Source: PRESS RELEASE, 8/25/14

House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson today announced that Matt MacKenzie, Evan Jurkovich and Mike Stranz have joined the House Agriculture Committee Minority staff.

“A knowledgeable, experienced staff is important to the work we do on the House Agriculture Committee,” Peterson said. “These new hires will allow us to keep a close eye on USDA’s implementation of the 2014 Farm Bill, address regulatory concerns impacting our farmers and ranchers and continue the Committee’s work to reauthorize the CFTC. I welcome Matt, Evan and Mike to the Committee.”

Matt MacKenzie, Counsel: Matt joins the Committee from the office of Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, where he worked as counsel, focusing on financial services, budget and tax issues. He also served as a legislative assistant to former Rep. Jim Oberstar, D-Minn. Matt received his law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and earned a B.A. in political science from St. Olaf College. He is a native of Montana.

Evan Jurkovich, Professional Staff: Evan comes to the Committee from the office of Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, where he most recently served as Senior Policy Advisor on issues including energy, environment, agriculture, transportation, infrastructure, science/technology, small business, FEMA, animal welfare and telecommunications. He holds a B.S. in Politics and a B.A. in journalism from Drake University and is pursuing a M.S. in energy policy and climate from Johns Hopkins University. Evan is a native of Minnesota.

Mike Stranz, Professional Staff: Mike joins the Committee from National Farmers Union where he served as a Senior Government Relations Representative, developing strategies to implement the organization’s policies on a broad portfolio of agriculture issues. Mike served a similar role at Wisconsin Farmers Union. He holds a B.S. in International Agriculture and Natural Resources: Agricultural Journalism from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Mike is a native of Wisconsin