Washington D.C. – Ways and Means Ranking Member Dave Camp (R-MI) today announced the promotion of Dave Olander to Chief Tax Counsel and the addition of George Callas and Jill Schmalz to the Republican tax and health staff respectively.

“Serving as Chief Tax Counsel is a tough and demanding job, but Dave’s policy expertise and Capitol Hill experience made him the easy and right choice for the post,” said Camp.  “I have every confidence that both George and Jill will be excellent additions to the Ways and Means Republican team.  George brings a unique combination of experience in both tax and budget policy to our shop and Jill’s diverse and fresh perspective on health care will be critical as we attempt to reform the U.S. health care system.”

After serving as Tax and Policy Counsel to former Congressman and Ways and Means Committee Member Tom Reynolds (R-NY), Olander began working on the Republican tax staff in 2008.  Olander previously worked as an associate in the Government Policy Group of Baker Hostetler LLP.  He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Brown University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia.

Callas, who also will serve as Republican Staff Director for the Oversight Subcommittee, was Legislative Director for Senator George Voinovich (R-OH).  Prior to working on the Senate side of the Capitol, Callas worked as a Counsel for the House Budget Committee under then-Chairman Jim Nussle (R-IA) and as a Senior Associate in KPMG LLP’s tax practice, both in Washington, D.C. and New York, N.Y.   Callas earned his Bachelor of Arts, Juris Doctor and Master of Laws degrees from the University of Florida.

Schmalz joins the Ways and Means Republican staff after serving as Senior Professional Staff at the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, where she handled health related issues.  On the Hill, Schmalz has also worked as Senior Health Policy Aide to former Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Chairwoman Nancy Johnson (R-CT) and as a Legislative Assistant to David Hobson (R-OH).  Schmalz’ private sector work includes serving as the Director of Emerging Company Health and Regulatory Affairs for the Biotechnology Industry Organization and as Manager of Public Policy for the Association of Community Cancer Centers.  Schmalz earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in both Economics and Political Science from Drury College.

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