Bob Goodlatte. Photo by Sam Dean, The Roanoke Times.

Last week, Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Roanoke County, was named chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

Today, he has named two people who hail from the 6th District to staff posts with the panel. Here’s a release from his office:

Today Rep. Bob Goodlatte, incoming Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, announced his senior staff for the House Judiciary Committee. Rep. Goodlatte has selected Shelley Husband, who hails from Augusta County, to serve as his Chief of Staff and Branden Ritchie, who hails from Amherst County, to serve as his Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief Counsel.

“Shelley and Branden are both trusted advisors and they have played a critical role in the operation of my personal office for many years,” said Rep. Goodlatte. “Shelley and Branden are true public servants who have devoted their careers to helping the constituents of the 6th Congressional District. While they will be missed in my personal office, I know that their vast knowledge and expertise make them perfectly suited to lead the Judiciary Committee in the new Congress.”

Shelley Husband – Chief of Staff
Husband is from Augusta County and is a graduate of Fort Defiance High School. She joined Rep. Goodlatte’s staff in 1998 as the Staunton District Representative. Over the last 14 years she has served in a number of roles, including Legislative Director and Counsel, where she oversaw Rep. Goodlatte’s legislative agenda and handled all Judiciary Committee issues. Since 2002, Husband has served as Rep. Goodlatte’s Chief of Staff, overseeing the operation of his personal office and his involvement with the Congressional Internet Caucus among other coalitions. Husband received her undergraduate degree from James Madison University and her law degree from the University of Richmond School of Law. She is a member of the Virginia State Bar.

Branden Ritchie – Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief Counsel
Ritchie is from Amherst County and is a graduate of Amherst County High School. He has served in the Office of Congressman Bob Goodlatte since 2002. Since 2003, he has served as Legislative Director and Counsel, where he oversees the Congressman’s legislative agenda and handles all Judiciary Committee issues. Before joining Rep. Goodlatte’s staff, Ritchie served for three years as Attorney Advisor in the Trademark section of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He received his undergraduate degree from the College of William and Mary and his law degree from George Mason University School of Law. He is a member of the Virginia State Bar.

Goodlatte continued, “The Judiciary Committee will certainly be at the forefront of many of the most significant issues of our day. I have all the confidence in the world in Shelley and Branden’s ability to oversee the operation of the Judiciary Committee and their ability to advance meaningful legislation.”