FBI Congressional Affairs Director Accepts Position in Private Sector

FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III, today announced that Eleni Pryles Kalisch, Assistant Director of Congressional Affairs, will be leaving the FBI for a position in the private sector.

Ms. Kalisch began her FBI career in 1995 as Assistant General Counsel at FBI Headquarters. She joined the FBI's Office of Public and Congressional Affairs in 1998 as Special Counsel, then in 2000 became the first Section Chief of the Government Relations Section. In August 2003, she was appointed Assistant Director of the FBI's newly defined Office of Congressional Affairs.

“Eleni Kalisch has led the FBI Office of Congressional Affairs during one of the most important periods in FBI history,” said Director Mueller. “She has been directly involved in every major issue facing the FBI over the past five years, and I have greatly relied on her skill and counsel. As an advocate for the FBI and its mission, her abilities and professionalism have earned her the respect of both lawmakers and her colleagues here. She will be sorely missed,” Mueller said.

As Assistant Director, Ms. Kalisch has been a leader of change, as the FBI itself has undergone dramatic changes in its approach to evolving investigative and intelligence challenges. She strengthened the Office of Congressional Affairs and pushed for career development opportunities for personnel assigned to it. Her results-driven approach, including the detailing of FBI Special Agents to Congressional Committees, has strengthened liaison with key entities with direct oversight of the FBI whose understanding and support is crucial to continued FBI transformation.