WASHINGTON, DC - Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Sander Levin (D-MI) today announced that after more than 40 years of service, Democratic Staff Director and Chief Counsel, Janice Mays, will be leaving at the end of May. Janice joined the Ways and Means Committee in 1975 as Tax Counsel after receiving her J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law. During her time with the committee, Janice has worked for five Democratic committee chairmen. She played a fundamental role in landmark legislation within the committee’s jurisdiction, including the Social Security reforms of 1983 and 1984, the Tax Reform Act of 1986, and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. In July, Janice will be joining Pricewaterhouse Coopers as a managing director in their Washington National Tax Services Tax Policy Services group.
With Janice’s departure, Rep. Levin announced that Karen McAfee, currently Chief Tax Counsel for the committee Democrats, will take on the role of Chief Counsel, and Nick Gwyn will return to the committee as Chief of Staff.
“It is hard to imagine the Ways and Means Committee, indeed the House of Representatives, without Janice Mays," said Rep. Levin. “Her service has epitomized the very best in public service: hard work, loyalty and complete dedication to making government work for the people. With her unique charm, and the respect engendered by her intellect and experience, she worked with ease and effectiveness across the aisle with staff and members alike. With the fullest fondness for Janice and a deep appreciation for her service, all of us wish her the very best in this next chapter of her career.
“Janice passes the torch to two proven members of the committee staff. Karen McAfee and Nick Gwyn have provided valuable service in different areas of the committee’s jurisdiction, and their combined talents and leadership skills are a perfect fit for the committee’s future."
Karen McAfee joined the Ways and Means Committee Democratic staff as Tax Counsel in 2007 and became the Staff Director of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight the same year. In 2013, Karen was named Chief Tax Counsel. Prior to joining the committee staff, she spent more than 10 years in private practice at two law firms in Washington. She received her B.S. from the University of Maryland and J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law.
Nick Gwyn served previously as the Democratic Staff Director for the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Resources, a position he held from 1998 to 2015. Prior to joining the committee, Nick worked for U.S. Representatives Barbara Kennelly (D-CT) and Gary Ackerman (D-NY). Nick first came to Capitol Hill in 1990 after receiving his B.A. from Tulane University.
Rep. Levin is planning a celebration of Janice’s service in May.
