Senate Staff

Who are we?
The Iowa Senate Democratic Staff supports the work of the Democratic members of the Iowa Senate. We are a team of professionals who research various policy areas in support of the goals and interests of our Senators; communicate their message to constituents and the media; and offer administrative support.

General Contact – (515) 281-5804

Staff Member Committee Assignments
Ron Parker
Staff Director
(515) 281-8790
ron.parker AT legis.iowa.gov
 
Eric Bakker
Senior Assistant to the Democratic Leader
(515) 281-3902
eric.bakker AT legis.iowa.gov
  • Rules & Administration
  • Ethics
Kris Bell
Senior Research Analyst
(515) 242-5896
kris.bell AT legis.iowa.gov
  • Human Resources
  • Ways & Means
  • Health & Human Services Appropriations
Steve Conway
Senior Assistant to the Senate President
(515) 281-8818
steve.conway AT legis.iowa.gov
  • Rules & Administration
  • Ethics
Cathy Engel
Research Analyst
(515) 281-8688
cathy.engel AT legis.iowa.gov
  • Judiciary
  • Justice & Judicial Appropriations
  • Administrative Rules
Sue Foecke
Research Analyst
(515) 281-8679
sue.foecke AT legis.iowa.gov
  • Economic Growth/Rebuild Iowa
  • Labor & Business Relations
  • Economic Development Appropriations
Bridget Godes
Research Analyst
(515) 281-3433
bridget.godes AT legis.iowa.gov
  • Education
  • Education Appropriations
  • Government Oversight
Debbie Kattenhorn
Assistant to the Democratic Leader
(515) 281-4610
debbie.kattenhorn AT legis.iowa.gov
 
Theresa Kehoe
Senior Research Analyst
(515) 281-7696
theresa.kehoe AT legis.iowa.gov
  • Appropriations
  • State Government
  • Transportation/Infrastructure Appropriations
Rusty Martin
Communications Director
(515) 281-5269
rusty.martin AT legis.iowa.gov
 
Jace Mikels
Research Analyst
(515) 281-5072
jace.mikels AT legis.iowa.gov
  • Natural Resources & Environment
  • Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations
Erica Shorkey
Newsletter Coordinator, Research Analyst
(515) 281-8731
erica.shorkey AT legis.iowa.gov
  • Transportation
Julie T. Simon
Research Analyst
(515) 281-5264
julie.simon AT legis.iowa.gov
  • Commerce
  • Veterans Affairs
Kerry Wright
Research Analyst
(515) 281-7347
kerry.wright AT legis.iowa.gov
  • Administration & Regulation Appropriations
  • Agriculture
  • Local Government