Senate President Pro Tem names Press Secretary, Senior Advisor

Senate President Pro Tem Brian Bingman announced Tuesday the hiring of Jennifer Monies as his new press secretary and senior advisor.

Monies is the Senior Vice President of Communications & Marketing for the State Chamber of Oklahoma. She replaces Nathan Atkins, who stepped down from the Pro Tem’s staff this summer to attend law school.

“Jennifer has extensive knowledge of the state Capitol and the issues we tackle on a daily basis on behalf of the people of Oklahoma. Her background, both in journalism and media relations, makes her abundantly qualified for this position and I am grateful she has decided to bring her expertise to our caucus,” said Bingman, R-Sapulpa.

Monies began her career as a reporter at the Oklahoman, covering the state House in the newspaper’s Capitol bureau. She also worked for three years in Washington, D.C. as a political reporter for Congressional Quarterly, covering the 2004 campaigns in 13 states, including Oklahoma.

She served as press secretary and director of communications for two speakers of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, most recently Speaker Chris Benge. She went to work for the State Chamber of Oklahoma in 2010, where she has worked for the past three years.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the Senate Republican caucus in this capacity,” said Monies. “I look forward to working with President Pro Tem Bingman, his team and the entire Senate to move Oklahoma forward.”

Monies will start work at the Senate on August 30.