WASHINGTON—The Heritage Foundation is pleased to welcome Ryan Neuhaus as its new chief of staff. With a wealth of experience in policy development and legislative affairs, Neuhaus brings a deep understanding of the political landscape and a proven track record of leadership to Heritage.
Neuhaus comes to Heritage from the office of U.S. Senator Mike Lee where he served as legislative director. On Capitol Hill, Neuhaus led strategic initiatives and advised on key policy issues. Prior to his role as legislative director, he served as a policy advisor for the Senate Steering Committee and as a legislative assistant to Sen. Lee.
Heritage welcomes Neuhaus as it bids farewell to Wesley Coopersmith, who served as Heritage chief of staff for over three years. Coopersmith is leaving Heritage to join the Trump administration, where he will serve as chief of staff to Kelly Loeffler at the Small Business Administration.
Dr. Kevin Roberts, president of Heritage, commented on the changes:
“Ryan is exactly the kind of principled conservative leader Heritage needs at this pivotal moment in our nation’s history. In the coming years, conservatives have a real opportunity to reclaim Washington and secure lasting victories for the everyday American. There is no one better prepared to guide Heritage through this time than Ryan. He’s a faith-and family-first movement conservative who knows Heritage inside and out, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome him to the team.
“At the same time, we are sad to bid farewell to Wes. Throughout his time at Heritage, Wes went above and beyond the call of duty, stewarding our work when Heritage, the movement, and the nation most needed his steady hand. He will be sorely missed, but we wish him all the best in his new role at the Small Business Administration. Wes will always be a cherished friend and ally to all of us at Heritage.”
Senator Mike Lee congratulated Ryan on the move:
“Congratulations to Ryan on his well-deserved transition to chief of staff at The Heritage Foundation. Ryan was an invaluable asset to my office throughout his time on Capitol Hill and I can say without hesitation that his dedication, strategic thinking, and, most importantly, his unwavering commitment to conservative principles make him an invaluable asset to Heritage.
“The Heritage Foundation is fortunate to have such a capable leader at the helm and while I will miss him greatly, I look forward to seeing the great work he will continue to do in support of freedom and conservatism.”
Ryan Neuhaus, chief of staff at Heritage, expressed his excitement for the new role:
“I could not be happier to be coming back to Heritage to serve as its chief of staff at such a pivotal time for our nation. My admiration and respect for Heritage’s mission only grew when Kevin Roberts was appointed to lead the organization.
“Heritage’s unwavering commitment to our nation’s founding principles and Dr. Roberts’ commitment to freedom, faith, and family make it a beacon for conservative values in Washington. The entire Heritage staff is made up of the best and brightest truth-tellers and conservative warriors and I’m excited to get to work.”
Wesley Coopersmith commented on the changes at Heritage and his departure:
“It has been an honor to serve Dr. Roberts and The Heritage Foundation, an institution that has been at the forefront of defending conservative principles and shaping the future of our nation. As I transition to my new role as chief of staff at the SBA under Kelly Loeffler, I am excited to continue fighting for the people and values that make America exceptional.
“The work we’ve done at Heritage will always inspire me, and I’m deeply grateful for the friendships, the lessons, and the impact we’ve made together. I will miss working day-to-day with Dr. Roberts, but I look forward to building on this foundation as we empower everyday Americans and entrepreneurs to pursue the American dream.”
