authors Stephen Elliott
After Mayor John Cooper poached one of the top staffers in his brother’s congressional office, Democratic Rep. Jim Cooper is replenishing.
On Wednesday, he announced the appointment of three new aides.
Cheryl Mayes is joining the office as director of operations and finance, replacing Kathy Buggs, who left for the mayor’s office. Mayes previously served on the Metro Nashville School Board and is a leadership consultant.
Jim Cooper’s new Nashville-based district scheduler is Lindsey Smith, fresh off a stint as manager for Metro Councilmember Bob Mendes’ successful re-election campaign. Smith is also president of the Davidson County Young Democrats and was a field organizer for former mayor Karl Dean’s unsuccessful 2018 gubernatorial campaign.
In Washington, Chelsea Angelo is joining Cooper’s staff as scheduler. She was a regional field director for Phil Bredesen’s unsuccessful 2018 U.S. Senate campaign and was a research and data assistant for the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund and the Legal Network for Gender Equity.
Their appointments follow the recent announcements that local political operatives Jeff Teague and Michael Cass would join the office for temporary stints.
“I am happy to welcome these Tennesseans to my staff,” Rep. Cooper said. “They bring a wealth of experience and passion for the people of Middle Tennessee.”
Politics Jim Cooper Mayor John Cooper
