Title: Deputy chief of staff
Age: 43
Hometown: Seattle
Education: B.S. in finance, University of Oregon; M.S. in community and regional planning, University of Texas.
Last job: Audit manager, KPMG
Best thing about being chief of staff: I enjoy taking the broad view of things, so the deputy chief of staff position and the work of Congress fit well into that mindset.
Management style: Supportive; with 40 years as an elected official, the congressman knows what he wants, and we have a great team that knows how to get things done. I use my nine years in the office, business world experience and broad view to help staff implement the congressman’s vision.
Top priorities in your current role: I came to the Blumenauer office as a fellow focused on transportation and livability, so those issues are close to my heart and remain a priority for the office. His two terms on the Ways and Means Committee have opened up opportunities to advance healthcare, energy and tax reform.
Most embarrassing moment on Capitol Hill: Expecting a call from my wife, I answered the phone, “Hello, sweetie” — only to have the congressman, after a short pause, answer back, “I know we’re all like family, but …”
Interests outside of work: Eating my wife’s wonderful cooking, running, biking, live music.
{mosads}An avid runner and cyclist from the Pacific Northwest who has completed five triathlons, James Koski seems like the perfect fit as deputy chief of staff in fitness buff Rep. Earl Blumenauer’s (D-Ore.) office.
Nine years ago, after having completed a master’s degree in urban planning, Koski accepted a six-month fellowship under Blumenauer, who was then on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Six months later, Koski took a full-time offer to work on transportation issues in the congressman’s personal office.
Koski then served as Blumenauer’s legislative director before taking up his current post a few years ago.
Part of what Koski likes most about working for Blumenauer is the congressman’s commitment to healthy living.
Koski, who frequently bikes or runs his five-and-a-half-mile commute to work, appreciates Blumenauer’s allowing his staffers to leave extra work clothes in the office so they can exercise on their way in. He also likes the activities Blumenauer and his other colleagues participate in, such as the Officemax Hood to Coast Relay later this summer, in which teams of 12 run the 197 miles between Mt. Hood and the Pacific coast in Seaside, Ore.
“Whether it’s running or playing softball or biking … it gets people doing things outside the office and in a more casual atmosphere,” Koski said. “It helps bond the staff and relieves some of the stress that goes on up here. It sets a great tone for the office.”
To have your office featured on Inside the Office of…, contact Kris Kitto at 202-628-8539 or kkitto@digital-staging.thehill.com.