Jen Stewart, a Pentagon insider and former congressional aide, will return to Capitol Hill to become Republican staff director of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), the GOP-led panel announced Aug. 21.
Stewart will replace longtime director Bob Simmons, who left in the spring to join the private sector (Defense Daily, May 1). Jenness Simler, who has been filling in as director, will resume her role as deputy Republican staff director. 
Stewart, who is currently senior adviser to Marine Corps Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will begin her new job Sept. 5. Stewart previously was national security adviser to House Speakers John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Paul Ryan (R-Wis.).
“As staff director, Jen’s experience, talents, and commitment to the nation’s security will augment our already considerable staff resources,” said Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Texas), the HASC’s chairman.