Sean Elsbernd promoted to state director; Peter Muller named deputy state director

Trevor Daley departs after 17 years with Feinstein

Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today announced changes to her senior staff in California:

Sean Elsbernd

 Effective June 2016, Sean Elsbernd will take over as Senator Feinstein’s state director, based out of her San Francisco office. Elsbernd has served as the senator’s deputy state director since January 2013.

A native of San Francisco, Elsbernd previously served as a San Francisco Supervisor representing District 7 from 2004 until 2012. Elsbernd was elected chairman of the Caltrain board in 2010 and 2011 by his peers in San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Between 2009-2012 he served on the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation Board of Directors, which serves North Bay communities.

Feinstein said: “Sean has done a superb job as deputy state director and running my Northern California offices. Sean’s deep experience with local, state and federal government brings a unique viewpoint to the office, allowing him to see how the layers of government work together and how best to harness that cooperation to help Californians. His transition to state director will be seamless and I know he will continue to ensure our state operation is efficient and effective.  

Peter Muller

Also starting next month, Peter Muller will take over as Senator Feinstein’s deputy state director and will be based out of her Los Angeles office. Muller has more than 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors, including a decade as chief of staff and legislative director for former U.S. Representative Ellen Tauscher.

Most recently, Muller served as government and regulatory affairs manager for Metrolink in Los Angeles where he worked closely with state and federal lawmakers on issues affecting the railroad. Before that he served as director of government relations for Intel Corporation and Genentech, both in Washington.

In addition to 10 years as a senior staffer for Rep. Tauscher, Muller also worked as legislative director for U.S. Representative Karen McCarthy and as a legislative assistant for U.S. Representative Norman Mineta.

Feinstein said: “I’m pleased to welcome Peter Muller to my team. As deputy state director, Peter will lead our Southern California offices and will be based in LA. Peter has an excellent range of experience in both government and the private sector, and I expect that mix of experience will be a great benefit to the office. As former chief of staff to Ellen Tauscher, I’m confident that Peter knows the ins and outs of a congressional office and I look forward to having him on board.” 

Trevor Daley

Senator Feinstein also announced the departure of longtime staff member Trevor Daley, who will be joining Los Angeles World Airports as their new chief of external affairs. A native of Arcata, Daley has worked for Feinstein for 17 years, including three years as state director.

Daley previously served as scheduler in the senator’s Washington office and as a caseworker in her San Francisco office. Later, as deputy state director, he oversaw Feinstein’s Los Angeles office and outreach efforts in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, Imperial and San Diego counties. Earlier in his career he worked for Los Angeles Councilmember Ruth Galanter.

Feinstein said: “Trevor has worked for me for the better part of two decades and has become a trusted advisor and someone I can call a friend. He has put together a team that is unparalleled and has really demonstrated what service to a community means. I’ve been very satisfied and proud of the work he’s done and I know he’ll continue on in a way that distinguishes the Los Angeles World Airports. I wish him the best in his future endeavors and I’m grateful for his service to California and the country.”

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