WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) announced that her Deputy Chief of Staff Kelsey Becker has been promoted to Chief of Staff following Kalina Thompson’s departure from the role. Becker, a Schaumburg native, has served Duckworth’s team since 2012 in a range of leadership roles in both the Senator’s House and Senate offices as well as her campaigns.
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“For over a decade, Kalina Thompson has been a kindred public servant, a true force for good, and beyond it all, a fiercely loyal friend,” said Duckworth. “While Kalina will be deeply missed, I’m excited to see all the good she’ll do in her next chapter and have the utmost confidence handing the reins over to Kelsey Becker.”
“As Deputy Chief of Staff and after years of service to my team, Kelsey has proven herself to be more than ready for this new role and keep up our work for the people of Illinois,” continued Duckworth. “She has been a trusted advisor and an astute political strategist—helping deliver key wins to the benefit of her fellow Illinoisans. Through her tireless efforts, Kelsey has helped institute policies and pass legislation that has made being a working parent easier for so many folks in our office, in our state and throughout the nation. Having been a valued part of our office for so many years, Kelsey brings deep institutional knowledge and a consistent record of dedication that will continue to serve our team and the people of Illinois well.”
Becker holds a Master of Arts in International Development, with a focus on Gender and Democracy, from George Washington University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science from Butler University. She also served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mali, where she partnered with a local women’s association to strengthen business practices and support economic development.
For the past three years, Becker has served as Co-Lead of the Senate Moms Group, a bipartisan organization comprised of over 200 moms who work in the Senate and help drive policies that empower parents and families in Congress. Becker lives in the DC area with her husband and their three children.
