Person · House

Yelberton R.
Watkins

ASSISTANT TO CONGRESSMAN CLYBURN — House Committee on Appropriations

Chief of Staff to U.S. Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-SC), the House Assistant Democratic Leader. Watkins has served in this capacity since 1993 (rising to Chief of Staff in 1994) and oversees overall management of Clyburn's office including legislative, policy, communications, and outreach teams. He plays a central role in guiding political strategy, legislative policy, party messaging, media outreach, and fundraising. A native of Columbia, South Carolina, Watkins is a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity and serves on the board of directors of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. Named one of Roll Call's Fabulous 50 in 2009; featured in National Journal's annual top Capitol Hill aides.