Lankford Announces New Chief of Staff and Communications Director

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today announced two additions to his leadership team. Derek Osborn is coming back to Senator Lankford’s team as Chief of Staff, and Maria Reynolds has come on board as Communications Director.

“I’m excited to see Derek Osborn step into his new role as Chief of Staff and to welcome Maria Reynolds to our team as Communications Director,” said Lankford. “As we look ahead to the 119th Congress, these leadership additions will help further our work to serve the people of Oklahoma. Both Derek and Maria bring a wealth of experience and a commitment to service, and I have full confidence in their ability to help us achieve Oklahoma’s goals.”

Derek Osborn, a native of Norman, OK, started his career in 2012 as an intern in then-Congressman Lankford’s Oklahoma City office while attending law school at the University of Oklahoma. After graduating, he was promoted to Legislative Assistant in Washington, DC, where he played a critical role in shaping policy and advancing key legislative initiatives. In 2018, he returned to Oklahoma, where he worked closely with local leaders and Oklahomans across the state. He was later promoted to Deputy State Director. Most recently, Derek served as Director of Federal Relations at Oklahoma State University. As Chief of Staff, Derek will lead the Senator’s team in both Oklahoma and Washington, DC.

Maria Reynolds most recently served as Deputy Communications Director and Speechwriter for Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), where she was instrumental in crafting impactful messaging on a range of state and national issues. Prior to her work with Senator Cruz, Maria served as Communications Director for Clout Public Affairs at Axiom Strategies, Communications Director for Congressman Walter Jones (R-NC), and Political Director for the National Federation of Republican Women.

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