WASHINGTON – U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) today named two deputy chiefs of staff.

Chris Wydler has been named deputy chief of staff for policy and legislation and senior adviser to the chairman. He previously served as legislative director. In his new role, he will advise Chairman Smith on the full range of science and technology policy issues within the committee’s jurisdiction and continue to manage the committee’s legislative agenda. 

Ashley Smith has been named deputy chief of staff for strategy and operations and senior counsel to the chairman. She previously served as administrative director. In her new role, she will take on a broader portfolio of long-term strategy in addition to overseeing committee operations.

Chairman Smith: “Ashley and Chris have been indispensable to the success of the Science Committee. Chris has helped carry a record number of bills across the finish line. And Ashley has taken numerous strategic initiatives to assure the smooth operation of the Committee. With Mark Marin as Chief of Staff and Chris and Ashley as Deputies, we have the ideal team in place to accomplish much during the remainder of this Congress.”