By Bill Britt
Alabama Political Reporter
MONTGOMERY—At a time when Democrats are trumpeting the cracks made in the glass ceiling separating women from the highest positions in government, Alabama’s Republican Senior Senator Richard Shelby, quietly opened a new fissure by hiring Katie Boyd Britt as his new Chief of Staff.
“Katie is a talented and hardworking professional, whose energy and knowledge of the State will be an asset to my office,” said Sen. Shelby of her hiring. “I am excited to have her rejoin our team as my new Chief of Staff, and I look forward to her work to help me serve the people of Alabama.”
Britt formerly served as Shelby’s Press Secretary and more recently, as Deputy Campaign Manager and Spokeswoman for Shelby for US Senate 2016. She left the law firm of Butler Snow to rejoin the Senator’s team in September.
Britt’s petite frame and welcoming smile, on occasion, belie her tenacity of spirit, quick mind and fierce loyalty. Born in Enterprise, Alabama, Britt’s rise to prominence in politics surprises no one who knows her. She is married to former Alabama and New England Patriots offensive tackle, Wesley Britt. The couple have two children, Bennett (7-year-old girl) and Ridgeway (6-year-old boy).
After being informed of his wife’s opportunity to serve the country, Wesley didn’t hesitate to encourage her to heed Senator Shelby’s request, even though it meant uprooting the family from Alabama.
Wesley, who is an up and coming professional with Alabama Power, put his wife’s opportunity above his career, something Katie has confided has given her great pride in him.
Other women hold the Chief of Staff position in the Senate, but Britt is the first from Alabama.
Katie and Westley Britt are not related to APR’s Editor-In-Chief, Bill Britt.
