FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 13, 2024
CONTACT:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following a productive first week in office, Senator George Helmy (D-NJ) today introduced his senior staff, outlining each of their roles in his office over coming months. The Senator also announced three offices located across New Jersey and in Washington, D.C., and encouraged his constituents to reach out with any inquires they may have.
“Representing New Jersey in the United States Senate requires a dedicated team of individuals devoted to public service and our state. I am thrilled to have a staff with vast professional backgrounds and experiences who I know have a shared vision for the success of our office,” said Senator Helmy. “We are officially open for business with three offices filled with individuals committed to assisting our constituents. My office will be one of integrity, transparency, functionality, and advocacy that our constituents can rely on.”
Senator Helmy’s senior staff includes:
Danny Smith is the Chief of Staff for Senator George Helmy. He returns to the Senate after working at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. Prior to that, he worked for Senator Cory Booker for nearly nine years in various capacities, most recently as his Chief Counsel on the Senate Judiciary Committee.
David McCallum is the Senior Advisor for Senator Helmy. He is a veteran of the Senate, having served on the staffs of Senators John Breaux (D-LA), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D-NY), and 16 years as a senior aide to Democratic Leader Harry Reid (D-NV).
Robert Kelly is the Deputy Chief of Staff for Senator Helmy. Rob is a veteran of the United States Senate with more than 18 years of federal service for the Garden State, working for Senators Robert Menendez and Jon Corzine.
Rajiv Venkataramanan is the Chief Counsel and Legislative Director for Senator Helmy. Most recently, he served as the Chief Counsel and Acting Legislative Director to U.S. Senator Robert Menendez. Prior to that role, he served as Chief Counsel to U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy, former President Pro Tempore of the U.S. Senate, and former chair of the Senate Appropriations and Judiciary Committees.
Rudy Rodas is the State Director for Senator Helmy. Previously, he was a senior aide to Senator Robert Menendez in the state office, leading the senator’s outreach, press, and constituent services. Rods also worked as Associate Counsel in the Office of Governor Phil Murphy before joining the Senate.
Leila Collins is the Senior Policy Advisor for Senator Helmy. Previously, she was a Senior Advisor in the Office of Governor Phil Murphy, focusing on economic growth. Collins earned her M.B.A. from Columbia University and was a Fulbright Scholar in Turkey.
Michael Gray is the Senior Outreach Advisor for Senator Helmy. Prior to joining Senator Helmy’s staff, Michael was District Director to Representative Donald Payne, Jr., for nearly two decades.
Tyler Jones is the Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor for Senator Helmy. She previously served as Deputy Press Secretary to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, and Press Secretary to First Lady Tammy Murphy.
Senator Helmy’s three office locations include:
Washington, DC
528 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202-224-4744
Barrington, NJ
208 White Horse Pike
Suite# 18
Barrington, NJ 08007
Phone: 856-757-5353
Jersey City, NJ
210 Hudson Street
Harborside 3, Suite #1000
Jersey City, NJ 07311
Phone: 973-645-3030
Senator Helmy can also be followed on X, Instagram, and YouTube.