Wilkes-Barre Times Leader
U.S. Reps.-elect Tom Marino and Lou Barletta have announced the appointments of their top congressional staffers.
Lackawanna County natives Bill Tighe and David Weber will head Marino’s Washington and district operations, respectively.
Tighe, 33, of Burke, Va., formerly of Newton Township, was named chief of staff. Weber, 29, of Clarks Green, had served as Marino’s campaign manager and was appointed district director.
Drew Kent, 30, of Arlington, Va., was named Marino’s legislative director. And Renita Fennick, 50, of Wilkes-Barre Township, has been tabbed as Marino’s communications director.
The appointments are effective Jan. 3.
“This is a solid team with a lot of energy and a good synergy,” Marino said. “I have the utmost confidence in each one of them and also am certain they have the skills and mindset to work together as a team.
“Most importantly, each of them knows that our mission is to serve the constituents of the 10th District,” Marino said. “The four of them share my sentiment — and that is, that we must never forget who we are and why the good people of Pennsylvania sent us to Washington in the first place. We will work together with our varied backgrounds and experiences to make sure the voices of the people in the 10th District are heard in D.C.”
Tighe is currently chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach, R-Chester County. He also worked for former U.S. Rep. George W. Gekas. Tighe and his wife, Erica, have three sons. His parents are Bill and Nancy Tighe, Newton Township.
Tighe said he decided to leave Gerlach’s staff for Marino’s “for a couple reasons. I and a lot of people I know at home have the highest regard for Tom. And number two … this is a dream of mine, to be able to work for my hometown district, for people who are friends and family,” he said.
Patrick Rothwell will serve as Barletta’s chief of staff.
Rothwell, who was born in Harrisburg and grew up in Massachusetts, most recently was chief of staff for the U.S. House Republican Policy Committee. He also has worked for U.S. Rep. Thaddeus G. McCotter, R-Mich.; former Rep. Charles W. Norwood, R-Ga.; and Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.