Celebrating Stennis Fellows: 2025 Democracy Awards Honorees
The Stennis Center is proud to recognize six outstanding Stennis Fellows who have been honored by the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) with 2025 Democracy Awards. These prestigious, nonpartisan awards celebrate congressional offices and staff who exemplify innovation, effectiveness, and a strong commitment to public service.
We are pleased to highlight the leadership and achievements of the following Stennis Fellows, both Current and Senior, whose work reflects the mission of the Stennis Center to strengthen representative democracy through bipartisan public service.
Photo credit: All event photos courtesy of the Congressional Management Foundation (via their 2025 Democracy Awards event gallery).
To learn more about the awards and event, visit the CMF Democracy Awards page
Best in Constituent Correspondence and Outreach
• John Byers, Current Stennis Fellow
• Mark Libell, Senior Stennis Fellow
This award recognizes congressional offices that demonstrate excellence in communicating with constituents through letters, emails, social media, town halls, and other outreach efforts. Offices honored in this category show an unwavering commitment to transparency, responsiveness, and public engagement.
John Byers, serving in the office of Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX-11), has helped lead an office that prioritizes meaningful engagement, returning every call and letter, hosting nearly 100 town halls, and building a robust e-newsletter program with more than 45,000 subscribers. His leadership in building stakeholder relationships and creating constituent-led taskforces highlights an innovative and inclusive approach to public service.
![thumbnail_20250918_ENP_CMF_0631[72]](https://stennis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/thumbnail_20250918_ENP_CMF_063172.jpg)
Mark Libell, Chief of Staff to Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA), brings over 20 years of experience on Capitol Hill. He has served in senior roles for Senators Doug Jones and Jay Rockefeller, among others, and previously worked with the Federal Reserve under Chair Janet Yellen. Mark’s steady leadership and dedication to communication reflect his deep-rooted commitment to representative governance.
Excellence in Congressional Management
• John Lee, Current Stennis Fellow
This award honors offices that demonstrate outstanding internal operations, strategic planning, and staff development.
John Lee, serving in the office of Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), has contributed significantly to ensuring operational excellence. His efforts have enhanced team coordination and constituent service delivery, reflecting a modern, high-performing congressional office built on transparency and accountability.
Chief of Staff of the Year
• Chris Crawford, Senior Stennis Fellow
• Mitchell Rivard, Senior Stennis Fellow
• JT Jezierski, Senior Stennis Fellow
This award honors Chiefs of Staff who display exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and dedication to building strong, constituent-focused teams on Capitol Hill.
Chris Crawford, Chief of Staff to Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA-01), has led the Carter office since 2015. His management of both the Washington and district operations reflects a commitment to organizational effectiveness and steady leadership. Prior to his current role, he served nine years in the office of Rep. Jack Kingston, including as Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director.
Mitchell Rivard, Chief of Staff to Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO-06), oversees both DC and Colorado offices and manages an 18-member staff. He brings two decades of political, legislative, and communications experience, including time with Rep. Dan Kildee and the U.S. Department of Justice under President Obama. Mitchell also co-chairs the House Chiefs of Staff Association, mentoring senior staffers and promoting excellence across the House.
JT Jezierski, Chief of Staff to Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), has served with Senator Capito since her first day in the Senate. A native of Weirton, West Virginia, JT previously worked on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, at NASA, and in the George W. Bush White House. His institutional knowledge, deep roots in public service, and devotion to West Virginia have made him a trusted and respected leader.
A Celebration of Public Service Excellence
The Democracy Awards honor the best of public service in Congress, and these six Stennis Fellows exemplify the leadership, integrity, and effectiveness that strengthen our representative institutions. We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments and highlight their ongoing commitment to serving the American people.
Congratulations to all the honorees. Your work represents the highest standards of congressional service and the enduring mission of the Stennis Center.
The Stennis Center remains committed to supporting the professional development of congressional staff, and we look forward to continuing to promote excellence in public service throughout the 119th Congress and beyond.