Meet The Team

Steve Danon

Steve Danon was appointed Chief of Staff by Congressman Brian Bilbray on August 1, 2006. As Chief of Staff, Steve serves as the chief policy advisor, develops and implements all policy objectives, strategies and operating plans. In addition, he coordinates Congressman Bilbray’s activities with House leadership and committees, as well as, manages and directs all activities and staff for Congressman Bilbray’s offices in Washington, D.C. and San Diego.

Prior to working for California’s 50th District, Steve was a partner in Benedetto and Danon Public Relations (BDPR), a communications firm that successfully ran the Congressman’s special election campaign in 2006. Prior to opening his own firm, Steve served as Vice President of Operations for the San Diego office of Porter Novelli International, an international public relations firm.

Steve has spent more than 20 years working with local, state and federal officials. A graduate of San Diego State University, Steve commutes between Washington D.C. and San Diego. He resides in Carmel Valley with his wife, two children and two dogs.

Meet the DC Team

Lorissa Bounds

Lorissa Bounds joined the Bilbray office as Deputy Chief of Staff in May 2008. Prior to that she spent 14 years working for Congressman Duncan Hunter (CA-52) leaving as his legislative director. She acts as primary policy advisor to Congressman Bilbray on a diverse portfolio of issues including: budget, economy, environment, financial services, foreign affairs, trade, telecommunication, and taxes. Lorissa also acts as primary staff liaison for the Oversight Subcommittee and the Telecommunications Subcommittee.

Gary Kline

Gary serves as the Senior Policy Advisor to the Congressman. In his capacity, Gary is responsible for monitoring and advising the Congressman on the issues of energy, biotechnology/science, health care, stem cells, reproduction issues, civil rights, and patents/intellectual property. Gary also serves as the Congressman’s main staff person for the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce, the Energy and Power Subcommittee, and the Congressional Biomedical Research Caucus, of which Mr. Bilbray is a Co-Chair. Prior to his position with Congressman Bilbray, Gary was a lobbyist with the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB). At FASEB, Gary led the organization’s advocacy efforts on behalf of funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Energy’s Office of Science and worked with the Director of Legislative Affairs on funding issues related to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Gary is a dual graduate of American University having earned his undergraduate degree in government and his Master of Public Policy with a concentration in health care policy with honors.

Fred Tayco

As the Congressman’s Communications Director, Fred is responsible for keeping constituents informed of the Congressman’s legislative initiatives. Fred works closely with the San Diego media, regional media of Southern California and national news outlets. He is in constant contact with news producers, reporters, and anchors throughout the day, and manages Congressman Bilbray's robust media exposure in the 24/7 news cycle, as well as ensuring a healthy presence with new media and social media, such as on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.  Prior to this position, Fred worked in public relations, most notably for Porter Novelli, an agency with global reach.  Along the way, Fred has won numerous awards for his work including the Public Relations Society of America's Silver Anvil Award "Outstanding Public Affairs" program in both 2005 and 2008.  Fred is a graduate of the University of San Diego having earned a degree in political science and business administration.

Andrew Lund

Andrew has been a part of “Team Bilbray” since July of 2007.  He acted as part of the Congressman’s District Staff from 2007 through 2010 and now serves as a Legislative Assistant to Congressman Bilbray in matters of Defense, Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Small Business, and Natural Resources.

Corinne Clark

A graduate of San Diego State University where she studied Political Science and Communications, Corinne joined the team as a Staff Assistant in 2010 but has since been promoted to work on the Congressman's legislative staff.  She now works as a Legislative Assistant to the Congressman on the issues of Education, Government Reform, Animal Welfare, Social Security and Welfare.  Corinne also oversees all constituent correspondence to guarantee the Congressman is able to effectively and promptly respond to the legislative concerns of his constituents.  As a native San Diegan, she is proud to be serving the people of California's 50th congressional district.

Ashton Rossi

Ashton is a Staff Assistant in the D.C. Office for the Congressman. She coordinates tours of the U.S. Capitol, the White House, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Library of Congress, and the Kennedy Center for constituents of the 50th District. Ashton grew up in San Diego and is a graduate of Lafayette College.

Alexandra Berenter

Ally, a San Diego native, is a Staff Assistant in the D.C. Office for the Congressman. She coordinates tours of the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the Library of Congress and the Kennedy Center for constituents of the 50th District.  Additionally, she processes all requests for American flags flown over the U.S. Capitol. She graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in Political Science.

Meet the District Team

Christy Guerin

Christy was appointed District Director by Congressman Bilbray on July 1, 2006. As District Director, Christy oversees the Solana Beach Office in the district. She is responsible for supervising all field work, casework and maintaining relationships with local, state, and federal governments. Christy is a former Council member and Mayor for the City of Encinitas. She also served as a Deputy Sheriff with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department for ten years. Christy lives in Encinitas with her husband and is the mother of four children.

Brian Jones

Brian serves as Deputy District Director for the Congressman assisting with issues related to Immigration, Energy, Environment, Science & Technology, State Department and Agriculture. He also assists the Congressman in regional representation. Brian grew up in San Diego and is a graduate of the University of San Diego.
 
Jennifer Polk

Jennifer is the Congressman’s Senior Advisor; she handles all Washington D.C and San Diego scheduling. Jennifer is a graduate of San Diego State University. Prior to her position in Congressman Brian Bilbray’s office she was a Field Representative for California Assemblyman Martin Garrick and Scheduler/Field Representative for California Assemblywoman Shirley Horton.

Don Giaquinto

Don Giaquinto currently serves as Community Representative for Congressman Brian Bilbray in his District Office.  His duties include providing support and guidance on various issues including Housing, IRS, Labor, Financial Education, Social Security, Telecommunications and Small Business Affairs.

Don spent eight years as Director of Community Outreach and Policy Advisor for the City Council in the City of San Diego serving as advisor on community, policy and land use issues. During his tenure in the City of San Diego, he also served as Deputy Chief of Protocol/ Sister Cities Liaison in the Office of the Mayor, where he assisted with the management and coordination of visits and events involving high-level domestic and international officials.

Mr. Giaquinto is also an active member of the volunteer community. He donates his time to various community causes, such as MABPA, Senior Community Centers, as well as an active member of the Mama’s Kitchen Food Bank.

Will Zasadny

Will joined Congressman Bilbray’s staff in December of 2010 and currently serves as a Community Representative for the Congressman in his Solana Beach Offices.

Aside from supervising and coordinating the Congressman’s entire Academy Nomination process, Will represents and handles all constituent related concerns within the 50th District which involves the following federal agencies: Veteran Affairs (VA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Medicare, Medicaid, Transport Security Administration (TSA), and all defense related issues.

Prior to joining Mr. Bilbray’s Team, Will served in Congressman Duncan D. Hunter’s (CA-52) District Office. He studied Political Science and Military Science at San Diego State University. Upon graduation, Will became a military officer, earning his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army in May of 2010.

Kristen Pearce

Kristen joined Congressman Bilbray’s staff in January 2011 and serves as Staff Assistant for the Congressman in his Solana Beach Office.  Prior to joining Mr. Bilbray’s team, she served on Capitol Hill for 4 years working as a Legislative Aide for Congressman Dean Heller (NV-02). Kristen is from West Palm Beach, Florida and relocated to Carlsbad, California with her husband who is an active duty Marine.