Only two days removed from her election, U.S. Sen.-elect Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) has announced the appointment of two high-ranking staff members.
Alabama native Clay Armentrout, who has served in a number of legislative-focused roles in U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby’s (R-Tuscaloosa) office since 2015, will serve as Britt’s chief of staff.
The University of Alabama alumnus has served as legislative director and counsel for Alabama’s senior senator for nearly four years. Armentrout, a graduate of the Wake Forest University School of Law, oversees Shelby’s legislative staff across all policy areas and leads the office’s legislative work.
In announcing Armentrout’s appointment, Britt spoke to her previous working relationship with the Senate veteran.
“I am thrilled to announce that Clay Armentrout will serve as my chief of staff,” said Britt. “I have no doubt that he is the perfect person for this job. When I served as Senator Shelby’s chief of staff from 2016-2018, I saw firsthand the unsurpassed work ethic, integrity, and insight Clay brings to the table.”
“He has worked his way up through the legislative and policy ranks, and he expertly knows the ins and outs of not only the issues relevant to Alabama, but the institution, personalities, and nuances of the United States Senate, as well,” she continued. “Clay’s experience, skillset, and innovative thinking will allow my office to hit the ground running at full speed on day one.”
Armentrout will serve as one of Britt’s designated transition staffers and will immediately begin building the senator-elect’s staff. According to a release from Britt’s campaign, those interested in applying for staff positions can email a resume to [email protected].
Sean Ross, who served as editor of Yellowhammer News from 2019-2021, has been named Britt’s communications director — the same role in which he served on the campaign. He will also be a designated transition staffer for Britt’s office.
Wasting no time in assembling a staff, Britt asserted that her team would serve as “the voice” of all Alabamians.
“I am going to work tirelessly in the U.S. Senate to better the lives of hardworking Alabamians in every corner of our great state,” said Britt. “We are already busy building out a dynamic staff that is best suited to execute this mission. Together as a team, we will be the hands, the feet, and the voice representing all Alabamians in Washington.”
“There is a wide range of pressing challenges and opportunities that we must tackle head-on. I am eager to get to work on behalf of our state and our nation.”
Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
