WASHINGTON – Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) today announced the hiring of staff for several senior positions, including chief of staff, state director, senior policy advisor, and communications director.

“From day one, I’ve been committed to bringing together a team of extraordinarily capable individuals to help me serve the people of Delaware,” Senator Coons said. “It’s important to me to be surrounded by smart, creative, and innovative professionals whose talent is matched only by their commitment to service. They have my full trust, confidence, and support, and I am honored to work with them.”

Todd Webster, Chief of Staff: Todd is a veteran of Capitol Hill, presidential politics and national media. He served as communications director and chief spokesman for then-Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle and in the same role for U.S. Senator Patty Murray.  A frequent commentator on MSNBC, Webster consulted on the campaigns of Senator Tom Harkin, Senator Robert Byrd and the DSCC, and was deputy communications director on the Gore-Lieberman campaign in 2000.  He received his M.A. from The George Washington University and his B.A. from Bowdoin College. Todd will work primarily in Senator Coons’ Washington office.

Rick Gregory, State Director: Rick served as the chief administrative officer and acting public safety director for New Castle County since September 2009, after three years as the county’s chief of police, managing more than 360 sworn officers. He had previously served for 22 years with the Florida Highway Patrol, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and being responsible for field operations in the southern and eastern parts of the state, as well as emergency management and homeland security. Rick received a B.S. from Barry University and is a graduate of the FBI Academy. Rick will work primarily in Senator Coons’ Wilmington office.

Christy Gleason, Senior Policy Advisor: Before running the successful Coons for Delaware senate campaign, Christy served as the deputy chief administrative officer for New Castle County. She was previously the communications director to the New Castle County Executive, chief of staff to three New Jersey state legislators, and executive director of the Camden County (NJ) Democratic Committee. A member of the Truman National Security Project, Christy received her J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law and her B.A. from American University. Christy will work in Senator Coons’ Wilmington and Washington offices.

Ian Koski, Communications Director: Ian comes to the office after six years as a new media strategist working with candidates and organizations, including Senator Coons’ 2010 senate campaign, Senators Ted Kennedy and John Kerry, Governor Martin O’Malley, Mayor Vincent Gray, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the U.S. Olympic Committee, the League of Women Voters, and the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Committee. Ian received his M.A. from The George Washington University and his B.A. from Villanova University. Ian will work primarily in Senator Coons’ Washington office.