News and Press Releases :: September 21, 2010

Two McKeon Staff to be Honored at Santa Clarita Valley’s 40 Under 40

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This Thursday, September 23, 2010, the best and brightest young professionals under 40 years of age in the Santa Clarita Valley (SCV) will be honored at SCV’s 40 under 40 event. Congressman Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-Santa Clarita) is proud to announce that two of his staff members have been chosen to represent his office as distinguished leaders of the community.

“I was delighted to learn of the accomplishments of Brett and Suzette from my district office,” said McKeon.  “They are terrific, inspiring young people that have shown absolute passion for their jobs, but also for the community.  I couldn’t ask for better members of my team and wish them my sincere congratulations.”

Brett Walter is an extraordinary individual that embodies the definition of professional. As Staff Assistant to Congressman McKeon in our Santa Clarita district office he proved quickly that he could adapt to a fast pace legislative environment.  He successfully acted as liaison between Mr. McKeon and his constituency and effectively communicated the Congressman’s position and agenda with the public.  In addition Brett effectively ran the internship program for both district offices; mentoring interns to eventually acquire staff positions within legislative government offices. His success in this position made him the prime candidate for the Congressman’s Santa Clarita Valley Field Representative, where he has effectively tracked and conveyed emerging constituent issues and district activities to the Congressman, the Congressman's Chief of Staff, Legislative Director, and Communications Director.  Brett also holds leadership positions with various civic organizations, including The Santa Clarita Valley Young Republicans, the Santa Clarita Valley Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Santa Clarita Child and Family Center, and the University of Idaho Alumni Association.  

Suzette Martinez is currently the Staff Assistant in Congressman McKeon’s Santa Clarita office and feels a deep sense of responsibility to engage her peers in the American political process. She has accepted a call to action that has led to her current involvement as Chair of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly of North Los Angeles County; Executive Board Member of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly of the Greater Los Angeles County; SCV California Republican Assembly 3rd Vice President; 2009 Vice President SCV Young Republicans - Charter Member; City Chair, Meg Whitman for Governor and an alternate on the Republican Party 38th AD Central Committee. Suzette diligently worked with peers to charter the first Hispanic Republican Assembly in the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley and Antelope Valley. One of her proudest moments was the first meeting of this newly chartered organization. She thrived as Treasure for its first year and is currently the organizations Chair. She is also the first woman to Chair this organization. Her passion to engage the Hispanic electorate led her to establish a working relationship with Spanish media. Since, she has been featured on Univision.com “Latinos and the Republican Party.”

The recognition dinner will take place on Thursday, September 23rd at 5:30pm at Robinson Ranch Golf Club.  The event is open to the public.  More information is available through the Santa Clarita Valley Jaycees (Junior Chambers of Commerce).  

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