Kayla M. Tonnessen
Role: Contributor
Position: Advisory Board Member, Recovery for America Now Foundation
Background:
Kayla M. Tonnessen is an experienced public affairs professional who currently serves on the Advisory Board of the Recovery for America Now Foundation. She has a distinguished career in government service, including her role as Chief of Staff at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy during the Trump administration. Before that, she was the Assistant Director of External and Legislative Affairs for the same office, where she was responsible for media relations, public appearances, intergovernmental affairs, and coordination with Congress.
Prior to her work in the Trump administration, Tonnessen was Senior Director of Government Affairs at The Ohio State University and held various roles in government relations for Nationwide Insurance. She also has experience on Capitol Hill as a Professional Staff Member for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary. Tonnessen began her career as a civilian Public Affairs Officer for the U.S. Army at the Pentagon.
Kayla holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from the University of South Florida and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College.
Relation to Trump:
Kayla M. Tonnessen served as the Chief of Staff at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) during the Trump administration. In this role, she was instrumental in managing the day-to-day operations of the office and supporting its efforts to address the national drug crisis. Her position involved overseeing the implementation of the administration’s drug control policies, coordinating with other federal agencies, and managing relationships with Congress and external stakeholders.
Tonnessen’s work at ONDCP was crucial to advancing the Trump administration’s drug policy agenda, which focused on combating the opioid epidemic, enhancing law enforcement efforts, and promoting prevention and treatment programs. Her role included strategic planning, policy development, and public affairs, all aimed at addressing the challenges posed by substance abuse in the U.S.
Her experience and responsibilities at ONDCP reflect her significant involvement in shaping drug control strategies during the Trump presidency. As an Advisory Board Member for the Recovery for America Now Foundation, she continues to contribute to drug policy and recovery efforts, drawing on her extensive background in public affairs and national drug control initiatives.
Scandals or Controversies:
There are no significant scandals or controversies associated with Kayla Tonnessen. Her career has been characterized by her commitment to public service and policy advocacy, particularly in the areas of drug control and public affairs.