Bacon Announces Staff Changes; Recognizes Role of Women in Senior Leadership

Bacon Announces Staff Changes; Recognizes Role of Women in Senior Leadership

Omaha, Neb. - Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) today announced recent staff changes, while also noting the role women play as part of his leadership team. Valerie Foy has been promoted to Deputy Chief of Staff, while also serving as Chief Counsel and Director of Foreign Policy. She joined Bacon's D.C. staff in March 2018. Theresa Thibodeau has been promoted to District Director, previously serving as the Director of Outreach in the Omaha office. She joined the staff in March 2025. Communications Director Danielle Jensen has added Sr. Policy Advisor to her role on Bacon's staff. She has served the 2nd District of Nebraska since January 2017, when Rep. Bacon was sworn in as a Member of Congress. Thibodeau joins Foy and Jensen on the Senior Leadership Team, where they have both served since 2019.

"All three of these extraordinary leaders have excelled in their roles and have brought unique perspectives, advice, and understanding to our team," said Bacon, "With three of the five members of our senior leadership team being women, I'd say 'women rule the roost' in our office."

"Their drive for excellence, laser focus on constituent services and a career of service has a direct and positive impact on my ability to serve this district. Our office is routinely selected as one of the most effective in all of Congress and these three great leaders make it happen. They're breaking the glass ceiling!"

Bios:

Valerie Foy serves as Deputy Chief of Staff, Chief Counsel, and Director of Foreign Policy in the office of Congressman Don Bacon, representing Nebraska's Second Congressional District. As Chief Counsel, Valerie is the primary advisor for all legal matters within the office and provides foreign policy development for Rep. Bacon in coordination with the defense policy team in furtherance of the Congressman's committee priorities. Valerie also handles a broad portfolio of policy issues, including financial services, tax, commerce, business, and veteran affairs. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Maine; her Master of Science from Troy State University; her Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law and her Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the University of Alabama School of Law. Prior to joining Rep. Bacon's office, Valerie practiced law, worked in the financial services industry, and served as a United States Air Force Officer.

Theresa Thibodeau is the current District Director for Congressman Don Bacon, where she leads district operations, oversees constituent services, and manages strategic engagement across Nebraska's 2^nd Congressional District. Theresa is an entrepreneur, community leader, and former Nebraska State Senator from Omaha. A graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where she was an Academic All-American in track and cross country, she built a career in human resources before owning and operating the Primrose School of La Vista, a highly regarded early childhood education center. In the Nebraska Legislature, she focused on education, economic development, and health care, and she continues to serve her community through leadership roles on numerous boards. A graduate of Leadership Omaha and Leadership Sarpy, she has been recognized with honors such as the Midlands Business Journal's 40 Under 40 and Sarpy County's Up and Coming Business Award. She also spends time reading about current trends in business and economic development, as well as researching public policy.

Danielle Jensen currently manages the overall integrated communication strategies for Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District representative, Rep. Don Bacon, and provides advice and research on policy issues. She is a seasoned communications and government affairs professional with a combined 20 years of experience in integrated communications, legislative processes, coalition building, marketing, event planning, political fundraising, and news broadcasting. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Broadcasting at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where she was active in UNO's Student Government, serving as a Student Senator, Speaker of the Senate, Chief Administrative Officer, and Student Court Justice. In December 2016, she was recognized by Governor Pete Ricketts as an Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska. Before joining Congressman Bacon's office, Danielle worked for the Nebraska Energy Office, Meridian Central Public Affairs, I-80 Speedway, Stenberg for Senate, Lee Terry for Congress, WOW-AM and FM, and KMTV.

###