Steve Montenegro Announces Leadership Team Changes

House Speaker Steve Montenegro (R-AZ) announced this week that he's making changes to his staff, including promoting one person and hiring two new attorneys to help manage the Republican majority in the state House of Representatives.

Kelsey Jahntz was promoted to Deputy Chief of Staff. She returned to work at the House earlier this year as Director of Policy and is now moving into a higher position. 

Jahntz has over 10 years of experience in policy, budgeting, and management in Arizona's government. She's worked in the state Legislature, the Governor's Office, and as a private consultant on education, workforce, and budget issues.

Robyn Poole was hired as General Counsel, meaning he is the primary lawyer advising Speaker Montenegro and House Republican members. Poole has more than a decade of legal experience working for various Arizona government offices, including the Arizona Attorney General's Office, the Arizona Corporation Commission, and the City of Phoenix. 

She also worked as a law clerk for the Arizona Court of Appeals. In her new role, she'll provide legal advice, oversee investigations, manage outside lawyers when needed, and review proposed legislation for legal compliance.

Daniel Tilleman was hired as Deputy General Counsel to assist with legal matters. He previously worked at the law firm Holtzman Vogel, focusing on appeals cases, business law, and constitutional law. He also worked as a law clerk at the Arizona Supreme Court and as an attorney at a major Phoenix law firm. 

Tilleman will analyze legal issues and serve as staff to the Committee on Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections.

Speaker Montenegro said these three staff members will help his team with policy development and legal matters. 

The appointments are aimed at supporting the House Republican caucus's legislative agenda and ensuring that House operations follow legal and ethical standards.

“Kelsey, Robyn, and Daniel bring proven skill and sound judgment to our Majority team,” said Speaker Montenegro. “Together, they make our Majority staff one of the most capable and effective teams ever assembled at the State Capitol.”