my work within the Senate to all Alaskans.”
Kimbrell is a lifelong Alaskan born and raised on the Kenai Peninsula. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage and her law degree from Willamette University College of Law. She has practiced law in Alaska for the past decade, most recently with the Alaska-based law firm of Birch Horton Bitter & Cherot. From 2013-2015, Leila served as a policy advisor to Murkowski in her Washington, D.C., office, handling a diverse portfolio focused on economic development issues, including small business development, labor issues, tourism, tax, trade, banking and finance, telecom, and budget and appropriations. Kimbrell replaces Kevin Sweeney, who served as State Director for a total of six years. Sweeney is leaving the Senator’s staff after 12 years of service.
Ray will be based in Washington, D.C. She has her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication in Public Relations from the University of Central Arkansas Honor College. Previously, Hannah served as the Community Events Manager for the American Cancer Society (ACS) in Anchorage. During her tenure at ACS, she worked in communities across the state to help manage events and develop patient services for cancer patients in rural Alaska. Ray replaces Jenna Mason, who worked for Murkowski for over three years, serving most recently as Press Secretary and previously as Press Assistant.
