5th District Congresswoman-elect Jahana Hayes has hired three top-level staff members – all with significant Connecticut ties. Two will be based out of the Washington DC office, and one in the District office. 

Joe Dunn will serve as Chief of Staff. He worked for then-Representative Chris Murphy in 2010, was part of his Senate transition team and was his Senior Policy Advisor. 

Jason Newton was named Communications Director.  The Southern Connecticut State University graduate was a DC correspondent, before transitioning to become a press secretary for a congressman from Pennsylvania. 

New Britain resident Veronica DeLandro will be District Director for Hayes. After leading nonprofits over the past 15 years, she then served as Director of Community Engagement for the Governor's Prevention Partnership. Hayes says she is a local leader with statewide experience in providing leadership, training, technical assistance and support to diverse schools, organizations, businesses, people and populations including communities like those in the district.