Congressman Herb Conaway Jr., M.D., today announced the members of his senior staff who will lead his office in delivering on legislative priorities and serving the constituents of New Jersey’s Third Congressional District.

“I am thrilled to welcome this talented and diverse group of professionals to my team,” said Congressman Conaway. “Each one brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and a deep commitment to public service. I am excited to work with this incredible group to address the needs of the people of New Jersey’s Third District and advance policies that benefit all Americans.”

The senior staff appointments are as follows:

Keith Roachford, Chief of Staff:

Originally from Willingboro, New Jersey, Keith has served in the United States Senate for New Jersey Senators Bill Bradley, Bob Torricelli, Jon Corzine, and Bob Menendez for 35 years, from 1987 to 2022. During his time in the Senate, he held senior staff positions responsible for a range of issues, including Appropriations, Budget, Defense, Manufacturing, Economic Development, and Veterans Affairs. He dedicated a significant portion of his efforts to matters concerning New Jersey’s military installations, particularly Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, located in the Third Congressional District. Keith graduated from Montclair State University in 1987 and completed his Master’s in Public Administration at The George Washington University in 1992.

Laney O’Shea, Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director:

Laney served as Congressman Jeff Jackson’s Deputy Chief of Staff, leading the Congressman’s work in Healthcare, Labor, Education, Abortion, Child Care, and other important legislative issues. She also served as Senior Advisor to the Congressman’s successful campaign for North Carolina Attorney General. Previously, she served as Program Manager for the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery’s Advocacy Department. She began her career in politics on Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton’s campaign in Virginia’s 10th Congressional District. Laney grew up in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, and attended Davidson College for her undergraduate degree.

Christopher Garcia, Communications Director:

Chris is an experienced Hill staffer who began his career on Capitol Hill in 2019. Since then, he has served as a Staff Assistant for Congressman Panetta and, most recently, as Press Secretary for Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez for the past three years. Chris started his political career as a Field Manager for the Fund for Public Interest, where he recruited, trained, and managed canvassers, achieving grassroots advocacy for a non-profit organization in the Washington, D.C., area. Chris was born and raised in Santa Cruz, California, and he earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa.

Seth Levin, District Director:

A seasoned professional with over 12 years of government, advocacy, and campaign experience, Seth looks forward to serving the residents of the Third Congressional District. Seth previously served as Legislative Liaison at the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, Communications Coordinator for the New Jersey AFL-CIO, Chief of Staff to Majority Conference Leader Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, and Chief of Staff to Assemblyman Roy Freiman. Prior to those experiences, he led issue-based and political campaigns in New Jersey and nationally at the federal, state, and local levels.

Saroya Kirton, Director of Operations:

Saroya will serve as Congressman Conaway’s Director of Operations. Saroya started her Capitol Hill career in February 2024, joining the office of Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01) as Scheduler and then Director of Operations in September 2024. Saroya grew up in Orlando, Florida, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in economics with a minor in international affairs at Rollins College.