06.10.16

Hoeven Welcomes Interns, Legal Fellow to His Washington, Bismarck & Fargo Offices

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today announced that Elizabeth Foy, Ty Kennedy and Carter Pederson are interning in his Washington, D.C. office, Edward Swiontek is interning in his Bismarck office and Caitlin Hanson is interning in his Fargo office. The senator also welcomed Philip Axt to his Washington office as a Legal Fellow. The interns work with the senator and his staff on a variety of legislative, communications and administrative projects.

“Internships provide young people with a great opportunity to gain professional experience while also getting an up-close look at our government and legislative process,” Hoeven said. “My staff and I are happy to welcome this group of interns to the team, and appreciate their enthusiasm and willingness to become involved in public service. We hope the skills that they learn will help them achieve their educational and career goals in the future.”

Elizabeth Foy, daughter of Jerry and Michelle Foy, will be entering her senior year at North Dakota State University (NDSU) in Fargo, where she is studying political science and Arabic. In addition to her academic studies, Foy is part of the cadet leadership of the Air Force ROTC program and an active member of the Arnold Air Society and Civil Air Patrol.

“It is an honor to represent North Dakota with Senator Hoeven at the United States Capitol, and to be working with some of the brightest minds from North Dakota,” Foy said. “I still have Senator Hoeven’s contact card from visits to Washington D.C. in high school, and am eager to begin this exciting opportunity.”

Ty Kennedy, the son of Jay and Tracy Kennedy, is from Grand Forks and graduated from Grand Forks Central High School in 2013. He is currently a senior at California State University at Stanislaus, where he is pursuing a degree in Finance. In addition to his coursework, he also plays on the Stanislaus State Men’s Golf team and is involved with the Make-A-Wish charity through the Student Athletic Advisory Committee. After graduation, Ty plans on attending law school and starting a career in public service.

“I think Senator Hoeven is a great role model and to be able to work in his Washington office during such an important year for our country is a truly unique and special opportunity,” Kennedy said.

Carter Pedersen, son of Dale and Nancy Pedersen, is a native of Luverne, N.D. and will be returning to NDSU this fall as a senior in the Business Management program. In his free time Carter enjoys golfing, hunting and traveling. 

“I am grateful to serve North Dakota with Senator Hoeven in Washington, D.C. and to get an in depth look at our legislative processes,” Pederson said. “I look forward to learning more about our government and gaining valuable skills along the way.”

Philip Axt, son of Todd Axt and Tina Triebwasser of Bismarck, is joining Senator Hoeven’s staff for the summer of 2016 as a Legal Fellow. He graduated from Bismarck High School in 2005 and the United States Military Academy (West Point) in 2009. Captain Axt served for six years in the military and intelligence communities, including combat deployment to Afghanistan and assignments within U.S. Cyber Command. He is currently a J.D. candidate at the Yale Law School in his second year of study. 

“The Senate is a fascinating institution, and I look forward to aiding the senator in his work to honor the promises made to America’s veterans, preserve the self-defense rights of law-abiding citizens, and restore democratic accountability to the Federal regulatory system,” Axt said.

Edward Swiontek of Edgeley, N.D., has been hired as an intern in Senator Hoeven’s Bismarck office. Edward, the son Allen and Inna Swiontek, is a 2012 graduate of Edgeley High School and is currently a senior at the University of Mary in Bismarck, majoring in Public Policy with a minor in Economics. At the University of Mary, Swiontek serves as Vice President of the Pre-Law Club and is a member of the Investments Club.

“Interning for Senator Hoeven has been something that I have wanted to do since I job shadowed in his office as a senior in high school, and I am honored to have this opportunity,” Swiontek said. “Experiencing first-hand the workings of the federal government definitely trumps anything that I would learn in a classroom. I have been interested in politics throughout high school and college, so this is good fit for me.”    

Caitlin Hanson, daughter of Chris and Sheri Hanson of Bismarck, is currently a junior attending NDSU. She studies Political Science and intends to pursue higher education in the International Relations field. Caitlin is also a member of the North Dakota Army National Guard, participates in the Military Funeral Honors program, and tutors newly immigrated families through ELL. Upon the culmination of her summer internship in Fargo, she will continue interning with Senator Hoeven’s Washington, D.C. office for the fall semester. 

“The knowledge attained from interning with the senator’s office will be incredibly invaluable in the future,” said Caitlin. “I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to be mentored by someone who loves North Dakota as much as I do.”

Senator Hoeven offers internship opportunities in his Washington, D.C. and state offices. North Dakotans interested in applying to intern in the senator’s office should submit an application online. Questions can be directed to (202) 224-2551. 

-###-