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Press Releases

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) today announced Helen Walker Tolar—a 12-year veteran of Capitol Hill who currently serves as Staff Director and Chief Counsel of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs—will join his office as his new Chief of Staff at the end of the month. 

“I am excited to welcome Helen to our team. I have known Helen for years, having worked together on veterans’ legislation, and I can say with confidence that she has one of the sharpest minds on Capitol Hill,” Boozman said. “Helen’s unique understanding of the legislative process and policy, her commitment to public service, and her dedication to our nation’s veterans make her the ideal person to be my top aide.” 

Prior to taking the top post at the House Committee on Veterans Affairs nearly three years ago, Tolar worked in the personal office of U.S. Representative Jeff Miller (R-FL) and as a professional staff member for the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs where she implemented the Chairman’s veteran health care policy agenda. 

“I am honored by the call to join Team Boozman. I have enjoyed my many opportunities to work with the Senator and his first-rate staff on issues important to Arkansans and I look forward to joining the daily effort on behalf of everyone from the Natural State,” said Tolar. 

Tolar, a native of Pensacola, FL, earned a B.A. from Converse College and a J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law. She is a member of the South Carolina Bar. Her efforts on behalf of military veterans have earned her recognition and honor by the National Association of Uniformed Services, the Reserve Officers Association, the Retired Enlisted Association, and as Converse College’s inaugural Young Alumna of the Year. In July 2011, Tolar was profiled in National Journal’s quadrennial “Hill People” issue and was subsequently featured in its “14 Powerful Women on the Hill.” Along with 29 other Hill staff, Tolar is a 113th Congress John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Staff Fellow, and serves on the Converse College Board of Visitors. 

Tolar is married to LtCol John "Mac" Tolar, USMCR-Ret, Military Legislative Counsel to Rep. Martha Roby (R-AL), and together they have three young children. She replaces Boozman’s long-time Chief of Staff, Matt Sagely, who departed Capitol Hill to pursue an opportunity in the private sector. 

“I wish Matt the best of luck in his future endeavors. He was a dedicated servant to our shared home state of Arkansas. I value his years of service to the people of Arkansas,” Boozman said. 

Tolar will officially join Boozman’s staff on September 30th.