Sen. Cruz Announces New Staff Roles

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, announced several new staff roles in his Senate D.C. office. He has named Nick Muzin senior advisor and deputy chief of staff for strategy, effective Monday, July 14. He also named Matt Shipley – a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Navy – military legislative aide, Brooke Bacak senior advisor, and Jeff Murray legislative director, effective immediately.
 
“I am delighted to have Nick and Matt join our team, and excited for Brooke and Jeff as they transition into their new roles,” Sen. Cruz said. “Nick’s broad range of experience and networks make him the ideal person to help us craft a positive, forward-looking vision for America and take that message to every corner of the country. Likewise, Matt’s 20 years of service in the U.S. Navy and his significant leadership roles throughout his tenure make him exceptionally qualified to manage issues before the Senate Armed Services Committee.”
 
Muzin, 38, is a physician and attorney, who is currently the director of coalitions for the House Republican Conference, where he oversees strategy and outreach for the 233 Republican members of the House. He was previously chief of staff to Sen. Tim Scott during his term in the House, and directed his political action committee. Muzin earned a bachelor’s degree from Yeshiva University, an M.D. from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and a J.D. from Yale Law School. Before joining Sen. Scott’s campaign in 2010, he worked in the private sector in Charleston, South Carolina. He lives in Silver Spring, Maryland with his wife and three children.
 
Shipley most recently served onboard USS Abraham Lincoln at the Newport News Shipyard, helping the overhaul and redelivery effort for one of the United States’ premier super carriers.  Prior to that, he held many operational and strategic planning positions, most notably as a U.S. military embedded officer at the United Kingdom’s operational headquarters and as a branch chief at United States Central Command in Tampa.  Matt has been awarded two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, two Individual Air Medals with Combat Valor, and three Navy Commendation Medals. He received a bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University and a master of business administration from Arizona State University.
 
Bacak most recently served as Sen. Cruz’s legislative director where she has worked since the beginning of Sen. Cruz’s term. She formerly worked as U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn’s, R-OK, Senate Judiciary Committee chief counsel as well as on the staffs of Sens. Jon Kyl and Jeff Sessions. Before returning to Washington to join Sen. Cruz, she was an assistant dean at the University of Alabama School of Law. Brooke holds a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law.
 
Murray most recently served as Sen. Cruz’s deputy legislative director, managing issues before the Senate Commerce Committee. He previously served as legislative counsel to Sen. Jim DeMint, R-SC, where he managed issues before the Senate Banking Committee. Prior to joining the Senate, he was director of legislative affairs for the Nickles Group and legislative counsel to Congressman Tom Feeney. Jeff received a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and a law degree from Samford University Cumberland School of Law.

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