U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) announced Thursday the departure of Stephen Boyd as chief of staff, who will exit the office later this month to seek private sector opportunities.
Mary Blanche Hankey, who currently serves Alabama’s junior senator as chief counsel and policy advisor, will become Tuberville’s new chief of staff.
“Stephen Boyd exemplifies the values Alabamians hold dear,” said Tuberville in a release. “His service to his country, loyalty to his beliefs, and pursuit of excellence have made him an invaluable part of my team. When I was elected, my first order of business was building a staff with the knowledge and skills required to deliver for my constituents.”
“As a lifelong Alabamian with years of experience on Capitol Hill and at the Department of Justice, Stephen was the first person I asked to serve in our office,” he said. “His leadership has been the foundation of a team I am very proud to see working for the people of Alabama every day. I am thankful for his service, and I look forward to seeing what he achieves in the future.”
Boyd has served as Tuberville’s highest-ranking staff member since the senator first assumed office in January 2021. The Birmingham native previously served as the Senate-confirmed assistant attorney general for the Office of Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Department of Justice.
Prior to his work at the Justice Department, Boyd served as chief of staff to former U.S. Rep. Martha Roby (R-Montgomery). Boyd, an alumnus of the University of Alabama College of Communications and School of Law, also served in various roles for former U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Mobile).
Hankey, a native of Florence, is a graduate of the University of Alabama and Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law.
She served in several roles at DOJ before joining Tuberville’s office, including deputy assistant attorney general and chief of staff, as well as counselor in the Office of Legislative Affairs. Additionally, Hankey served as the White House liaison in the Office of the Attorney General and was former legislative counsel to Sessions’ Senate office.
In announcing Hankey as his new chief of staff, Tuberville praised her dedication to serving the people of Alabama.
“Mary Blanche Hankey is the model of leadership with integrity, and I am proud to have her assume the role of chief of staff,” said Tuberville. “Mary Blanche’s experience and work ethic have made her valuable member of our team since the beginning, and I am confident she will continue to serve her state and country at the highest possible level.”
“In just two years, our office has accomplished much on behalf of the state, but it takes a dedicated team of public servants in Washington and across the state to represent Alabamians in the U.S. Senate,” he added. “Mary Blanche will be the steadfast leader that team needs to continue to deliver.”
Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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