Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman today announced that current Deputy Chief of Staff, Kari Osmond, will serve as the Congresswoman’s new Chief of Staff, replacing James Gee.

 “I am very excited to announce Kari Osmond as the new Chief of Staff for my office,” said Rep Watson Coleman.  “Kari has played an integral role in every one of our office’s successes.  Her passion and her hard work have been significant factors in our ability to accomplish much of our legislative agenda and her institutional knowledge and deeply rooted relationships will be critical in our ongoing efforts to best serve all of our district’s constituents.”

“I am proud to have been a part of all Rep. Watson Coleman has accomplished for the 12th Congressional District, and for the country, since first being elected to represent New Jersey in Congress in 2015,” said Osmond.  “One of the many admirable things the Congresswoman has done throughout her career in public service is organically create a strong and loyal extended family consisting of staffers, volunteers and constituents.  That can only happen when people believe in who they are working for and what they are trying to accomplish.”

Osmond continued, “Bonnie Watson Coleman has never rested on achievement and has never been impressed with making history.  The Congresswoman has always pushed forward and taken on the tough fights, and that has greatly improved many lives.  It is my great honor to continue forward with her. I will always be grateful for my continued friendship and working partnership with James, as he is an integral and important part of this team.”

On the departure of Gee, Rep Watson Coleman stated, “James has been a significant part of my family for more years than I would dare count. That will certainly never change.  While he has made the decision to transition into the private sector, James will remain an important adviser for us as we move forward in the coming months and years, looking towards 2022.”

“It has been my great honor to work for Bonnie Watson Coleman,” said Gee.  “I’ve known her and her family since I was a child and I’m proud to say I was able to work with my friend and mentor in helping her become the first African American woman to ever represent New Jersey in Congress.  Bonnie has always been first in line to do what’s right and tell the truth regardless of political consequences and I’m especially proud of the legacy we built in these short seven years in the House of Representatives.”

Gee continued, “There is clearly a lot more work to do and I will always answer that call, but I also know my friend is in great hands with Kari Osmond serving as her next Chief of Staff.”