Rep. Bera Announces New Key Staff Additions and Promotions

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) announced several key staffing changes including two new hires and several internal promotions.

New Hires 

• Nancy Juarez as Washington, D.C. Chief of Staff: Nancy previously served as Executive Director of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation, chaired by Rep. Zoe Lofgren, where she supported 43 California House Democrats and managed the delegation’s legislative priorities. Nancy is a seasoned Capitol Hill professional with 14 years of experience, previously serving as Chief of Staff to Rep. Marie Newman, Legislative Director to Rep. Salud Carbajal, Senior Policy Advisor to Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, Legislative Assistant to Rep. Steven Horsford, and Scheduler to Rep. Joe Baca. Nancy holds a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from UCLA.
• Jackie Duran as Legislative Assistant: Jackie previously served as Policy Fellow for the New Democrat Coalition where she covered immigration, workforce, and education policy. Prior to her fellowship, Jackie served in Rep. Scott Peters’ office as a Staff Assistant covering water, animal welfare, and arts policy. She received her B.A. in Political Science from UC San Diego. 

Promotions

• Matthew Ceccato as District Chief of Staff: Matt is a combat wounded Operation Iraqi Freedom Army Veteran Paratrooper and a Sacramento native. He has served in the office of Rep. Ami Bera since 2013, including as Deputy Chief of Staff, District Director, Field Director, and Caseworker/Field Representative. He holds an M.A. in International Affairs from The Pennsylvania State University, a B.A. in International/Intercultural Communications from California State University, Sacramento, and received various military awards over five years of military service. Matt lives with his wife and two daughters in Sacramento County. 
• Asha Samuel as Legislative Director and Senior Health Policy Advisor: Asha previously served as Legislative Director for Rep. Earl Blumenauer, a senior Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, where she covered health and other issues of jurisdiction. Prior to joining the office in 2021, Asha was a Legislative Assistant for Rep. Chris Pappas. She earned her MPH in Health Policy from George Washington University and her B.S. in Health Science from Stony Brook University.
• Louie Kahn as Communications Director: Louie previously served as Deputy Communications Director and Digital Director/Press Secretary for Rep. Ami Bera. Prior to joining Rep. Bera’s office in January 2024, he was a Congressional Communications Fellow with the New Democrat Coalition. Louie earned both his B.A. in Political Science and Political Communication and his M.P.P. from The George Washington University.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Nancy and Jackie to Team Bera and to recognize the well-deserved promotions of Matt, Asha, and Louie,” said Representative Bera. “These dedicated public servants bring deep experience and a strong commitment to service. Their leadership will be invaluable as we continue delivering results for Sacramento County and addressing challenges facing our country.”