THOLOS 

VOLUME 27 

SUSTAINABILITY 

SPOTLIGHT 

Cultivating Sustainability 

FEATURE 

Summer in the City 

MEET 

THE TEAM 

It Takes a Village To 

Prepare the People’s Tree 
2 THOLOS | VOLUME 27 THOLOS | VOLUME 27 3 

 

TA B LE O F CO N T EN T S TA B LE O F CO N T EN T S 

USBG HIGHLIGHT SUSTAINABILITY SPOTLIGHT FEATURE MEET THE TEAM 

6 12 16 24 

6 USBG HIGHLIGHT: 12 SUSTAINABILITY SPOTLIGHT:

Dedication to Teamwork Cultivating Sustainability: 

and Mission Leads to Capitol Grounds and Arboretum 

Architect’s Citation Award Embraces Vintage Electric Cargo 

Tricycle for Greener Gardening 

16 FEATURE: 24 MEET THE TEAM: 

Summer in the City: At the AOC, It Takes a Village To 

Interns Gain Experience for Future Prepare the People’s Tree 

Seasons of Their Careers 
4 THOLOS | VOLUME 27 THOLOS | VOLUME 27 5 

BEFORE AFTER 

Cannon 

Renewal 

WRITTEN BY AIMEE JORJANI 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SEAN GREENE 

Over many years, weathering has diminished the Cannon House Ofce 

Building’s exterior stone, allowing water to penetrate the building and 

impairing the building’s safety and energy efciency. As part of the 

Cannon Renewal project, the exterior envelope — including stone, wood 

window frames and doors — is being restored to last another 100 years. 

The project also includes the rehabilitation and stabilization of architectural features including balconies, cornices, balusters and balustrades. 
 THOLO

| VOLUME 27 THOLOS| VOLUME 27 7 

USBG HIGHLIGHT 

DEDICATION TO TEAMWORK 

AND MISSION LEADS TO 

Architect’s 

Citation Award 

WRITTEN BY DEVIN DOTSON 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY THOMAS HATZENBUHLER AND JAMES ROSENTHAL 
8 THOLOS | VOLUME 27

Seger mentors new USBG Operations team employees Yin Htwe, left photo, and Nyi U, right photo, on ways to care for the many unique greenhouse 

and garden systems. 

Danny Seger, Maintenance Mechanic Leader at the U.S. 

Botanic Garden (USBG), grew up in Maryland, just outside of 

D.C. He’s always been a helper and a fxer, but he has become 

a mentor over his 19 years of service at the Architect of the 

Capitol (AOC), 17 of which have been at the U.S. Botanic 

Garden. His helpful, positive attitude and hardworking maintenance skills have led him to being selected for the 2023 

Architect’s Citation Award. 

“Danny is a pleasure to work with, and we rely on Danny a lot in 

so many diferent ways,” said James Adams, USBG Horticulture 

Manager. “He is always willing to help out, and the best part 

about it is that he’s always got a positive attitude.” 

USBG Executive Director Susan Pell agrees. “Danny is an 

outstanding employee who is dedicated to customer service, to 

excellence in his job as a maintenance mechanic, and to being a 

supportive teammate and excellent colleague at the garden,” said 

Pell. “I’m so happy for him to be recognized for the great work 

that he does.” 

Building and maintaining systems has been a part of Seger’s 

entire life. His father was a carpenter who also worked for the 

AOC, having joined just after Seger graduated from high school. 

His father worked in the AOC Construction Division carpentry shop, and when he saw a job opening in a diferent shop in 

2004, he sent it to his son for consideration. Seger applied and 

joined the AOC’s Construction Division Hazmat team that 

same year. 

For two years, Seger worked the night shift, helping with many 

renovations throughout the Capitol campus from the Library 

of Congress Reading Room to the Capitol Power Plant steam 

tunnels. 

“I enjoyed the work and didn’t mind the evening hours myself,” 

Seger said. “But by summer 2006, I was looking to get married 

and we decided I should apply for some other AOC positions that would let me switch to day shift.” He was hired as a 

Maintenance Mechanic Helper at the U.S. Botanic Garden in 

August 2006, and got married two months later. 

“I learned a lot on the job that frst year or two,” said Seger. “Te 

USBG was just fnishing up the installation of the new National 

Garden, and I shadowed the Operations team, learning how to 

install signs and help with other finishing tasks.” 

“I loved my job here at the USBG. I grew up on a farm, so I 

knew that crop plants were important,” Seger said. “It’s been 

interesting to learn about the history and the unique plants 

in the collection here. Plus, caring for greenhouses, each with 

diferent climates, has been very diferent than working in 

office buildings.” 
THOLOS | VOLUME 27 9 

Danny is an 

outstanding employee 

who is dedicated to 

customer service, to 

excellence in his job 

as a maintenance 

mechanic, and to 

being a supportive 

teammate and 

excellent colleague 

at the garden. 

Susan Pell 

USBG Executive Director 
10 THOLOS | VOLUME 27

Seger and U.S. Botanic Garden Executive Director Susan Pell after he received the 2023 Architect’s Citation Award at the AOC Honor Awards ceremony. 

Over time, Seger was able to progress up the ladder in the 

USBG Operations team. He started doing projects independently, and then began to lead projects. 

“By 2018, I got to a point in my career where I was teaching 

and mentoring new people that joined the Operations team. 

I was proud to be at a point in my career where I was viewed 

as a leader and could help others learn,” Seger said. “I knew I 

needed to set the tone for how I expect this person to be as part 

of our team.” 

Some of Seger’s favorite memories at work include being inside 

and on top of the 30-foot-tall historic Fountain of Light and 

Water in Bartholdi Gardens (“I had no clue how many electrical 

elements and valves are inside that need work and support!”) 

and meeting many Members of Congress, one First Lady and 

even seeing the Pope when he visited Congress. 

“Probably the most unexpected part of my job has been learning 

to repair model trains with their very small parts,” Seger said. 

“Te trains are exciting for many visitors to our holiday exhibit 

— especially kids. I didn’t realize how much customer service 

would come into my job. Now, if there’s a small kid nearby when 

a train needs work, I make them my unofcial helper and it 

makes their day.” 

“Danny is an excellent colleague and teammate,” said Libby 

Rhoads, USBG Chief of Learning and Outreach. “He’s always 

willing to help when a project needs it, even if it means he needs 

to learn something new. I’ve seen him in the Conservatory 

talking with a visitor who’s stopped him while he was walking 

through, and he’s patient and helps answer visitor questions even 

when it’s not about his own work.” 

Seger was surprised to learn he was selected to receive the 

Architect’s Citation Award. “I asked the person that called 

me if they were sure they were calling the right person and if 

they had the right person,” Seger said with a laugh. “I hope I 

can live up to the expectations of what others think of me. It’s 

very humbling.” 

“I believe Danny loves his job,” said Operations teammate 

maintenance mechanic Nyi U. “He is a good mentor and a good 

teacher. He’s a great guy for the Botanic Garden and the AOC.” 

“It’s an honor to be recognized by my colleagues and be told that 

my work is valued as much as other important jobs throughout 

the AOC,” Seger said. 

Congratulations to Danny Seger, recipient of the 2023 Architect’s 

Citation Award, and to all AOC Honor Award recipients. 
THOLOS | VOLUME 27 11 

He’s always willing to help when a project needs it, even if it means he needs to 

learn something new. I’ve seen him in the Conservatory talking with a visitor 

who’s stopped him while he was walking through, and he’s patient and helps 

answer visitor questions even when it’s not about his own work. 

Libby Rhoads | USBG Chief of Learning and Outreach 
THOLOS | VOLUME 27 13 

SUSTAINABILITY SPOTLIGHT 

CULTIVATING 

SUSTAINABILITY 

Capitol Grounds and Arboretum 

Embraces Vintage Electric Cargo 

Tricycle for Greener Gardening 

WRITTEN BY PHILIP DAVIS 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RODNEY NORMAN 
14 THOLOS | VOLUME 27

 “This electric cargo 

bike symbolizes 

our commitment 

to sustainability. 

It is a testament to 

our dedication to 

preserving the 

natural beauty of 

these historic grounds 

while reducing our 

carbon footprint. 

We are thrilled with 

its capabilities.” 

Jim Kaufmann 

Director of Capitol 

Grounds and Arboretum 

In a picturesque marriage of vintage 

charm and cutting-edge sustainability, 

the Capitol Grounds and Arboretum 

team has unveiled their latest addition to 

the gardening feet: a vintage-style electric cargo tricycle. Tis innovative mode 

of transportation allows the dedicated 

gardening staf to move throughout the 

historic grounds of the U.S. Capitol with 

ease, all while carrying up to an impressive 300 pounds of gardening tools and 

horticultural materials. 

Drawing inspiration from the Arnold 

Arboretum of Harvard University, the 

Capitol Grounds team made a conscious 

decision to embrace the environmentally 

friendly features of electric cargo bicycles. 

Tey opted for a three-wheel tricycle 

design, ensuring enhanced stability 

and safety in navigating the sprawling 

grounds. With 20 staf members trained 

to skillfully operate the tricycle, this new 

addition is set to transform the way the 

team tends to their historic grounds 

and gardens. 

Advanced 

Gardener Philip 

Davis rides the 

electric cargo trike 

to quickly perform 

daily maintenance 

tasks, such as 

morning cleanup 

and opening the 

Summerhouse. 

Jim Kaufmann, Director of Capitol 

Grounds and Arboretum, expressed his 

enthusiasm for the electric cargo tricycle, 

“Tis electric cargo bike symbolizes our 

commitment to sustainability. It is a testament to our dedication to preserving the 

natural beauty of these historic grounds 

while reducing our carbon footprint. We 

are thrilled with its capabilities.” 

Te advantages ofered by the electric 

cargo tricycle are abundant, providing 

an array of sustainability benefts that 

extend beyond the immediate reduction 

of greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike traditional vehicles, this electric alternative 

does not require costly fuel, oil changes 

or extensive routine maintenance. And 

without a combustion engine, this electric 

cargo bike glides gracefully through the 

grounds, reducing the noise pollution that 

can interrupt the positive experience of 

visitors, Members of Congress and others 

working on the Capitol campus. 
THOLOS | VOLUME 27 15 

Beyond the environmental benefts, the electric cargo tricycle 

also saves valuable time. With 

seamless access to the grounds, 

logistics become a breeze, 

allowing the gardening team 

to focus on their true passion: 

nurturing the vibrant plants 

throughout the U.S. Capitol 

Grounds. Te cargo tricycle’s 

ability to haul signifcant loads 

of electric gardening tools and 

horticultural materials empowers 

the gardening staf to maintain 

an awe-inspiring landscape 

while prioritizing their own 

well-being through a healthier 

and more sustainable means 

of transportation. 

As the Capitol Grounds and 

Arboretum team embraces this 

innovative approach to sustainable gardening and transportation, they hope to serve 

as a source of inspiration for 

their colleagues as well as other 

public agencies. By exploring 

and adopting similar innovative 

solutions, we can collectively 

cultivate a greener future for our 

historic buildings and landscapes. Te electric cargo tricycle 

is just one example of how small 

sustainable changes can have a 

signifcant impact on our environment and community. 
 THOLO

| VOLUME 27 THOLOS| VOLUME 27 17 

FEATURE 

SUMMER 

IN THE CITY 

At the AOC, interns gain experience 

for future seasons of their careers. 

WRITTEN BY MADELEINE LUCCHETTI 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SEAN GREENE AND AMICHAI MACIEL 

COVER ILLUSTRATION BY NATHANIEL SMITHERMAN 

Every summer, dozens of skilled tradespeople and public 

service aspirants from around the country brave the 

Washington, D.C., humidity to come and intern for the 

Architect of the Capitol (AOC). Once they arrive, they’re 

dispatched across the Capitol campus to every jurisdiction, where they take on special projects and assignments 

with their unique AOC teams. From carpentry and 

photography to clerking and gardening, the AOC internship program exposes students to a host of opportunities 

within the federal government. Such an experience often 

serves as a gateway for interns to discover full-time 

employment opportunities in the felds of their choice. 

Last August, we caught up with six interns and asked 

them how they spent their summers here. 
18 THOLOS | VOLUME 27

COMING TO CAMPUS 

Washington, D.C., is a hot spot for summer internships in public and private organizations alike, 

and competition for spots is often ferce. Some 

applicants already had their eyes on the AOC 

internship program and waited many months 

for the USAJOBS.gov application to open. Others 

learned of an opening through mentors, shared 

connections or even family members. While each 

application process difered, all accepted interns 

were notifed through email, and their future 

supervisors and managers helped solidify start 

dates and other logistics. The typical program 

length is 12 weeks. 

Some interns came from as far as California and 

Florida. Many were enrolled in local universities like University of Maryland and Towson 

University. One came from the University of St. 

Andrews in Scotland. Each held a varying degree 

of familiarity with D.C., and all had opportunities to explore the nation’s capital further — 

even through AOC-specifc programming like 

tours and workshops coordinated through the 

Employee Program Branch. Many interns named 

the Capitol Dome tour, the Library of Congress 

tour and Capitol campus scavenger hunts 

as highlights. 

“I had a lot of favorite parts of the program,” said 

Logan Martin, a Gardener Aide at the U.S. Botanic 

Garden (USBG), “but I think those activities really 

connected the interns, even though we weren’t 

necessarily working together.” 

Martin, a Cecil County, Maryland, native and 

University of Maryland student, spent his 

summer working outside, mostly in the USBG 

Regional Garden and raised plant beds. He 

fell in love with studying native plants during 

the pandemic. 

“There wasn’t much to do, so I spent a lot of time 

exploring the woods near my house,” said Martin. 

“It ignited an interest in learning where and how 

local plant species originated.” 

Martin originally enrolled in college as a political 

science major before switching to studying horticulture. At the AOC, he was able to engage both 

passions: exploring the historic campus while 

working with numerous native plant species at 

the USBG. His capstone project discussed the 

emergence of a “volunteer plant” in one of the 

terrace’s raised beds. Such plants spring up of 

their own accord, without being planted by 

a gardener. 

Martin wasn’t alone in his ability to translate his 

personal passions into professional outcomes: it’s 

common for AOC interns to be placed in jurisdictions and ofces that correspond with their own 

interests. And if those interests aren’t listed in 

the job description, interns are often welcome to 

tailor their projects to include them. 

LOGAN MARTIN 
 

POWERING THE FUTURE 

When Gwendolyn Zeckowski came 

to the Capitol Power Plant as an 

Engineering Aide, she was excited 

to help with chemical deliveries 

and air and water permitting — 

she'd studied similar processes 

during her undergraduate years at 

the University of Maryland as an 

environmental science major. 

“My previous internships were 

more focused on wildlife preservation, working with birds, things like 

that,” she said. “I mentioned that I 

was interested in sustainability, and 

my AOC supervisors were able to 

connect me with an Environmental 

Engineer at the Capitol Power 

Plant — so I ended up being 

able to do some sustainability 

research alongside my normal 

day-to-day projects.” 

Zeckowski enjoyed meeting interns 

across diferent jurisdictions and 

spending time on Capitol Hill. As 

a DMV native, she’s no stranger 

to the D.C. area — and often can 

be found close by at DC Vault, 

a pole vault club that practices 

near Robert F. Kennedy Memorial 

Stadium. This fall, she’s applying the summer’s learnings in a 

new capacity as she pursues her 

master’s degree in geographic 

information systems. 

GWENDOLYN 

ZECKOWSKI 

“...I was interested in sustainability, and 

my AOC supervisors were able to connect 

me with an Environmental Engineer at the 

Capitol Power Plant — so I ended up being 

able to do some sustainability research alongside my normal day-to-day projects.” 

THOLOS | VOLUME 27 19
 

A SPECIAL PARTNERSHIP 

20 THOLOS | VOLUME 27 

A select group of interns came to the 

AOC together from Charleston, South 

Carolina, where they’re enrolled at the 

American College of the Building Arts 

(ACBA). They are the frst cohort of 

students to arrive at the AOC through 

a partnership between the school and 

the agency, which was initially established in 2020. ACBA describes itself 

as “the only college in America that 

fully integrates professional training in 

the building trades with a liberal arts 

core curriculum.” Students can earn a 

degree in traditional skills like blacksmithing, architectural carpentry, and 

classical architecture and design. 

JT Washington is one such ACBA 

student — and his journey to the 

AOC could be called serendipitous. Originally from California, 

Washington’s senior year of high 

school was interrupted by the onset 

of the pandemic. He wasn’t sure what 

to do after graduating, so he took 

what he calls the “typical” route and 

enrolled in a state university — but left 

after a year and a half. 

He learned about ACBA through his 

father, who’d seen the school mentioned in a PBS special. On a whim, 

Washington applied as an architectural carpentry student and was 

accepted. He and his father drove 

across the country to South Carolina, 

seeing the school for the frst time on 

move-in day. 

“I defnitely felt like I could be 

biting of more than I could chew,” 

Washington laughed. “When I got to 

ACBA, I’d never even held a two-byfour. But the risk paid off!” 

He dove headfrst into his studies and 

has since worked in wood shops in 

New York and elsewhere. He heard 

about the partnership with the 

AOC through word of mouth and 

was brought on to assist the cabinetry shop in the Library Buildings 

and Grounds jurisdiction. Over the 

summer, he created custom cabinetry, 

shelving units and a vessel to contain 

ceremonial dishware. If Washington’s 

approach to his career began a bit like 

throwing darts, his accomplishments 

at the AOC show he hit a bullseye. 

JT WASHINGTON 

“When I got to ACBA, I’d never 

even held a two-by-four. But 

the risk paid off!” 
THOLOS | VOLUME 27 21 

’

’

DRAWING INSPIRATION 

FROM THE HILL 

For one of Washington’s friends, fellow 

intern Nathaniel Smitherman, working at the 

AOC has been an opportunity to tap into a 

lifelong love for classical architecture. Since 

childhood, Smitherman enjoyed watching 

home renovation TV shows with his mother 

and grandmother — both of whom are 

artists as well. His military family moved 

around the country quite a bit, and each time 

Smitherman would study the foor plan of 

the new house in detail. ACBA was perhaps a 

more obvious choice for him, especially since 

attending would give him a chance to be 

immersed in the classical architecture found 

in Charleston. 

Smitherman came to the AOC via the 

ACBA partnership and lived with other 

interns on Capitol Hill while he served as 

an Architecture Aide with the Senate Ofce 

Buildings jurisdiction. He often went for runs 

between their shared apartment and Capitol 

campus buildings, taking time afterwards 

to sketch what he saw. His AOC supervisor 

recognized his talent and asked if he could 

render images of the Senate ofce buildings, 

since photographs were some of the only 

artistic representations of them that existed. 

“That was really amazing for me,” 

Smitherman said. “I had this opportunity 

to ‘fex’ my art muscles, while still thinking 

about architecture and doing something 

lasting in the internship.” 

NATHANIEL 

SMITHERMAN 

Left: Nathaniel 

Smitherman s 

illustration of 

the U.S. Capitol 

Building and 

surrounding area. 

Right: Nathaniel 

Smitherman s 

illustration of the 

Hart Senate Ofce 

Building. 
 

AN ONGOING LEGACY 

The AOC’s robust intern program has continued to 

grow in its scope and program oferings. Interns 

support a diverse range of Capitol campus functions, 

and some are more behind-the-scenes than others. 

Markiya Gothard, who spent the summer as an Ofce 

Clerk with the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center (CVC), laughed 

when asked about her frst day at the AOC. 

“The CVC is a maze,” she said. “It took me a while to fnd 

my way down here!” 

But fnd her way, she did: Gothard came to the AOC 

after seeing the intern opening listed on USAJOBS.gov. 

Growing up in Prince George’s County, Maryland, she 

trained intensively in dance and musical theater. Her 

love for the performing arts inspired her to study visual 

art at the college level. Now, the Towson University 

student majors in art history, with a minor in museum 

studies. Her academic interests pulled her toward the 

AOC’s mission — and the internship program, she 

thought, could help her decide where in the feld she 

might pursue a career. 

“Before coming here, I defnitely thought I’d take a more 

curatorial route in the art world,” Gothard said. “Now, I’m 

realizing that I also enjoy the operations side of things.” 

Throughout the summer, Gothard assisted the CVC 

Gift Shop team in conducting market research and 

identifying vendors whose products can be sold in the 

U.S. Capitol. It can be difcult to fnd the perfect goods, 

since everything sold within the CVC Gift Shop must be 

made in the United States, and many need to have an 

educational component. 

“If you’ve ever wondered why the CVC Gift Shop doesn’t 

have snow globes,” Gothard joked, “it’s because it’s so 

hard to fnd ones that are made in the United States!” 

Gothard’s largest project was her summer research 

paper, which drew the distinctions and similarities 

between historical and cultural institutions. 

MARKIYA 

GOTHARD 

“Before coming here, I defnitely thought 

I’d take a more curatorial route in the 

art world... Now, I’m realizing that I also 

enjoy the operations side of things.” 

22 THOLOS | VOLUME 27 
 

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE 

Another AOC intern would likely 

be interested in Gothard’s research: 

Mason Lamb, an ACBA student 

and Architecture Aide in the House 

Ofce Buildings jurisdiction, has a 

special place in his heart for historic 

preservation. He rarely leaves home 

without a drawing instrument and 

spent many evenings and weekends 

in local D.C. museums, historic towns 

like Harper’s Ferry or hiking spots in 

Northern Virginia. He often can be 

found copying designs from architects 

known as the “great masters,” and 

enjoyed coming into work at his team’s 

ofce in the Rayburn House Ofce 

Building, which features a blend of 

classically styled and modern architectural elements. 

“I have to say, though,” Lamb 

remarked. “I think the most beautiful 

structure on campus is the Library of 

Congress’ Thomas Jefferson Building!” 

A native North Carolinian, he named 

meeting one of his home state’s senators as a highlight of the summer. He 

also had the chance to work on several 

long-standing projects, including 

renovating old telephone closets 

that are now being used for staf 

taking video calls, and creating fact 

sheets for each House ofce building. 

Participation in these eforts came as a 

pleasant surprise. 

“Before I started here, I fgured I’d 

spend most of my time fetching cofee 

and running errands,” Lamb said. “The 

work I’ve gotten to do makes me really 

want to come back to the AOC — 

hopefully after graduation!” 

Though summer has passed, we’re 

still looking forward to the next class 

of AOC interns, who bring a fresh 

and industrious spirit to the AOC 

mission. As we begin to plan for future 

programs, we hope to see our 2023 

interns back on the Capitol campus 

one day. 

MASON LAMB 

“ Before I started here, I fgured I’d spend 

most of my time fetching cofee and 

running errands... The work I’ve gotten to 

do makes me really want to come back to 

the AOC — hopefully after graduation!” 

THOLOS | VOLUME 27 23 
24 THOLOS

| VOLUME 27 THOLOS| VOLUME 27 25 

It Takes a Village To Prepare the 

MEET THE TEAM 

WRITTEN BY CAROL CAMPOS 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SEAN GREENE, 

THOMAS HATZENBUHLER AND RODNEY NORMAN 

PEOPLE’S 

TREE 
26 THOLOS | VOLUME 27

Arborist, Matthew 

Rawson decorating 

the U.S. Capitol 

Christmas Tree. 

F or many people around the country, the start of the 

holiday season is marked by selecting and decorating a 

Christmas tree. Likewise, the holidays start on Capitol 

Hill when the Christmas tree arrives on the Capitol campus. A 

team of employees from the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) 

work seamlessly and tirelessly to ensure that the U.S. Capitol 

Christmas Tree is ready to spread holiday cheer to visitors from 

all over the country and around the world. 

For many families, it is an annual tradition to come to the U.S. 

Capitol to see and take photos with the Christmas tree. Tose 

memories and photos are made possible by the collaboration 

and hard work of employees from various AOC jurisdictions. 

Te Capitol Grounds and Arboretum team selects the tree from 

a national forest designated by the U.S. Forest Service and a 

team of arborists work to install and decorate the tree on the 

West Front Lawn. Te Capitol Power Plant Distribution High 

Voltage and Electronics Branch teams work to ensure that 

electrical needs for the tree arrival and lighting ceremonies are 

met. Te Capitol Building team works diligently to prepare 

the areas around the West Front Lawn for the tree arrival 

and lighting ceremonies, ensuring that no matter the weather 

the events are successful. Te Photography and Technical 

Imaging Branch works for months documenting the work by 

the various jurisdictions, including the selection, arrival and 

tree setup, as well as the lighting ceremony and the recycling of 

the wood from the Christmas tree after the end of the holiday 

season. Lastly, the Ofce of the Chief Security Ofcer with 

the U.S. Capitol Police ensure that the tree arrives on campus 

safely and oversee security details for the tree arrival and 

lighting ceremonies. 

Tis multijurisdictional team efort involves dozens of 

hard-working, dedicated AOC employees who are proud of 

their work and conscious of their role in making this special 

tradition successful and joyous for all. We invite you to meet a 

few of them and learn more about what it takes to bring holiday 

cheer from a national forest to Capitol Hill. 
THOLOS | VOLUME 27 27 

-

”

CAPITOL GROUNDS AND ARBORETUM 

The Capitol Grounds and Arboretum team works closely with the U.S. Forest Service to select 

the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. Once the tree is selected, a team of arborists work diligently prepar 

ing for the arrival ceremony, then setting up and decorating the tree for the lighting ceremony. 

Capitol Grounds and Arboretum team, from left to right: William “Harper Scott Martin, Preston Carter, Matthew Arnold, 

Henry Brady, Thomas Hatzenbuhler (Photography and Technical Imaging Branch), Matthew Rawson and Steven Graham 
28 THOLOS | VOLUME 27

Jim Kaufmann 

DIRECTOR, CAPITOL GROUNDS AND ARBORETUM 

Q: WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES THAT 

YOU FIND IN SELECTING THE PERFECT 

CHRISTMAS TREE? HOW MANY TREES 

HAVE YOU SELECTED IN YOUR TENURE 

AT THE AOC? 

Numerous challenges are present in select- A: ing the tree. The biggest considerations 

are fnding the balance between the most 

aesthetically pleasing tree versus logistics of 

harvesting and any potential environmental impacts. For example, a full and visually 

perfect tree may be available, but it could be 

in a remote area that will not accommodate 

an 83-foot tractor trailer and cranes required 

for harvesting. 

The 2023 Christmas tree will ofcially be my 

sixth U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. I had the 

pleasure of assisting the previous director 

in 2017. I have also selected Christmas trees 

in the past for the U.S. Botanic Garden and 

the National Gallery of Art. It is always great 

to meet new people and understand why 

the Christmas tree is important to them 

and the community. I can get a sense about 

how the tree can impact a community and 

forest region. The tree plays a role in many 

people’s lives and I get to be one tiny part of 

that experience. 

Q: CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW YOU AND YOUR 

TEAM SUPPORT THE CHRISTMAS TREE 

LIGHTING CEREMONY? 

The large part of Capitol Grounds and A: Arboretum’s work revolves around installation, 

decorating, lighting and removal. We go to 

great eforts to protect the grounds of the U.S. 

Capitol and work very strategically with many 

other partners to safely load in ground protection required for the crane. A large group efort 

is required to safely rig the tree, ofoad from 

the truck, install and secure the tree in place. 

We do this in one day generally always under 

the watchful eye of many press cameras. Then 

the team goes to work on ensuring the tree 

structure is full and presentable. Then comes 

the installation of the thousands of ornaments 

and lights and the star topper. We complete the 

process with installation of pedestrian ground 

protection to provide a safe and accessible path 

and walking platform around the tree. It makes 

for a real treat to be able to say that you decorated the Capitol Christmas Tree. Our arborists 

are the main portion of the workforce that 

works on it. That is a team of eight when fully 

stafed. The ofoading of the tree may require 

up to 30 employees including gardeners, equipment operators, laborers, masons and plumbers. 
THOLOS | VOLUME 27 29 

 

 

Steve Graham 

ARBORIST SUPERVISOR, CAPITOL GROUNDS AND ARBORETUM 

Q: WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES THAT YOU 

AND YOUR TEAM FACE WHEN SETTING 

UP OR DECORATING THE TREE? 

Weather is a huge factor for setting up A: trees. Too much wind could potentially 

cause a delay or cancellation, and rain 

or wintry weather is something we just 

have to work with. Another challenge is 

the short amount of time to complete the 

tree setup and decoration. With roughly a 

week to get this project fnished, often we 

must work through inclement weather, 

holidays and weekends. This is often 

tough when so many people prefer to 

travel with family over the Thanksgiving 

holiday. A big challenge for the arborist 

team is receiving a tree that may have 

had many limbs cut or pruned, broken 

or damaged due to its size and challenge 

of ftting onto a fat bed. While decorating the tree we must be very selective 

regarding what decorations will adorn 

the tree. Items such as paper products, 

poorly crafted ornaments and certain size 

variations can play a big role in what is 

to be hung on the tree. While supporting 

the tree lighting ceremony we do multiple test lightings. We set up a perimeter around the tree, do a fnal cleanup, 

provide the appropriate signage and tree 

information for attendees and make sure 

our fnal product is ready for the world to 

view. Many times, we must add security 

fencing for the night of the lighting. 

WHAT DOES THE U.S. CAPITOL Q: CHRISTMAS TREE MEAN TO YOU? 

Working on my 14th Christmas tree this A: year still brings me much joy and pride. 

My family and children often get to enjoy 

the eforts our AOC and Capitol Grounds 

and Arboretum teams put forth to bring 

some Christmas spirit to all who celebrate. 

Personally, I really enjoy the collaboration, 

professionalism and meeting all the kind 

people behind the scenes to make this a successful holiday tradition on Capitol Grounds. 

Also, getting the children involved makes 

this more special and worthwhile. Sadly, the 

last entire family photo I have with my late 

father was taken at the Christmas tree in 

2020. I like to think of how proud he was of 

me and my team on a job well done at our 

nation’s capital. 
30 THOLOS | VOLUME 27

-

CAPITOL POWER PLANT 

The Capitol Power Plant Distribution High Voltage team is in charge of setting up and wiring the 

tree to make sure that the Christmas lights turn on when the Speaker of the House and the des 

ignated youth tree lighter fip the switch at the end of the Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The 

Electronics Branch supports the lighting ceremony by providing sound support for the event. 

Capitol Power Plant team, from left to right: Christopher Potter, Ahmon Thomas, Bryan Leonard, 

Youssef Mohammad-Zadeh, Berry Russom, Deidra Carter and Todd Murphy 
THOLOS | VOLUME 27 31 

 

 

Berry Russom 

HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTRICIAN LEADER , CAPITOL POWER PLANT 

Q: WHAT DOES THE U.S. CAPITOL 

CHRISTMAS TREE MEAN TO YOU? 

A: The Capitol Christmas Tree means to me 

togetherness; it always brings out the good 

in all of us. For one moment in time, it gives 

everyone something we all can relate to, and 

it helps us experience happiness and love 

for all. It is also special to see all the children from the state the tree is from. It really 

makes you feel great to see the happiness 

that our hard work brings to their faces. The 

Christmas tree symbolizes all of us coming 

together for the common good and I can’t 

say how good it makes me feel to see all the 

children, the smiles, the happy faces and the 

glow of the lights on their shining faces. 

Q: 

A: 

CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW YOU AND 

YOUR TEAM SUPPORT THE TREE 

LIGHTING CEREMONY? 

Safety is the frst thing. After the tree 

is mounted, we start by putting up the 

lights. Depending on the size of the tree, 

we use around four to fve thousand 

new LED lights that will draw about 40 

to 50 amps (4,000 to 6,000 watts), this is 

equivalent to the energy that a clothes 

dryer uses at home. As for the ceremony, 

our team provides all electrical needs 

such as power for the Speaker’s podium 

and all the media covering the event. 

And of course, the main power for the 

tree itself. Weather is one of the main 

challenges for our team. Sometimes rain, 

sleet, wind and snow can make our job 

harder, but our team gets the job done 

and the ceremony does go on regardless 

of the weather. 
32 THOLOS | VOLUME 27

 

Robert Gatewood 

ELECTRONICS MECHANIC GENERAL SUPERVISOR, CAPITOL POWER PLANT 

Q: CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW YOU AND 

YOUR TEAM SUPPORT THE TREE 

LIGHTING CEREMONY? 

Annually the Electronics Branch (EB) team is A: tasked to support the delivery and lighting 

ceremonies for the Capitol Christmas Tree. The 

arrival ceremony is a smaller event, so the EB 

team uses a mid-level audio system to deliver 

the sound. The Christmas tree lighting ceremony is a much larger event that involves 

Members of Congress, several federal agencies 

and the public. For that event, we work with an 

audio contractor to provide a public address 

system and system technical engineer. A concert-level system is used to deliver the sound 

and includes podium microphones, mixers and 

an audio power amplifer to supply the speakers. 

Additionally, an auxiliary feed is provided for 

press and congressional recording studios to 

also receive the audio. Our team is comprised 

of three branches; procurement and planning, 

delivery ceremony and lighting ceremony, and 

eight electronics mechanics and engineers work 

on the Christmas tree events. 

Q: WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF WORKING 

ON THE U.S. CAPITOL CHRISTMAS 

TREE PROJECT? 

A: The inner agency togetherness that just 

happens . . . all to ensure the public display 

is spectacular and favorably memorable. 

For each year it is the pleasure of being part 

of history, though it is behind the scenes, I 

feel privileged to have that experience to 

share with my friends and family during 

story times. 
THOLOS | VOLUME 27 33 

The Capitol 

Christmas Tree 

Star is made 

by the AOC 

Upholstery Shop 

and measures 

4’1/2” wide by 

5’1/2” tall. 
34 THOLOS | VOLUME 27

CAPITOL BUILDING 

The Capitol Building team supports the arrival and tree lighting ceremonies — ensuring that 

planning is in place, so necessary equipment is set up correctly, in working order and on time 

so both the Christmas tree’s arrival and lighting ceremonies take place without a hitch. 

Capitol Building team, from left to right: Robert Thomas, George Turner, Jacob Grace, 

Carlos Gregg, Calvin Delilly, Jose Acosta, Willie Myers, Michael Derr and Kevin Brown 
THOLOS | VOLUME 27 35 

Kimberly Coats 

BUSINESS FINANCIAL ANALYST, CAPITOL BUILDING 

Q: CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW YOU AND 

YOUR TEAM SUPPORT THE CHRISTMAS 

TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY? 

A: The Planning, Evaluation and Operation (PEO) 

team works with Legislative and Public Afairs, 

Capitol Grounds and Arboretum, and the 

Speaker’s ofce to plan and execute the setup 

for the tree lighting ceremony. The majority of 

Capitol Building employees play some role in 

the event including PEO working on planning 

and setup logistics; Labor to stage and set up 

equipment; Carpentry to provide leveling of 

the podium after placement and fabrication 

of height boxes (for the young participants); 

Paint to touch up the outdoor podium; Masons 

providing the ADA mats; and Sheet Metal 

providing crossovers and ramps to access the 

lawn. Obviously, the ceremony is outdoors and 

therefore subject to weather! We’ve held ceremonies in warm and cold weather, sometimes 

snow and unfortunately sometimes (like 2016), 

in the pouring rain! 

Q: 

A: 

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF 

WORKING ON THE U.S. CAPITOL 

CHRISTMAS TREE PROJECT? 

Like all AOC events, large or small, the best 

part is partnering with great coworkers from 

all jurisdictions who work together to ensure 

the ceremony is a success and the AOC is 

represented in the best light. Typically, a 

student from the state where the tree is from 

is selected to help “fip the switch.” It’s always 

special to see the excitement on their face as 

they countdown to light the tree! 
36 THOLOS | VOLUME 27

 

Ricardo Mitchell 

MATERIALS HANDLER SUPERVISOR, CAPITOL BUILDING 

Q: CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW YOUR 

TEAM SUPPORTS THE TREE 

LIGHTING CEREMONY? 

We provide labor support for the A: Christmas tree arrival and lighting ceremonies. We set up the stanchions, install 

mats, arrange the chair sets and podium 

with the light switch to light the tree. Our 

team works regardless of weather, and we 

have to have enough manpower to move 

the equipment through the sidewalks 

to the location of the Christmas tree. 

Usually, 10 to 12 members of our team 

work on this project to get it done in 

a timely manner. 

WHAT DOES THE U.S. CAPITOL Q: CHRISTMAS TREE MEAN TO YOU? 

Working on the Christmas tree brings back A: memories of when my father used to bring 

us to see the Capitol Christmas Tree when 

I was a kid. It is special to know that other 

kids will remember this event and one day 

bring their own kids here to appreciate and 

take pictures with the tree. It is also special 

to know that this Christmas tree is seen all 

around the world and on TV throughout the 

holiday season and that me and my team 

play a part in making it happen. 
THOLOS | VOLUME 27 37 

-

PHOTOGRAPHY AND TECHNICAL IMAGING BRANCH 

The Photography and Technical Imaging Branch (PTIB) team works on documenting and capturing the 

tree selection, harvest, arrival and lighting ceremonies. They also document the work done by all juris 

dictions to prepare for the tree lighting ceremony. This talented team of photographers works day and 

night to ensure that hundreds of images from these events are taken and archived for future generations. 

A view of the Capitol Christmas Tree illuminated before dawn. 
38 THOLOS | VOLUME 27

Thomas Hatzenbuhler 

PHOTOGRAPHER, PHOTOGRAPHY AND TECHNICAL IMAGING BRANCH 

Q: CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW YOU 

AND YOUR TEAM SUPPORT THE 

TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY? 

PTIB supports the annual tradition of the A: Capitol Christmas Tree by providing photography and videography documentation of the 

numerous teams, individuals and events that 

ensure the tree is a special and memorable 

experience for Members of Congress, AOC staf 

and the public. This year, we had the opportunity to tell the entire story of the Capitol 

Christmas Tree through photos and video. I 

traveled with Jim Kaufmann, Director of Capitol 

Grounds and Arboretum, to the Monongahela 

National Forest in West Virginia to document 

the selection process, as well as the harvesting 

of the tree. PTIB also photographs and flms the 

arrival of the tree to the West Front of the U.S. 

Capitol Building, which is a well-coordinated 

day of activity involving many AOC employees 

across jurisdictions coming together to ensure 

the tree arrives safely and is anchored securely 

to the lawn of the West Front. Throughout the 

weeks following the arrival of the tree, the PTIB 

team will photograph AOC arborists and the 

High Voltage crew as they decorate the tree and 

install the innumerable strands of lights that 

will eventually illuminate the tree and the West 

Front of the U.S. Capitol Building. The PTIB team 

also photographs the AOC’s eforts in setting 

up for the tree lighting ceremony, as well as the 

ceremony itself, as the crowning achievement 

of the AOC’s hard work and dedication to this 

time-honored tradition. 

Q: CAN YOU SHARE A SPECIAL ANECDOTE 

OR MEMORY FROM YOUR INVOLVEMENT 

WITH THE U.S. CAPITOL CHRISTMAS TREE? 

This year, I was given the opportunity to A: travel to the Monongahela National Forest 

in West Virginia to document the selection 

process and harvesting of the tree. This is 

the very frst time that our ofce has told 

the entire story of the Capitol Christmas 

Tree from the selection of the tree to the 

lighting ceremony on the West Front of the 

U.S. Capitol. I had never been to West Virginia 

prior to my journey there in July 2023, and 

the landscapes of the Monongahela National 

Forest are incomparably beautiful. I am very 

grateful for the experiences I had photographing and flming in such an amazing 

place! The entire experience of the Capitol 

Christmas Tree is all about the people that 

make it happen. For me, the work that goes 

into documenting every aspect of this 

tradition is a celebration of the dedicated 

employees of the AOC (and National Forest 

Service, U.S. Capitol Police, etc.) that come 

together to accomplish great achievements. 

My role and responsibility is to highlight 

those individuals and teams in the best light 

possible. Pun intended. 
THOLOS | VOLUME 27 39 

 

Sean Greene 

PHOTOGRAPHER, PHOTOGRAPHY AND TECHNICAL IMAGING BRANCH 

stunning keepsake. 

Q: DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE IMAGE THAT 

YOU THINK CAPTURES THE HOLIDAY 

SPIRIT THAT THE TREE BRINGS TO THE 

CAPITOL CAMPUS? 

My favorite image is from Thomas, who A: managed to get on a lift with one of our AOC 

employees and took amazing photographs 

of the star being placed on top of the tree. I 

just feel like it captures a really unique time 

and place and feeling as well as showing 

behind-the-scenes some of the work that 

goes into doing all of these great things. 

I’m honored to be a part of documenting 

the hard work that goes on at the AOC. It 

is an inspiringly beautiful place that is ever 

showing me new sides to its face. Preserving 

the heritage of the art, grounds and buildings is a monumental task and the people 

that work behind the scenes doing it are 

some of the best of us. 

Q: CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW YOUR 

TEAM SUPPORTS THE TREE 

LIGHTING CEREMONY? 

Every year we join the High Voltage team A: before the ofcial tree lighting ceremony 

to do a prelight of the tree in order to 

create the best image of the Capitol 

Christmas Tree. We wake up before the 

roosters to capture the perfect balance 

between early morning frst light and the 

twinkling of the tree seated in front of the 

Capitol at just the right position. We do 

quite a bit of technical photography on 

this usually using a perspective correction 

lens of an ideal length to showcase the 

tree, not only lit in a way that perfectly 

matches the sky but also from a perspective that retains the Capitol Building’s 

architecture and scale. We defnitely 

nerd out. The goal being to create a 
40 THOLOS | VOLUME 27 

’ 

Legislative and Public Afairs 

U.S. Capitol 

Washington, DC 20515 

THOLOS VOLUME 27 

The Architect of the Capitol strives 

to meet its mission 24 hours a day, 

365 days a year to serve Congress 

and the Supreme Court, preserve 

Americas Capitol, and inspire 

memorable experiences for all who 

visit the buildings and grounds. 

Tholos is distributed by the Architect 

of the Capitol primarily for AOC 

employees. Questions regarding 

content and publication should be 

directed to AOC Legislative and Public 

Afairs at communications@aoc.gov 

or 202.228.1793. 

JOIN AOC ONLINE: 

www.aoc.gov/social 

Front Cover Photo By: 

Sean Greene 

Back Cover Photo By: 

Luke Walter