Patrick Leahy: “serving in the U.S. Senate for as long as I have, I have seen dedicated, talented staffers come and go from my team.…”

“serving in the U.S. Senate for as long as I have, I have seen dedicated, talented staffers come and go from my team. Some come to my office fresh out of college, spend some time, and move on to other opportunities or to further their education. Some have come to stay for years. And others join my team, already seasoned veterans of the Senate--and leave for higher office. So is the story of my dear friend, Sonceria Ann Berry, the 34th Secretary of the Senate, and my former deputy chief of staff. It was with great pride when, on March 1, 2021, I administered the oath to Ann as she became our own Madam Secretary. And it should come as no surprise that Ann brought to the esteemed position decades of experience in the Senate. A seasoned professional who has seen changes in leadership through the Congresses, Ann has counseled and mentored, quite literally, hundreds of staffers young and old. Her appointment as the Secretary of Senate was a source of great pride for me, and I am sure the other Members for whom she worked, including Senator Carper and former Senator John Edwards, as well as the late Senators Daniel Patrick Moynihan and Howell Heflin, share that pride. Secretary Berry is a 1978 graduate of the University of North Alabama, where she earned her bachelor degree in education. She recently returned to the University of North Alabama to deliver the fall commencement address.…”