Tester names new communications director to head D.C. press team

As he begins his third term in office, Sen. Jon Tester on Friday named Sarah Feldman to head his communications team in Washington, D.C., replacing Marnee Banks, who has held the job for the past five years.

Feldman is a Philadelphia native who previously served as the communications director for former Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Missouri. She also has worked for Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California.

“We are thrilled to have Sarah joining the team,” Tester said in a statement. “As always, I am committed to protecting the free press, responding to media inquiries in a timely fashion, and maintaining the transparency that Montanans expect.”

Banks is leaving Tester's staff for a job at the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. In a letter Friday, she said it has been an honor to work with members of the Montana press.

“I know we haven’t always seen eye to eye, and some of us have had really tough conversations,” she said. “But in the end, I always respected you and your work and tried hard to get you what you need.”

She added, “Jon’s press operation is in incredible hands. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Sarah Feldman for the past few years on Capitol Hill, and she’s one of the best.”

Other members of Tester’s press team include Deputy Communications Director Dave Kuntz; Press Secretary Victoria Scordato; Deputy Press Secretary Cassie Byerly; and Press Assistant Andy Bixler.