FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, November 6, 2025 Derek Harley Named President and CEO of the Congressional Institute Alexandria, VA — The Board of Directors of the Congressional Institute has selected Derek Harley to serve as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective November 24. Harley brings nearly 25 years of House experience to the role, most recently serving as Director of House Operations for Speaker Mike Johnson, where he oversaw coordination with key House officers, committees, and leadership on institutional, administrative, and operational matters. In that capacity, he worked closely with the Clerk, Chief Administrative Officer, Sergeant at Arms, and the Committee on House Administration to support Members and staff in the daily functioning of the House. Harley previously served as Staff Director of the Modernization Subcommittee on the Committee on House Administration and as Republican Staff Director of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress, where he helped advance a series of bipartisan recommendations to strengthen House operations, technology, and support systems for Member offices. Before returning to the House, Harley served as Senior Vice President of Federal Affairs for Shumaker Advisors. Earlier in his career, he held senior roles for former Rep. Wally Herger (CA-02) and former Rep. Brad Wenstrup (OH-02), including chief of staff. “Derek Harley has spent his career advancing the mission and effectiveness of the U.S. House of Representatives,” said Brenda Becker, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Congressional Institute. “His operational expertise and understanding of congressional processes make him the ideal choice to lead the Institute into its next chapter.” “For 25 years, Derek has faithfully served the People’s House with distinction, ensuring that Members of Congress have the tools they need to best serve their constituents,” said Speaker Mike Johnson. “We are all very grateful for his years of service to the Congress, and we look forward to his tenure at the helm of the Congressional Institute in these historic times.” Harley holds a bachelor’s degree from Bucknell University and a law degree from Case Western Reserve University. “I am honored to join the Congressional Institute and continue its work supporting the legislative branch,” Harley said. “Having spent my career serving Congress from the inside, I look forward to building on the Institute’s role in strengthening Congress as an institution.”
Congressional Institute
Non-profit Organizations
Alexandria, Virginia 891 followers
Helping Members of Congress better serve their constituents and helping constituents better understand Congress
About us
The Congressional Institute was established in 1987 as a not-for-profit organization committed to the excellence of Members of Congress and their professional staff. By hosting conferences and development opportunities, the Institute effectively provides resources for continued excellence. Since the organization’s founding, the contours of legislating and governing have evolved so that the Institute itself has risen to meet those changes. The Institute’s professional board of directors is composed of former senior Hill leadership aides who provide expert advice and counsel. Additionally, the Institute works closely with the most talented government affairs professionals who lend their policy expertise as a valued resource. The Institute hosts major conferences for the benefit of Members of the United States Congress as well as a number of smaller gatherings, all devoted to an examination of important policy issues and strategic planning. Congressional Institute programming is widely regarded as premium level and often draws attendance from high-level elected officials including U.S. Presidents and Vice Presidents, as well as foreign leaders such as Prime Ministers. It provides space for Members and staff to discuss legislative priorities and strategies as well as develop professional relationships with each other and experts in their fields. Consistent with its mission, the Congressional Institute also develops resources such as a House Floor Procedures Manual and Surviving Inside Congress, a manual for Capitol Hill staffers and a guidebook for academic and collegiate level instruction. It regularly produces policy papers and issue guidance and has sponsored Oxford-style bipartisan Congressional debates. Additionally, the Congressional Institute sponsors the bipartisan annual Congressional Art Competition, a celebration of artistic discovery by the nation’s high school students.
- Website
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http://conginst.org/
External link for Congressional Institute
- Industry
- Non-profit Organizations
- Company size
- 2-10 employees
- Headquarters
- Alexandria, Virginia
- Type
- Nonprofit
- Founded
- 1987
- Specialties
- Congress, Congressional Reform, Congressional Staff, Conference Planning, Training , Congressional Education, Social media best practices, Congressional Art Competition, Briefings for Diplomats on Congress, Congressional Procedure, and Surviving Inside Congress
Locations
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Get directions
1700 Diagonal Road
Suite 730
Alexandria, Virginia 22314-1927, US
Employees at Congressional Institute
Updates
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Just days after the House passed a Continuing Resolution, Republican Chiefs gathered in Virginia Beach for the Congressional Institute's annual Chiefs of Staff Conference. The yearly meeting offers senior staff an opportunity to focus on leadership development, management, and strengthening the skills needed to serve Congress effectively. The conference fostered candid conversations, professional growth, and collaboration among senior staff and leadership staff, reinforcing the shared commitment to supporting Members of Congress and their teams.
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As House recess kicked off, Legislative and Communications Directors gathered in Cambridge, Maryland, last week for the Congressional Institute’s annual Legislative & Communications Directors Conference. From strategic messaging to legislative priorities, conversations focused on navigating the months ahead by legislating with purpose and communicating with clarity. CI was proud to host these dedicated staff who keep the work of the House moving forward every day.
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𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗹 𝗛𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸! Congressional Institute’s 119th Congress edition of the House Floor Procedures Manual. This bipartisan guide explains key House procedures and serves as a trusted resource for Members and staff – newcomers and seasoned alike. The new edition reflects current House practices with the most significant revisions in years.
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The Congressional Institute will welcome 435 talented high school artists, from almost every Congressional district, to the US Capitol today! The annual bipartisan Congressional Art Competition blends the arts with civics education, highlighting how art can serve our young communities and democracy. We welcome you to enjoy the 2025 gallery on your next trip to the Capitol!
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Meet our growing Team! Chief of Staff Helen Mobley Sauvage, Director of Conferences & Events Katie Hrkman, Manager of Conferences & Programming Jenna Ruffoni, and Intern Meredith Kottom, join Amy Hinderliter and Kelle Strickland at the Congressional Institute! The CI Team is honored to work with you, in service to Members of Congress and their staff!
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As House Republicans prepared to lead the 119th Congress, Committee Staff Directors and senior Leadership staff huddled in Baltimore last fall at the Congressional Institute's annual Staff Directors Conference. Lessons learned through previous reconciliation processes shaped the conversations to gear up for the new Congress! CI was honored to host these staff who keep the Legislative Branch running.
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