DaimlerChrysler executive will head staff for key House panel

Harry Stoffer | | Automotive News / WASHINGTON -- Dennis Fitzgibbons, director of public policy in DaimlerChrysler AG's Washington office, will become chief of staff for the House Energy and Commerce Committee in the next Congress, according to a memo made available to Automotive News today.

The committee handles many issues of importance to the automobile industry. And committee chiefs of staff are considered to be some of the most influential appointees in Congress.

The memo informing committee members and staff of the appointment is from U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich. Dingell is scheduled to return to the chairmanship of the powerful committee after Democratic victories in the Nov. 7 election.

Dingell's memo says Fitzgibbons will join the committee staff as an adviser Dec. 1. He will become chief of staff at the beginning of the new year, when Democrats take control of the House, Senate and congressional committees.

Dingell wrote that all committee members will benefit from Fitzgibbons' "experience, expertise and judgment."

Fitzgibbons worked for committee Democrats from 1988 to 2000, as communications director and deputy staff director, before joining DaimlerChrysler.

Dingell's office confirmed Fitzgibbons' appointment.