Senate Armed Services Committee General Counsel Stephanie Barna Joins Covington

Senate Armed Services Committee General Counsel Stephanie Barna Joins Covington

September 28, 2022

WASHINGTON—Stephanie Barna, former General Counsel of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has joined Covington’s Public Policy practice in Washington.

In her three decades of military and government service, Stephanie developed an extensive knowledge of law, policy, and practice across a broad spectrum of national security issues. At Covington, she will provide advisory and advocacy support and counseling to clients facing policy and political challenges in the aerospace and defense sectors.

“Stephanie’s experience provides a significant resource for our clients in the diverse range of industries that play a critical role in U.S. national security,” said Michele Pearce, co-chair of Covington’s Public Policy practice. “Her addition brings considerable new depth and strength to our Public Policy practice group.”

Prior to joining Covington, Stephanie was a senior leader on Capitol Hill and in the Department of Defense.

In her role as General Counsel of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Stephanie was responsible for the annual $740 billion National Defense Authorization Act. Additionally, she managed the Senate confirmation of three- and four-star military officers and civilians nominated by the President for appointment to senior political positions in the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy’s national security nuclear enterprise and was the Committee’s lead for investigations.

Previously, as a senior executive in the Office of the Army General Counsel, Stephanie served as a legal advisor to three Army Secretaries. In 2014, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel appointed her to be the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. Stephanie was later appointed by Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis to perform the duties of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, responsible for programs and funding of more than $35 billion.

“Covington has a superb reputation as the firm of choice for clients in the aerospace and defense sectors, and I look forward to the opportunity to help clients navigate the increasingly complex issues affecting the national security domain,” said Stephanie. “I’m excited to join a dynamic team of lawyers and advisors who are committed to excellence in the practice of law and place a premium on public policy experience.”

Stephanie earned her J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and her B.A. from Washington and Jefferson College, graduating magna cum laude. She holds a Master of Laws from the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s School.