WASHINGTON — Congressman John Carney (D-DE) today announced that his communications director, James Allen, is leaving the office to become City Hall communications director for Mayor Cory Booker of Newark, New Jersey. Allen has been Congressman Carney’s communications director since the beginning of his term in 2011, in addition to serving as his campaign manager during the 2012 election and his campaign spokesman in 2010.
“James has been a trusted and valued member of my staff since he joined my 2010 campaign,” said Congressman Carney.
“Over the last few years, James played an integral role in building our communications operation from the ground up, while providing critical advice on media, policy, and campaign strategy. We are sad to see him go, but excited for him as he undertakes this new challenge.”
Effective Monday, April 8th, Sheila Grant will become communications director and senior policy advisor.
Grant has worked as a legislative assistant for Congressman Carney since March 2011. In that position, she has advised the Congressman on issues including health care, education, foreign affairs, and defense.
Grant will retain legislative responsibilities in the new role, in addition to managing strategic communications for the office. She will work closely with senior press and policy advisor Albert Shields to direct the office’s outreach to the public and press.
“Since joining my office, Sheila has given me sound advice on a host of complex legislative issues. Her years living and working in Delaware give her an understanding of my constituents that is important to me and the work I do as our state’s lone congressman,” said Congressman Carney. “In this new role, Sheila will continue providing counsel on policy issues, while ensuring that my office is effectively communicating our efforts with the people of Delaware.”
A native of Wilmington, Grant is a graduate of Ursuline Academy and Georgetown University. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public management at Johns Hopkins University.
Before joining Congressman Carney’s office, Grant worked on health care, education, defense and environmental policy for Senator Tom Carper. She also served as a teacher with AmeriCorps at Nativity Prep School in Wilmington and has worked on several Delaware political campaigns.
