Chip Saltsman, chief of staff for Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, will be departing as chief of staff on Jan. 1. Jim Hippe, Rep. Fleischmann’s current legislative director and counsel, will succeed Mr. Saltsman as chief. Mr. Saltsman will remain as an adviser until Jan. 31, to assist with the transition.
Mr. Saltsman said, “It’s been an incredible two years serving as Rep. Fleischmann’s chief of staff. We’ve been able to put together a great team and accomplished a lot, including earning a spot on the House Appropriations Committee. From the beginning I made it clear that I only wanted to stay for two years and feel confident that I’m now leaving the office in capable hands. I’ve known and worked with Rep. Fleischmann for 20 years and look forward to continuing to help him politically in the years to come."
“Chip has been an incredible asset for the last two years. His knowledge of politics and public policy is second to none. I thank him for his tireless service and look forward to his advice and counsel in the future,” Rep. Fleischmann said.
Taking over as chief of staff, Mr. Hippe has served as Congressman Fleischmann’s legislative director and counsel since January 2011. He brings over 10 years of public policy and management experience to the job, including serving as legislative director and deputy chief of staff to former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist. Mr. Hippe is a graduate of the University of Richmond and Vanderbilt Law School. He is native of Nashville and a member of the Tennessee Bar.
“I want to thank Congressman Fleischmann for this opportunity, and it is truly an honor to be his chief of staff. We have a tremendous team in Washington and in the district, and I look forward to continuing to serve the people of the 3rd district and the state. I also want to thank Chip for the great job he did for the first two years and look forward to his assistance during the transition,” Mr. Hippe said.
“Jim brings a wealth of experience, and I know he will do an outstanding job as my new chief of staff. As a native Tennessean, Jim understands the issues that are foremost on the minds of the people I represent. Entering my second term, I look forward to working with Jim and our great team to continue to serve Tennessee’s 3rd Congressional District,” Rep. Fleischmann said.