Congressman-elect Michael Guest has announced his new staff for his offices in Washington, D.C. and back home in Mississippi.
“We believe we have assembled a staff of individuals who are dedicated to the people of Mississippi and who also possess the experience to be successful. I’m very proud of these individuals who have agreed to join our team. Every one of them has a proven record of success, commitment to bettering the lives of the people around them, and the humility required of a successful public servant. With this great team, I’m ready to go to Washington, D.C. to fight for you and our values in Congress,” Guest said.
Washington, D.C. Staff
Jordan Downs, Chief of Staff – Jordan is a native of Pearl, Mississippi. Downs began his career with Congressman Gregg Harper as a Legislative Assistant in 2009. Quickly recognized for his leadership skills and aptitude for policy and politics, Downs was promoted to Policy Director and then Deputy Chief of Staff for Congressman Harper. Downs’s 10 years on Capitol Hill have allowed him to develop an understanding of the legislative process, management skills, and a strong network between members of leadership and other key influencers in both the House of Representatives and Senate. Jordan’s experience and leadership will be a key component in the success of the office of Congressman-elect Guest.
Sharon Johnson, Deputy Chief of Staff – Hailing from Louisville, Sharon Johnson has cumulated an impressive 30+ years working for Mississippi Congressmen, first with Congressman Sonny Montgomery, then transferring her expertise to Congressman Chip Pickering’s staff before joining Congressman Gregg Harper’s staff. Sharon has held a position in all staff responsibilities, making her a versatile and experienced asset to Congressman-elect Guest’s staff. An expert in budget management, office management, and all things congressional, Johnson has the experience needed to guide and lead the office successfully. Johnson’s dedication to public service is evident in her continued support for Mississippi’s Members of Congress. Her experience in transitioning new members of Congress into office will be invaluable in setting up a successful team and her skills in office management will be vital for the continued success of Congressman-elect Guest and his staff.
Rob Pillow, Communications Director – Pillow joined the Guest campaign in early February as the Communications Director and later transitioned into campaign manager during the General Election. On the campaign, Pillow was responsible for developing day-to-day campaign messaging in the media, on social media, and in public events. Pillow developed his skill in communications while working for the International Economic Development Council, Senator Thad Cochran’s official and campaign staff, and numerous other political campaigns across the state. Pillow’s effective style of communication and dedication to transparency matches Guest’s open and accountable leadership style. Pillow will play an integral part in relaying important news from Congressman-elect Guest to the Mississippians he serves.
Elizabeth Joseph, Policy Director – Elizabeth Joseph is joining the staff from her role as a staffer for the Committee on House Administration and Congressman Gregg Harper’s office. Recognized in the Mississippi delegation for her expertise on Health Policy, Joseph will bring her understanding of the policy process and strong connection to Mississippi’s policy leaders to her new role as Policy Director. During her time as a Health Policy Fellow for Senator Cochran, Joseph played a critical role in the development of an innovative telehealth program by assisting with appropriations legislation. Joseph’s unique experience with new policy initiatives that benefit Mississippians will be vital in her role as the primary legislative expert on Congressman-elect Guest’s staff.
Luke Little, Legislative Assistant – Luke Little joined the Guest campaign team as a volunteer and quickly made himself an invaluable asset. He was promoted to Policy Field Representative after showing an aptitude for legislation and communication. Little traveled with Congressman-elect Guest to policy-related meetings and briefed Guest on current policy issues that were developing on Capitol Hill. Luke graduated from the University of Mississippi with a degree in Public Policy and Political Science. While at Ole Miss, Little held many leadership roles, including President of the Sigma Nu Fraternity and Senator of the Associated Student Body. His enthusiasm for policy and serving his state will benefit him in his new legislative role.
Joseph “Bubba” White, Legislative Assistant – White joined Congressman Harper as a Legislative Assistant, a role in which he handled a policy portfolio that spanned issues including Agriculture, Defense, Transportation, Commerce, Natural Resources, Science, Technology, and Disaster Recovery. White has an established resume through his work with the Mississippi GOP, Mississippi Development Authority, and the Mississippi-based government relations firm, Capitol Resources. White was active at Millsaps College where he played football and baseball and served as president of the Politics and Government Association before graduating in May of 2018. His continued success in his pursuits translate into a well-rounded legislative assistant with a passion for Mississippi. Bubba will continue to serve the people of Mississippi by researching and handling a portion of Congressman-elect Guest’s legislative portfolio.
AnnHilton Buckner, Executive Assistant/Deputy Scheduler – A former Mississippi State University Soccer player, AnnHilton will join Congressman-elect Guest’s staff after graduating from MSU in May of 2018 with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Pre-Law. AnnHilton most recently worked for the Cindy Hyde-Smith for Senate campaign as the Director of Operations where she handled crucial scheduling and administrative requests on behalf of Senator Hyde-Smith’s campaign. AnnHilton has shown her dedication to bettering her community and state by working with charitable organizations such as Mitchell Family Adoption, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Palmer Home for Children. AnnHilton will return to Washington, D.C. where she gained experience as a Congressional intern for Mississippi Congressman Trent Kelly.
District Staff
Brady Stewart, District Director – A native of Yazoo City, Mississippi, Brady Stewart will serve as Congressman-elect Michael Guest’s District Director, a role that fits Stewart’s experience in Mississippi and leadership capacity. After earning his Bachelor of Science from Delta State University, Stewart began a career in healthcare. He most recently worked for Healthcare Providers Insurance Company as a Marketing Executive where he developed his extensive background in the healthcare sector. In 1998-2000, he served as the first Community Director of Trace Pointe Assisted Living in Clinton, Mississippi before being promoted to Marketing Consultant for Emeritus Assisted living. Stewart will oversee the operations of the district staff and will represent Congressman-elect Guest in the district. Stewart lives in Madison, Mississippi with his wife, the former Kathryn Booth of Brandon, and their two children and serves as Music Director of Madison Heights Church.
Kyle L. Jordan, Deputy District Director – Kyle is a native of Terry, Mississippi, and currently serves as the Deputy District Director for Congressman Gregg Harper. He was an indispensable member of Congressman Harper’s staff having joined the staff in 2009. Kyle is an active Freemason, where he currently serves as the Master of Abert No. 89 Masonic Lodge in Starkville. Kyle also holds the rank of 32nd degree Knight Commander Court of Honor in the Scottish Rite. He sits on the board of trustees for the Mississippi Heritage Trust, and is a member of the Starkville Rotary Club. He is married to the former Lura Corban of Winona, Mississippi. They are active members of the First United Methodist Church of Starkville. They are both alumni of Mississippi State University. Kyle will be the representative for the following counties: Clarke, Jasper, Kemper, Lauderdale, Neshoba, Newton, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, and Smith.
Chad Dixon, Field Representative – Dixon is a long-standing resident of Brandon where he lives with his wife, Christie, and their children, Cole Dixon, Langston Cotten, and Shelby Cotten. Dixon has an extensive 27-year career serving the people of Rankin County. Since 2008, Dixon has served as an Investigator for the Rankin County District Attorney’s Office. A lover of golf, Dixon has turned his passion into a meaningful enterprise by hosting fundraisers and charitable tournaments for causes important to the community. Truly a team player, Dixon played an integral part on the campaign through his hard work and dedication. Dixon will serve Hinds, Madison, Rankin, Scott, and Simpson counties as the on-the-ground representative for Congressman-elect Guest’s office.
Jimmie Nichols, Field Representative – Jimmie Nichols has over 32 years in law enforcement including service as a city patrolman, investigator, undercover agent and Director of Training for the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. Nichols developed a close relationship with law enforcement agencies across Mississippi, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Customs Service, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, Mississippi Highway Patrol, and numerous other law enforcement agencies. Nichols’s experience and network in the law enforcement community will allow Congressman-elect Guest and his office to maintain a close relationship with the men and women of law enforcement. Nichols will serve as a Field Representative for the following counties: Adams, Amite, Covington, Franklin, Jeff Davis, Lawrence, Lincoln, Pike, Scott, Walthall, and Wilkinson.
Debra Boutwell, Director of Scheduling – A talented scheduler for Congressman Harper, Debra Boutwell will join Congressman-elect Guest’s staff in the same role. During her career, Boutwell has developed strong contacts across government agencies through her work for Congressman Harper, the Mississippi State Senate, and Delta Airlines. Her role as Director of Scheduling will require her to juggle many events, scheduling requests, meetings, and speeches on behalf of Congressman-elect Guest. During her work for Congressman Harper, Debra earned a reputation as the office cook for her delicious dishes she would share with her co-workers. Often referring to the office as a family, her open and cheerful attitude encourages those around her. She and her husband, Carl, have lived in Brandon since 1980 where they attend Crossgates Baptist Church.
Janet Dominy, Director of Constituent Services – Janet Dominy is well known throughout the district by those who have requested assistance from Congressman Harper’s office. Her pleasant personality and desire to serve the people of Mississippi made Dominy an indispensable member of Congressman Harper’s team. She has served as Director of Constituent Services for Mississippi’s 3rd Congressional District since 2011 and will join Congressman-elect Guest in the same role. Dominy will play a critical part in ensuring that the people of Mississippi have someone who will respond and offer a helping hand to those who need assistance from the Congressional office. Janet graduated from Dallas Baptist University with a major in Business Administration. She has lived in Pearl for almost 20 years and is dedicated to helping the people who call Mississippi home.
Kim Amason, Deputy Director of Constituent Services – Kim is a lifelong resident of Pearl, Mississippi and attended Pearl High School before she began her career in law. Amason joined the Rankin County District Attorney’s office in 2001 as a paralegal and remained as a member of Congressman-elect Guest’s staff after he became District Attorney in 2008. Amason will join Congressman-elect Guest’s staff in a role to help Mississippians access services provided by the federal government. In her new role, she will handle requests from constituents in the district and ensure that Congressman-elect Guest has a firm understanding of the issues in Mississippi. Amason is married to Randall Amason and they have one daughter, Randa Amason. They are members of Crossgates Baptist Church in Brandon.
Frances White, Special Assistant for Constituent Services – Located in Meridian, Frances White will continue her service for Congressman-elect Guest after working for Congressman Harper in the same role since 2012. Frances received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Southern Mississippi and did additional graduate studies at the University of Mississippi and Delta State University. Before joining Congressman Harper’s staff, she served as an educator in Ingomar, Clarksdale, Jackson, Clinton, and Meridian. Mrs. White will fill a crucial role in the district and her history of hard work will continue to be a benefit to the people of Mississippi. Mrs. White is married to Dr. Carl White and they have three children and five grandchildren.
Steve Guyton, Military Academy Liaison – Steve Guyon is a native of Kosciusko and a 1970 graduate of Ole Miss in Political Science and a minor in journalism. He has been a resident of Jackson since 1987. Guyton has worked for some of the most distinguished public servants in recent Mississippi history, including Senator John C. Stennis, Senator Roger Wicker, Congressman Mike Parker, Congressman Chip Pickering, and Congressman Gregg Harper. Guyton will serve the office of Congressman-elect Michael Guest to identify outstanding young men and women to nominate for United States Service Academies. Guyton is a member of Madison United Methodist Church where he mentors high school members of the church.
Harold Cross, Military Affairs Advisor – Serving as military affairs advisor to Congressman Guest will be USAF veteran Harold Cross of Flowood. General Cross logged over 5,000 flying hours as a Command Air Force Pilot and was a combat veteran of Operation Desert Storm and Panama. He was the commanding general of the Mississippi Army and Air National Guard while serving as Mississippi’s Adjutant General. He commanded Mississippi’s military response to Hurricane Katrina and has been with our soldiers and Airmen in Iraq and Afghanistan. The General is a graduate of Mississippi State University, Mississippi College, and the National Defense University. He and his wife, Carolyn, have two children and five grandchildren.
