Interior Department Welcomes New Biden-Harris Appointees

Date: Monday, October 23, 2023
Contact: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov

WASHINGTON — The Department of the Interior today announced new Biden-Harris administration appointees who will join the agency to help create jobs in the clean energy economy, steward America’s public lands and waters, pursue environmental justice and honor our nation-to-nation relationship with Tribes.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda – a key pillar of Bidenomics – is making transformational investments in communities across our nation,” said Chief of Staff Rachael S. Taylor. “We are thrilled to welcome our new team members who will help the Department continue to deliver for the American people.”

The new appointees are listed below in alphabetical order:

• Torend Collins, Senior Advisor for Infrastructure Strategy
• Thomas Franco, Deputy Director of Intergovernmental and External Affairs
• Alejandro Oms, Advisor, Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs
• Jacob “Jake” Steel, Special Assistant, Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs

Torend Collins, Senior Advisor for Infrastructure Strategy

Torend Collins joins the Interior Department after serving as the regional intergovernmental and external affairs specialist for Appalachia at the U.S. Department of Energy where she helped stakeholders gain access to Department of Energy resources and programs. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Spelman College and a Juris Doctor and Master of Environmental Law and Policy from the Vermont Law and Graduate School.

Thomas Franco, Deputy Director of Intergovernmental and External Affairs

Thomas Franco joins the Biden-Harris administration after leading policy and advocacy efforts at the Center on Rural Innovation. He has held various roles across state and local government and recently completed his term as Alderman in Rutland, Vermont, during which he was appointed Vice Chair of the Community and Economic Development Committee and liaison to several regional and local organizations. Thomas is an alumnus of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Teach for America, and New Leaders Council. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Case Western Reserve University and a Master in Public Policy from Harvard University.

Alejandro Oms, Advisor, Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs

Alejandro Oms joins the Interior Department after six and a half years of working in Congress. He spent time in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, developing a legislative base in a variety of issues for members of the New Mexico delegation, most recently serving in the Office of Representative Melanie Stansbury. Alejandro holds a dual Bachelor of Arts in political science and theater from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a Master of Public Policy from Georgetown University.

Jacob “Jake” Steel, Special Assistant, Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs

Jake Steel joins the Interior Department after earning his Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University. During graduate school, Jake worked part-time at the White House Presidential Personnel Office. Prior to joining the Biden-Harris administration, he worked on political campaigns, including Biden for President and the Democratic Party of Georgia, and for polling and political consulting firms. Born and raised in Atlanta, Jake earned his bachelor’s degree from New York University.

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