Sen. Carper Announces Staffing Changes

Wilmington, Del. – Sen. Tom Carper announces the following changes to his Washington, D.C. and Wilmington, Del. staff. 

Emily Spain joins Sen. Carper’s office as Communications Director after serving in the House of Representatives under Congresswoman Lois Capps (D-Calif.). Spain began her time in Congresswoman Capps’s office in 2006 as a press assistant, and was eventually promoted to communications director. She began her time with Capps in 2003 while volunteering on her reelection campaign. 

Prior to her tenure in the House, Spain spent a number of years working for various organizations both inside and outside of Washington, D.C. Her vast experience in campaign work includes event organization, fundraising and time as press secretary for Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) during his campaign. Upon her arrival in Washington, Spain served as the press assistant for Common Cause, a nonprofit organization that promotes government accountability and advocates for election reform. She also spent time interning and conducting research at EMILY’s List, a political action committee aiming to support pro-choice female candidates.

Spain, a California native, graduated from the University of California Los Angeles, earning a bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science. She is looking forward to her time in Sen. Carper’s office, and has always wanted to work in the Senate. She lives with her husband, Ken Spain, in Washington, D.C. 

Carper’s former communications director, Bette Phelan, has moved on to the Department of Health and Human Services.

Josh Magarik has been named Projects Director and will be responsible for all grants and federal funding for Sen. Carper’s office. Prior to joining Sen. Carper, Magarik served as a grants program manager for the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency in Washington, D.C. While at HSEMA, he was responsible for administering grant funding to the National Capital Region, as well as tracking progress and reviewing management plans. 

Before his time with HSEMA, Magarik worked for the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula in Wilmington, Del. as a development manager and as a policy analyst for the Homeland Security Institute at George Washington University. He also served as a staff and legislative assistant for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security. 

Mr. Magarik attended Siena College, earning a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management, with a Minor in Economics. He also received a Masters of Public Administration from George Washington University, as well as completing courses at the Emergency Management Institute. He is very much looking forward to relocating back to Delaware and working with Sen. Carper’s team. 

After working for Sen. Carper for a number of years, Garth Spencer has taken a position with President Obama’s Administration in the Department of Energy.  He serves as a special assistant, and works closely with the Director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy.