Longtime Capitol Hill staffer to head Office of Government Relations

Vernon Simms, longtime Chief of Staff to the late Rep. Elijah Cummings, will become the new Director of the Office of Government Relations, effective March 30.

Vernon Simms (Photo courtesy Richard Anderson Productions)

With more than 30 years of executive leadership in business and local and federal government, Simms is a well-respected leader on and off Capitol Hill and across the greater Washington, D.C., and Baltimore region.

For more than 20 years, Simms served as Chief of Staff to the late Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, where he oversaw a staff of more than 20 and managed the day-to-day operations of the congressional offices in Washington and in Maryland’s 7th congressional district, which encompasses much of Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Howard County.

Rep. Cummings was one of Congress’ most-respected members and Chair of the powerful House Oversight Committee. As a trusted advisor to Rep.Cummings and many congressional leaders, Simms is highly regarded by his peers, Members of Congress, and staffers alike as an effective collaborator and an inspiring leader, with a reputation for cultivating strong relationships on both sides of the aisle and finding bipartisan solutions.

Previously, Simms served as Special Assistant for Government and Community Operations for Representative Kweisi Mfume of Maryland, where he was known for creating partnerships for economic mobility and engagement in underserved local communities.

Simms will report to Assistant Secretary Julissa Marenco, director of the Office of Communications and External Affairs. He replaces Cheryl Johnson, who left the Smithsonian last year to become Clerk of the House of Representatives.

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