Rep. Don Bacon, who represents Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. Congress, has announced changes to his staff and highlighted the leadership roles women hold in his office.
Valerie Foy has been promoted to Deputy Chief of Staff while continuing her responsibilities as Chief Counsel and Director of Foreign Policy. She joined Bacon’s Washington, D.C., staff in March 2018. Theresa Thibodeau is now District Director after previously serving as Director of Outreach in Omaha; she joined the team in March 2025. Danielle Jensen, who has served since January 2017 when Bacon began his term in Congress, will add Senior Policy Advisor to her duties as Communications Director. Thibodeau joins Foy and Jensen on the Senior Leadership Team, where Foy and Jensen have both served since 2019.
“All three of these extraordinary leaders have excelled in their roles and have brought unique perspectives, advice, and understanding to our team,” said Bacon. “With three of the five members of our senior leadership team being women, I’d say ‘women rule the roost’ in our office.”
Bacon added: “Their drive for excellence, laser focus on constituent services and a career of service has a direct and positive impact on my ability to serve this district. Our office is routinely selected as one of the most effective in all of Congress and these three great leaders make it happen. They’re breaking the glass ceiling!”
Foy serves as Deputy Chief of Staff, Chief Counsel, and Director of Foreign Policy for Rep. Bacon’s office. She provides legal advice and develops foreign policy initiatives aligned with congressional committee priorities while also handling policy issues related to financial services, tax, commerce, business, and veterans affairs. Her background includes practicing law, work in financial services, service as a United States Air Force Officer, and academic credentials from institutions including Syracuse University College of Law.
Thibodeau leads district operations and manages strategic engagement across Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District. She is an entrepreneur and former Nebraska State Senator from Omaha with experience in human resources and early childhood education administration. In addition to legislative work focused on education and economic development, she holds leadership positions on several boards.
Jensen oversees communication strategies for Rep. Bacon’s office while advising on policy matters. With two decades of experience spanning communications and government affairs—including prior roles at various public agencies—she was recognized by Governor Pete Ricketts as an Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska.
Bacon replaced Brad Ashford when he began serving Nebraska’s 2nd District in Congress in 2017 (https://bacon.house.gov/). He was born in Momence, Illinois in 1963 and currently lives in Papillion (https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/B001298). Bacon graduated from Northern Illinois University with a BA degree before also attending the University of Phoenix.
