By TODD STACY, Alabama Daily News
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The office of Congressman Mo Brooks has made a staff change at the top.
Marshall Yates, who served as chief of staff for the past two years, has resigned, according to Brooks. Mark Pettitt, who was Brooks’ longtime chief before retiring in 2020, has come out of retirement to take over the job.
Brooks explained the moves in a statement to ADN.
“I regularly encourage staff to improve themselves by moving on to bigger and better things. Marshall Yates is doing that now. I very much enjoyed working with Marshall while he was on my staff and am thankful he worked on my staff as long as he did. I wish him the best in his future endeavors,” Brooks said.
“I am also thankful my former Chief of Staff, Mark Pettitt, is willing to come out of retirement to handle, once again, Chief of Staff duties.”
Yates has worked in Republican politics for several years, going back to post-college internships with the Alabama Law Institute. He worked in Brooks’ Capitol Hill office for five years, eventually becoming his top staffer and adviser.
“It has been an honor to serve the people of Alabama’s 5th Congressional District for the past 5 years, especially the last few as Chief of Staff,” Yates told ADN. “I look forward to continuing my work in the conservative movement with collegiality and courage.”
In a typical congressional office, the chief of staff serves as a member’s top political adviser. The role often involves long hours when Congress is in session and plenty of work off the clock as well since most chiefs also help manage their boss’ political operation.
Since Brooks’ announced his run for the U.S. Senate almost a year ago, Yates has been highly involved in the day-to-day operations of the campaign. Yates did not say what was next for him but reflected on his faith in starting a new chapter.
“As I transition to my next position in life, I reflect on Proverbs 3:5-6. This verse has brought me solace through difficult decisions. As Proverbs 3:5-6 says ‘trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall make your paths straight.'”
Last year, Yates married Mary Doocy, a fellow Capitol Hill staffer and daughter of Fox News morning show host Steve Doocy.
Late last year, Inside Alabama Politics reported that Brooks shook up his campaign team and brought in new staff and consultants. Robert Cahaly of the Trafalgar Group is the new pollster, Fred Davis is the new ad man and Forrest Barnwell-Hademeyer is the new campaign manager. The Brooks camp spun the moves positively as “bringing in the A-Team.”