(Washington, D.C.) – Today U.S. Senator Dean Heller announced changes to his communications team.

Stewart “Mac” Bybee will now focus primarily on his duties as Deputy Chief of Staff, where he will provide guidance on communications and legislative strategy.

Bybee first joined Dean Heller’s team during the 2006 campaign overseeing communications and grassroots efforts. While working for Senator Heller, Bybee has managed media relations and communications strategy. He has also served as a legislative aide to then-Congressman Heller focused on natural resources and public lands issues. Bybee also served as a legislative correspondent for former Nevada U.S. Senator John Ensign and worked for former Nevada U.S. Senator Richard Bryan. Bybee grew up in Carson City and graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno.

“I’ve relied on Stewart’s expertise and knowledge of Nevada since he first joined my team in 2006. Nevadans will be well-served by his experience and talent,” said Senator Dean Heller of Bybee’s new role.

Chandler Smith has been named the Communications Director and will serve as the primary point of contact for members of the media as well as take the lead on all daily press operations.

Smith returns to Senator Heller’s Washington D.C. office after serving as the Communications Director for the Heller for Senate campaign in Las Vegas. Prior to the campaign, Smith served as Press Secretary in Senator Heller’s Washington D.C. office. Previously, Smith was the Press Secretary for the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs under Ranking Member Richard Burr (R-NC). Smith has also worked as a member of the communications team for the ONE Campaign.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Chandler back to the team after her hard work running communications efforts for my campaign,” said Senator Dean Heller.

Michawn Rich has been promoted to Deputy Press Secretary. Rich will provide necessary support for the development of written and multi-media materials.

Rich first joined Senator Heller’s Washington D.C. office in 2010, where she has served as Staff Assistant and then Press Assistant to Senator Heller. Rich grew up in Reno and graduated from Reno High School. In Reno, Rich worked as the sports intern for KRNV NBC Channel 4. Rich is also the former sports editor for the Cabinet, the student publication for Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA. Rich holds a Master’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

“Congratulations to Michawn for the well-deserved promotion. She has done an excellent job in the past year as a critical member of the communications team,” said Senator Dean Heller.

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