Agency antics
The jokes have been told and the ballots have been counted, so it’s official: Freddi Vernell of the Federal Aviation Administration has earned the first-ever title of Funniest Fed.
Crowned Friday night at the Arlington Cinema ‘n’ Drafthouse, Vernell’s victory brings to a close the six-week competition among federal employees who double as stand-up comics.
She beat out Jeff Maurer from the Environmental Protection Agency, who finished a close second. Sam Beamon from the Justice Department, Jimmy Vickers from the General Services Administration and Joey Maranto from the Treasury Department were the other finalists. The five were selected among 10 semifinalists on Thursday night (full disclosure: Yeas & Nays was a judge Thursday).
Organizer Naomi Johnson pointed out that in the finals, the audience and judges picked the same top three.
For her troubles, Vernell wins $250 and a guest spot at an upcoming Comedy Lounge show at the Drafthouse.
