Doug Jones names only African American chief of staff

WASHINGTON — Alabama Sen.-elect Doug Jones announced his top leadership team Tuesday, including the only African-American chief of staff in a Senate Democratic office this Congress.

Jones, who is scheduled to be sworn in Wednesday, named Dana Gresham, a former assistant secretary for governmental affairs at the Department of Transportation, as his chief of staff. Gresham, a Birmingham native, also served as chief of staff for former Rep. Artur Davis, D-Ala.

Soon after defeating Republican Roy Moore last month, Jones said he was committed to diversity in his office. African Americans are credited with helping the Democrat win in ruby red Alabama.

“I’m going to commit to having a Senate office, both in my state and in D.C. that reflects the diversity of Alabama," Jones said on CNN’s State of the Union. "I want to make sure that I have the best staff available. It will absolutely reflect the diversity of the state of Alabama. I’m not going to get bogged on the numbers, but I can promise everyone that we’re going to represent the entire state of Alabama."

Deborah Barfield Berry, USA TODAY