A staffer to Congressman Tracey Mann and a former state House candidate are two of the new aides going to work for incoming House Speaker Dan Hawkins.
Hawkins announced that Cale Beam, who now works as a legislative assistant to Mann, will serve as the speaker’s legislative director.
Also joining Hawkins’ team as communications director is Carrie Rahfaldt, who unsuccessfully challenged Democratic state Rep. Mari-Lynn-Poskin last fall.
And Logan Patrick, who is now attending Butler Community College, will work for the speaker as legislative liaison.
Hawkins’ chief of staff, B.J. Harden, will remain the Wichita lawmaker’s top aide.
Harden has served as chief of staff for Hawkins when he was majority leader the last four years.
Harden previously worked for former House Speaker Ray Merrick, serving as deputy chief of staff and legal counsel.
His other government experience includes serving as assistant state treasurer, deputy secretary of transportation and deputy secretary of state.
While working for Mann, Beam oversaw multiple policy portfolios covering a wide range of issues.
He previously worked in the Capitol for the Kansas Contractors Association in a legislative relations role where he was involved in the passage of a new multiyear transportation plan.
Beam is a graduate of Washburn University and a native of Topeka.
Rahfaldt, who has a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Arkansas, started her career as an on-air reporter.
She has since worked in numerous public relations roles in the private sector including as marketing print media manager for Walmart Stores.
Rahfaldt later spent several years working in pharmaceutical sales with Pfizer Inc.
Rahfaldt ran against Poskin last fall, losing with about 44% of the vote in House District 20 in Johnson County.
Patrick, meanwhile, has previously served as an office assistant for four House members last session, including state Reps. Avery Anderson, Patrick Penn, Clarke Sanders and Jim Minnix.
Logan also previously interned in the Kansas secretary of state’s office for Scott Schwab.
As part of his duties, Patrick will manage the speaker’s schedule.
