District Staff

Chief of Staff

Timothy Itnyre is Supervisor Cook’s Chief of Staff. He is responsible for the oversight and management of the Supervisor’s office as well as working with county staff to implement Supervisor Cook’s policy goals. Timothy also serves as Supervisor Cook’s alternate on the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority Board of Directors.

A lifelong San Bernardino County resident, Timothy received his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from California State University, San Bernardino and holds a Master of Public Administration Degree in Public Policy and Governance from Capella University. He previously worked for the Supervisor during his time in the California State Assembly and Congress, where Timothy served in a variety of positions including Legislative Director, District Director, and Chief of Staff. Timothy lives in Apple Valley with his wife, Anita, and daughter, Catherine.

Deputy Chief of Staff

Dakota Higgins is Supervisor Cook’s Deputy Chief of Staff. He is responsible for a wide range of policy issues in the Supervisor’s office, including land use services, public safety, and transportation. Additionally, Dakota represents Supervisor Cook on multiple boards and commissions in San Bernardino County.

Dakota first started with Supervisor Cook’s Congressional staff at the beginning of 2014, and has served in various capacities ever since. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Management from the University of Redlands. A lifelong High Desert resident, Dakota lives in Apple Valley and enjoys making a positive impact on his hometown and local community.

District Director

Kimberly Mesen is Supervisor Cook’s District Director. She is responsible for the oversight and management of the district office’s daily operation, and is a key liaison to local organizations and elected officials. Kimberly also represents the Supervisor on a number of Boards and offers legislative support services as needed.

Kimberly graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from California State University, San Bernardino in 2017. She joined the Cook staff shortly after, working out of the Congressional District Office as a Constituent Services Director. She is a lifelong resident of the High Desert and takes pride in serving the community she grew up in.

Executive Secretary

Tami Godfrey is the Executive Secretary for the First District office. In addition to handling daily inquiries from the public, Tami offers essential support services to Supervisor Cook and staff.

Born at George Air Force Base, Tami is a lifelong Victorville resident with more than 30 years of experience in private sector operations and administrative services. She studied Business Administration at Victor Valley College and joined the First District team in July 2017.

Policy Director

Christopher (CJ) Porter serves as a Policy Director for Supervisor Cook and represents the Supervisor at various community meetings and events. He also offers legislative support services for the Supervisor in selected policy areas.

CJ first started working for then Congressman Cook in 2017, beginning as an intern before being brought on as a Field Representative in 2018. Prior to working for then Congressman Cook, he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Southern Utah University in 2015, then with an M.A. in Southeast Asian Studies from the University of California, Riverside in 2017.

CJ was born in Palm Springs and has lived in the High Desert for more than 20 years. CJ lives in Apple Valley with his beautiful wife and 4 children.

Communications Advisor

Veronica Hill serves as Communications Advisor for Supervisor Cook. She is responsible for managing the First District’s social media accounts, press releases, weekly newsletters, photography/videography, and updates to the First District website.

Veronica has more than 25 years of experience in the communications industry. She has worked as an editor, writer, videographer and designer for newspaper, magazine, book, web and video platforms.

Veronica earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from California State University at Long Beach and has lived in the First District since 1992. She is passionate about connecting the community with the valuable information, resources and tools available here in San Bernardino County.

Constituent Services Director

Samuel J. Shoup is a Constituent Services Director for Supervisor Cook. Samuel represent the Supervisor at various community meetings and events. He also offers legislative support services for the Supervisor in selected policy areas, and works with the community to ensure their voices are heard by their representative.

Born and raised in the High Desert, Samuel is a lifelong resident of the First District, who has served the community with Supervisor Cook for two years in his former Congressional office. He studied political science at the University of California, Riverside and joined the First District team in January 2021.

Community Liaison

A lifelong High Desert resident of 59 years, Paul Marsh resides in the City of Victorville. As a proud Army Veteran, he is dedicated to making the High Desert a better place for everyone. Paul is involved with many organizations and committees within the High Desert. He was a Planning Commissioner for the City of Victorville and is a member of the Homeless Solutions Task Force which was created by Victorville to address the needs of the homeless population. As a family man of 40 years, he views the High Desert as an optimal place to raise a family. He enjoys participating with others to ensure that the benefits are passed forward to our future generations. Paul also works in the mortgage industry and takes joy in helping others experience the dream of homeownership.