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Caught Our Eye

Hill staffer-turned-NGO employee returns to Congress

Posted by John Sugden on July 1, 2014

After more than four years leading advocacy efforts for an international organization, a former House staffer has returned to the chamber to become Rep. David Cicilline's (D-R.I.) new legislative director.

Sarah Trister left the Hill in late 2009 to join the nongovernmental organization Freedom House as a manager for congressional affairs, before being promoted to senior advocacy manager. Freedom House seeks to promote democracy and human rights worldwide through research and public advocacy.

Trister specializes in foreign policy, human rights and international affairs. Cicilline serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and was a vocal proponent of bringing U.S. forces home from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Trister began her congressional career in earnest in 2007 when she accepted a legislative correspondent position with then-Rep. John Olver (D-Mass.). She was eventually promoted to senior legislative assistant before leaving for Freedom House. 

A graduate of the University of Miami, she holds a master's in American government and international relations from Georgetown University.