Rep. Becca Balint Says Chief of Staff Megan Garcia Will Depart

U.S. Representative Becca Balint announced on Monday that her Chief of Staff, Megan Garcia, will depart the office at the end of this week to pursue a new role in the private sector.

Garcia has served as the top aide to the Vermont congresswoman since Balint was first sworn into office in January 2023, playing a central role in standing up the legislative operation from its inception.

According to the official announcement from Rep. Balint’s office, the departure comes after four years of collaboration, with Garcia instrumental in shaping the team’s approach to constituent services and federal policy advocacy.

“Megan has been by my side since the very beginning of my time in Congress, and it’s hard to imagine the team or the work we’ve done without her,” said Rep. Becca Balint.

“She came to this role with a decade of experience on the Hill, expertise on technology policy, and experience as a foundation and non-profit leader, and she brought that knowledge and leadership to the work of building our office from the ground up.”

To fill the vacancy, Balint has tapped Kate Gorud, who currently serves as the office’s Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director. Gorud is a veteran of Capitol Hill with more than a decade of experience, having previously worked for Rep. Mark Pocan and former Rep. Matt Cartwright.

Her background includes extensive work on the federal appropriations process and dairy policy, which has been a point of focus for Vermont’s agricultural sector.

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Gorud’s promotion is part of a broader internal reorganization. Kaleigh Calvao, who has served as a Senior Legislative Assistant with a focus on foreign affairs and healthcare, will step into the role of Legislative Director. Calvao, who began her career as an intern for Rep. Jim Himes, has been a member of Balint’s legislative team since 2023.

The shift in leadership comes at a busy time for the Vermont delegation, particularly regarding federal disaster relief and community funding. Gorud was a primary architect of the congresswoman’s Community Project Funding program, a mechanism that allows members to direct federal dollars to specific local infrastructure and service initiatives.

In the high-pressure environment of the U.S. House, the Chief of Staff serves as the primary bridge between a member’s political vision and the day-to-day reality of legislative maneuvering.

Reflecting on her tenure, Garcia noted the unique challenges of the last four years. “I’ve had a front row seat to the way Rep. Balint leads: with so much heart, conviction, humor, and an unwavering commitment to the people she represents,” Garcia said. “Even in the hardest moments, she never loses sight of why we’re here or who we’re here to fight for.”

The departure of a founding Chief of Staff follows the office’s announcement that Megan Garcia will be leaving her position at the end of this week. The transition involves Gorud and Calvao stepping into their new roles as Chief of Staff and Legislative Director, respectively, to continue the office’s work for Vermont.

The changeover will be finalized by the end of this week, as the team prepares for the upcoming legislative calendar. It is unclear whether the shift in personnel will change the office's policy focus, though the promotion of existing staff suggests a desire to maintain the momentum built since 2023.

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