Rep. Westerman shuffles senior staff

U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Hot Springs, named a new district director and legislative director on Friday (Sept. 1). Cody Burkham will serve as district director for the Fourth District Congressman’s office, while Murray Miller will serve as legislative director.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Cody Burkham back to Team Westerman to assume the role of District Director. A native Arkansan, Cody brings a wealth of knowledge to the position, and I look forward to working with him in this capacity. One of my top priorities as Congressman for the 4th District is constituent services, and Cody will be a great fit in leading our District staff in this effort,” Westerman said.

Burkham is from Hope, Ark. From 2015-2017, Burkham worked in Washington, D.C., where he served as a legislative assistant for Rep. Westerman before returning to Arkansas to serve as the executive vice president of the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association. Burkham holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Southern Arkansas University.

“Since 2021, Murray Miller has been a valuable member of our team. Murray served as Senior Legislative Assistant with integrity and ambition, and I’m excited to announce that she will be stepping into the role of Legislative Director. Under her leadership, our legislative team will continue their work to advance forward-thinking solutions for the 4th District,” Westerman said.

Miller is a native of Jackson, Miss. Prior to joining Rep. Westerman’s office in 2021, she served on the legislative staff in the office of Congressman Michael Guest, R-Miss., and for the International Fresh Produce Association on the government relations team. Before moving to D.C., Miller taught at the American School of Madrid in Madrid, Spain. She holds a bachelor’s degree in international studies and Spanish from the University of Mississippi.

“Murray and Cody are proven leaders. I look forward to seeing how they will lead Team Westerman alongside my Chief of Staff, Nancy Peele, and the rest of our communications, operations, legislative, and district staff,” Westerman added.

Additionally, Nancy Peele started as chief of staff for Rep. Westerman on January 1st, 2023.