State Representative-Elect J.D. Sheffield has appointed a number of individuals with District 59 ties to positions in his office. Amanda Tollett, Glenn Jeffers, Gary Kafer, Brynnan Whaley, and Andrew Johnson have been named to district and Capitol posts.

Sheffield has appointed Stephenville native and former city councilmember Andrew Johnson as his Chief of Staff. Johnson will oversee the Capitol office as well as operations for District 59, an eight county area including Stephenville.

Sheffield stated “Having someone from the district and familiar with the needs of the people of District 59 was extremely important in choosing a chief of staff. Andrew not only meets this criterion but brings a wealth of local political experience and skills to this position.”

Johnson is a third generation graduate of Tarleton State University, having earned a bachelor and dual-master’s degrees. He has taught for Tarleton as an adjunct faculty member. Johnson is a doctoral candidate in Organizational Studies and Management at The University of Texas at San Antonio. He served on the Stephenville City Council from 2004-2008, following a year of service on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Johnson is a Stephenville High School graduate, Leadership Stephenville Alumni, and an Eagle Scout.

Amanda Tollett has been named as the Legislative Director and will serve in the Capitol office. Tollett graduated from Tarleton in 2007 earning a B.S. in political science. Tollett, a native of Austin, also holds a master’s degree in political science from Texas State University in San Marcos. She has served in staff roles for both the Texas House and Senate, most recently as a staff member for the Senate Select Committee on Open Government.

“Choosing a legislative director with a firsthand knowledge of the legislative process was critical. We could not be more pleased with Amanda and her experience in both branches of the Texas legislature” said Sheffield.

Gary Kafer, a retired public school teacher, has been tapped as the District Director for Sheffield.

“Gary has already been traveling extensively throughout the district, talking with people and listening to their needs,” said Johnson. “We will maintain a strong presence in all of the communities in this district and those efforts will be led by Gary.” Gary, a graduate of Baylor University with a Bachelor of Science and Master in Education, resides in Gatesville with his wife, Mary.

Glenn Jeffers will serve as District Liaison for Sheffield. Jeffers holds a Bachelor degree in history and political science from Tarleton. Jeffers served as the campaign manager for Sheffield and resides with his family in Gatesville. “Our number one focus is serving the people of District 59; I think that our team and office organization reflect this goal. Glenn will provide a vital link between the communities and the Capitol Office,” said Johnson.

Hamilton native Brynnan Whaley will serve as a staff member during the legislative session in the Capitol Office. Whaley is a 2002 graduate of Hamilton High School and a 2009 graduate of the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Arts in English.

“We have an important and full legislative session this year. There are a number of issues to be addressed, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare, that are of the highest importance to Dr. Sheffield,” explained Johnson. “I am excited to have our team in place. We have already begun working on numerous areas that affect the people of Texas.”

Dr. J.D. Sheffield is a family practice physician elected to the Texas Legislature in 2012 as the State Representative for District 59. The district is comprised of eight counties: Comanche, Coryell, Erath, Hamilton, McCullough, Mills, San Saba, and Somer-vell. Dr. Sheffield and his wife, Regina, are long-time residents of Gatesville, Texas. Prior to officially beginning their duties on January 8, 2013, Representative-Elect Sheffield’s staff can be reach-ed at www.jdfortexas.com.