Potomac Flacks

BREAKING: @ChamberFlack Fielder Moving to Switzerland

First reported in National Journal’s “Influence Alley”, J.P. Fielder (@ChamberFlack) is trading digs across from the White House for a spot across the street from Lake Geneva as one of the Chamber of Commerce's best known spinmeisters is leaving Big Business for Big Tobacco. The Chamber's senior director of communications is heading to Lausanne, Switzerland to work on global regulatory communications for Philip Morris International (PMI).

Fielder joined the Chamber in March 2008, and since that time he ran the media team, the international portfolio, president Tom Donohue's press and helped former SVP Bill Miller run its $50 million political program. At PMI, Fielder will be doing regulatory communication campaigns in every time zone.

"This is a chance to look beyond the Beltway and turn the telescope around and look out at the entire globe in the way I do communications," said Fielder. 

After four years at the Chamber, Fielder will say goodbye Feb. 16. Prior to joining the business lobby, he worked at the National Association of Manufacturers, PR Newswire and (little known fact) as an actual journalist with Tribune Broadcasting.

The coolest part about the move for him and fiancé Kelly DiNardo? 

"Being able to take Kelly to Paris in three hours on a train or being able to head out 40 minutes and be skiing in the French Alps," he said, noting that they were both just fitted for new skis. 

Not that he's rubbing it in. (National Journal’s “Influence Alley”)

Former Kyl Flack Wilder Named Communications Director for Flake Senate Bid

First reported in Roll Call’s “Shop Talk” column, Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) named Andrew Wilder as Communications Director for his Senate campaign. 

Wilder, a third-generation Arizonan, served in the same position for retiring Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ), whose seat Flake is running for.  Wilder handled media for Kyl for nearly 13 years in both his Capitol Hill and Phoenix offices. He left that job last week.

"He is well-known as a skilled communicator who brings a wealth of experience with media in Arizona and on Capitol Hill that will be helpful to this campaign," Flake said in a statement.

Before serving Sen. Kyl, Wilder worked for the House Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Natural Resources and Regulatory Affairs as a Professional Staff member / Clerk, as a Media Research Analyst at the Republican National Committee, as a producer at KTAR News/Talk Radio, as an Arizona-based aide for Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) and at KFYI News/Talk Radio.

Wilder is a native of Phoenix and a graduate of the University of Arizona.  (Roll Call’s “Shop Talk” / PF reporting)

Paul Morrell Named Deputy Communications Director for 2012 RNC Convention in Tampa

First reported in this morning’s Politico “Playbook”, the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa has hired Paul Morrell to serve as Deputy Director of Communications.

RNC Convention Communications Director James Davis says, “Since coming on-board as Communications Director in October 2011, I’ve made building the strongest communications team in convention history a top priority. We will work aggressively together to continue building out this team as we prepare to nominate and elect the next President of the United States.”

Paul has spent more than 20 years on Capitol Hill, where he worked for a number of members including House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-TX).  Following Rep. Armey’s retirement from Congress, Morrell worked as Deputy Chief of Staff for Secretary of Energy Spence Abraham and Director of Communications Planning at the National Security Council.  He spent the last four years of the Bush administration as Chief of Staff at NASA.

After departing the Bush administration, Morrell worked for S4 Inc., a strategic communications firm located in Crystal City, and as a consultant to BP during the Gulf oil spill response and recovery.

Morrell is a graduate of the University of Maryland at College Park.  (Politico’s “Playbook” / PF tipster)

JOB OF THE WEEK: American Association of Publishers, Director of Communications

The Association of American Publishers (AAP), the leading trade association for the US book publishing industry, is seeking a Director of Communications for a newly created position, to support and enhance the advocacy, representation and image of the industry.

In this role, the Director will join a recently-launched Communications department for the industry’s leading national trade association and have primary responsibility for developing and executing a 360° range of communications strategies on behalf of one or more AAP divisions including educational publishing.  Additionally, s/he will work with the Vice President on a number of internal and external communications for broader industry issues and initiatives.  The Director’s scope of responsibilities includes messaging, media relations, campaigns and the development of multimedia collateral materials.

The ideal candidate will have strong proactive strategic communications skills; a passion for publishing and education; nimble, compelling writing abilities; a track record of achieving high-impact results; and the desire to play a key role in growing a new communications operation.

Main duties:

- Initiate and produce integrated communications strategies to support regional/national advocacy efforts and to raise awareness of the value of educational and other publishing.

- Develop key positioning/messaging; produce a high volume of complementary written materials for diverse content platforms including white papers, brochures, one-sheets, member communications, web content and releases.  Work closely with other AAP staff on creating integrated multimedia materials related to policy and initiatives.

- Manage responsive and proactive media relations activities across print, broadcast, digital and social channels.  Responsible for achieving defined, measurable goals through conceiving, driving and securing targeted outreach; effectively managing incoming inquiries; and enterprising innovative opportunities.  Expand AAP’s reach into all appropriate social media channels.

- Produce, manage and expand content for assigned areas on the AAP public and member websites; serve as a core member of the AAP steering committee leading the expansion of the sites.

- Collaborate with AAP member companies to identify communications needs, generate deliverables to serve their interests and engage them in broader communications strategies and tactics.

- Provide advance and on-site PR support for various AAP industry events.

- Represent AAP senior leadership in meetings, conferences and other external settings. 

Required/Desired experience:

Required:  Minimum five years’ experience in communications full-time staff positions with progressively higher authority and growing scope of responsibility.

-Must be able to demonstrate history of leadership or primary involvement in corporate communications, reputation management, internal communications and/or public affairs.

-Must have significant, wide-reaching media relations experience as the lead media liaison for issues/projects at one or more organizations.  Portfolio must include placements that demonstrate:

1)     Track record of securing and managing coverage that provided fair exposure and voice to your organization’s position on issue(s), preferably around high-profile, sensitive and/or complex policy subjects

2)     Proactively generated feature and/or profile placements, ideally on topics/angles not commonly covered

3)     Results-based relationships with journalists in print, broadcast and digital media

4)     Experience as spokesperson

5)     Strategic use of social media to advance positions 

Trade association or advocacy organization and/or Capitol Hill experience all strongly preferred.

College degree required.

Key attributes/skills:

- Communications professional with proven experience in delivering high-impact results.  Ability to shape, sell through and execute longterm communications strategies that achieve goals across a breadth of disparate internal and external stakeholders requiring multiple tactics, elements and deadlines.  Able to see around corners.

- A powerful, competent and confident writer:  Must be able to synthesize complex information and then frame, write and edit compelling multiplatform materials on a variety of topics, in a variety of formats and a variety of “voices” on a rapid, first-take basis.  Previous experience as a beat journalist helpful.

- Strong self-starter with proactive, entrepreneurial approach to owning and growing a scope of responsibilities.  Able to identify communications opportunities within rapidly-moving broader AAP organization and effectively secure buy-in from staff and members.

- A confident problem solver who brings creative, viable solutions to complex situations.  Obsessive about detail, accuracy and follow-up.  Comfortable working under pressure, on deadline and in a SWAT capacity with breaking issues and crises.

- Brings a curiosity about best practices and new concepts in communications, displays a demonstrable learning curve about such opportunities and translates this knowledge into strategic action in the workplace.

- Must bring strong interest in publishing and, specifically, content being produced for the K-12 and higher education settings.

- Ability to appreciate and work through the unique nature of membership organizations.  The ideal person will effectively demonstrate the credibility, knowledge, skills-based self-assurance and delivered accomplishments to win the trust, endorsement and cooperation of staff, external contacts and AAP members.

- Ability to work with and help drive culture change.

- Willing to work occasional late hours and weekends.  Occasional out of town travel.

- This position is based at AAP headquarters in Washington, DC with a Monday-Friday workweek.  Telework is not possible with this opening. 

About AAP:

AAP is centrally located in a modern office facility in the Mount Vernon Square/Chinatown area, convenient to Metro and bus lines.  The building has an on-site gym (free to employees) and on-site garage (fee required).

AAP offers competitive salary commensurate with experience and skills and a full benefits package.  No relocation available.

TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter explaining your qualifications for this position, your resume and at least three (3) distinct writing samples to asporkin(at)publishers(dot)org . Include “Director, Communications Opening” in the Subject line.  Resumes received without cover letters and/or writing samples will be deleted.  Please, no phone calls.  Only those applicants who meet the position’s qualifications will be contacted for follow-up.   Full listing: http://publishers.org/careers/ (PF tipster)

2012 Republican National Convention Taps Gonzmart to Serve as Press Assistant

Caroline Gonzmart is now serving as the Press Assistant to the 2012 Republican National Convention Director of Communications James Davis. She brings local news experience to the convention team, having previously worked as a general assignment reporter and fill-in anchor at the top-rated CBS affiliate, WCTV, in Tallahassee, FL.

Gonzmart received a B.S. in Communications and Media Studies and a minor in Spanish from Florida State University. Her family is from Tampa.

The 2012 Republican National Convention will be held at the Tampa Bay Times Forum from August 27-30, 2012.  Nearly 50,000 visitors are expected to come to the Tampa Bay area for the event, including approximately 5,000 delegates and alternate delegates and 15,000 credentialed members of the media.  (PF tipster)

JOB OF THE WEEK: Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX), Press Secretary

The office of Congressman Kevin Brady (R-TX) is seeking a Press Secretary.  Responsibilities include drafting/distributing press releases; writing op-eds and/or letters to the editor; monthly e-newsletter; updating and improving the website; booking interviews and pitching stories; establishing and maintaining strong relations with national media; and preparation of talking points and speeches. Also, the candidate should be a strong writer and a team player and have knowledge of video, audio and photography and editing in those medium.

Preferred candidates should have knowledge of Congressional legislative process, proficiency with new media, and ability to identify press opportunities.

TO APPLY: Please send Resume, writing samples and references to staff.doug@mail.house.gov. No calls or walk-ins. (PF tipster)

Ortman to Creative America

First reported Friday in Politico’s Morning Tech Report, U.S. Department of Homeland Security deputy press secretary Chris Ortman has left to become communications director for Creative America, a grassroots organization uniting the entertainment community and others against content theft.

Prior to joining DHS, Ortman has held communications positions at the 2008 Democratic National Convention Committee in Denver and the Change to Win labor coalition.

Ortman is a native of Omaha, Nebraska, and a graduate of Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. (PF Tipster/Politico)

 

Bedard Leaving U.S. News for the Washington Examiner

Attention Flacks – update your contacts! 

First reported at FishbowlDC, well-known and widely-read columnist Paul Bedard, the author of “Washington Whispers” at U.S. News & World Report, is leaving to become a columnist for the online and print editions of the Washington Examiner, effective January 30.  He has been at USN&WR for 14 years.

Before joining USN&WR, Bedard was White House correspondent for the Washington Times for ten years.  He had previously been co-editor of Defense Week, worked for States News Service in Washington.

Bedard is a 1980 graduate of The George Washington University, and, in a little-known fact, once served as a House Page for former Rep. James Symington of Missouri.  (PF tipster)

Top FEMA Flack Racusen Departs for SKDKnickerbocker

FEMA's Director of Public Affairs Rachel Racusen announced that she will be joining SKDKnickerbocker as a Vice President.

Rachel Racusen comes to the after serving nearly two years at FEMA, where she acted as the agency’s chief national spokesperson, developing and executing all external and internal communications for the agency while simultaneously running their national press office. Racusen directed crisis communications efforts for some of the worst weather disasters in recent history including Hurricane Irene and the deadly tornadoes that struck the southeast and Joplin last spring and helped coordinate rapid response efforts for high-profile incidents such as the Japan earthquake and the Gulfwater Horizon BP oil spill.

Prior to FEMA, Racusen was at the House Education and Labor Committee on Capitol Hill, where she served as the Communications Director for the democratic staff of the committee and its chairman, U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA). There she devised the media strategies for key legislative priorities of the Democratic Congress and the Obama administration.

Prior to her stint on Capitol Hill, Rachel worked for Dittus Communications, a bipartisan public affairs firm, where she helped develop strategies for clients with a number of different crisis communications needs on issues ranging from retirement security to law enforcement to internet gaming rights. She has also done press work on several campaigns, including the Obama presidential campaign, as well as Senate and House races.

She graduated from Union College with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and is a native of Boston, Massachusetts. (PF tipster)

JOB OF THE WEEK: First Book, Vice President of Marketing

First Book, a national nonprofit that provides new books to kids in need, is looking for a Vice President of Marketing.  First Book is growing, has an amazing mission, and is filled to brim with awesome people.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Vice President of Marketing will be a member of First Book’s Senior Team and will collaborate with its operating groups to create and implement an innovative and integrated marketing strategy that builds and distinguishes the First Book brand and enhances interaction with its diverse audiences: media, public and private stakeholders including corporate sector representatives, volunteers, supporters/donors, book recipient groups and staff. The VP will be responsible for:

• Developing and implementing First Book branding strategy; shaping media outreach strategies to promote First Book and its corporate partner and subsidiary program campaigns, including pitching story ideas, writing and editing press releases and media alerts, building and maintaining press relationships and developing systems for tracking and organizing relevant coverage
• Developing content for and providing input into the strategic direction of First Book’s Web site and online marketing initiatives, including social media
• Overseeing the content and design of e-newsletters and printed materials, both internal and external
• Supervising the Communications staff, as well as leading cross-departmental teams for specific projects and initiatives
• Managing marketing, communication, and public relation projects as needed

Ideal Candidate Profile: 

Ideal candidates will be highly skilled marketing professionals who are drawn to First Book’s mission and have a private sector head and a public sector heart. Applicants must be adept at addressing diverse audiences and needs -- from Board members to local programs that receive First Book resources. Specific requirements include:

• Proven experience in marketing leadership in at least two different organizations, preferably with experience in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors
• Track record of innovative, entrepreneurial activity in a public or private arena
• Proven management savvy with strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent computer skills, including familiarity with a wide range of communication related software (Marketwire’s Media Hub, Meltwater News and CSRwire) and experience in working with Web sites and Internet based campaigns. Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are used daily along with organizational database systems
• Must have an “in the trenches” mentality, ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, and a collegial style
• Must exude passion, confidence, and integrity
• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or Masters degree is desirable

TO APPLY:  Candidates are invited to submit a resume and a cover letter to jobs@firstbook.org - please be sure to put Marketing VP in the subject line of your email. No phone calls please. (PF tipster)

JOB OF THE WEEK: Republican Campaign Seeking Bilingual Press Secretary for National Opportunity

A Republican campaign immediately seeks a bilingual Press Secretary in a role that will bring national attention.

Several years of on-the-record experience with mainstream and Hispanic media are required.

Relocation necessary.  Solid salary, commensurate with experience, required.  Successful candidate will be joining an excellent team.

TO APPLY: Email your resume to: 2012campaignjobs@gmail.com.  (PF tipster)

Another Job of the Week - Seeking Communications Consultant

Seeking Communications Director!

Experienced, organized media relations expert sought to direct an aggressive on-the-ground earned media effort for a public affairs campaign in ten states. The DC-based position oversees and directs the state-based communications efforts of a national coalition and provides strategic support and guidance to in-state communications efforts, including but not limited to the creation of campaign materials, pitching local events, strategic planning of earned media events, leveraging high profile surrogates, media monitoring and tracking, calculation of impact metrics, and regular reporting of activities in verbal and written formats.

Successful candidates will have experience in coalition communications settings, the ability to motivate others, strong writing and communications skills, experience with media relations and an understanding of campaign environments.  The ability to work well under pressure and with tight deadlines is important. The position is a six month engagement and contract based only. (PF Tipster)

Interested parties should send resume, two writing samples and references to  Michelle@blueenginemedia.com.  No phone calls please.

 

JOB OF THE WEEK: CTIA-The Wireless Association (@CTIA), Coordinator, Public Affairs

CTIA-The Wireless Association® (www.ctia.org), an international organization representing the wireless communications industry, is hiring a Coordinator, Public Affairs.  This position will provide administrative, outreach and editorial support to the Vice President, Public Affairs and Public Affairs/Advocacy staff.

Essential Duties include:

I. Media Relations:

a) Provide research and data-gathering assistance

b) Help generate creative ideas for proactive media

c) Provide support for media inquiries on wireless industry topics and trade shows and track interviews

d) Support development, production and distribution of issue-oriented educational video, printed and digital products

e) Fax, e-mail and mail news releases, reports and other press materials (including press kits) to reporters, analysts, members, coalition partners and news wire services when appropriate

f) Compile press kits for distribution to reporters and analysts

g) Help write and update information on CTIA.org and MyWireless.org specifically on CTIA and MyWireless.org policy issues

h) Provide support for media concerns in regard to trade shows and special events

i) Assist in coordination of special CTIA and MyWireless.org news media events, such as press conferences, Hill events, trade shows and policy luncheons and help to produce relevant new content for supplemental materials

j) Monitor news story clip service and/or daily news publications for wireless-related stories of interest; Distribute stories to CTIA Public Affairs staff and senior staff

) Monitor daily news publications to identify relevant local media members and supervise database records of writers, publications and CTIA contacts

II. Publications:

a) Provide editorial assistance (proofread, fact-find, produce templates, etc.) for all CTIA and MyWireless.org publications, including digital content (AP-style proficient)

b) Maintain CTIA informational brochures and powerpoints with the most up-to-date information, including writing new content based on current issue trends

c) Manage relationships with vendors, printers, designers, consultants, etc.

d) Handle routine calls and inquiries about CTIA, the wireless industry, and MyWireless.org from members, academics, analysts, research firms, media, etc.

e) Handle incoming media inquiries, taking the information and forwarding it to the necessary party

f) Handle CTIA and MyWireless.org subscriptions and distribute among staff.

III. Web Site Maintenance:

a) Work in conjunction with Manager, On-line Communications to review website/webmaster e-mails on a daily basis and respond to customer service needs

b) Assist Manager, Online Communications in news release clearing, calendar of events management, market research center, quick facts section and other areas as assigned

c) Coordinate with Advocacy Directors for all MyWireless.org updates and enhancements

d) Continual tracking and maintenance of website

e) Help generate new strategies and tactics to expand the MyWireless.org database

f) Post releases and updated information to websites.

IV. Event Planning and Execution:

a) Serve as point person for MyWireless.org in planning / executing events such as Hill Events, Press Events, Conventions and Board Presentations

b) Serve as point person for all trade show logistics such as booth, meetings, trinkets and collateral

c) Manage CTIA trade show activities including taking camera photos and writing captions, scheduling onsite interviews, etc.

d) Handle the promotional aspect of all MyWireless.org giveaways such as marketing content, working with vendors on creative material and ensuring all legal aspects are in line with CTIA policies.

V. State Campaigns and Coalitions:

a) Day to day tracking of MyWireless.org’s status in state campaigns

b) Perform coalition research as directed on potential state coalition partners

c) Research legislative / regulatory agendas and assist in tailoring the materials accordingly

d) Research on potential National Coalition partners to diversify MW organization, identifying priority issues and preparing Coalition packets

VI. Other Clerical & Administrative Support:

a) Assist with phones and scheduling

b) Coordinate with vendors for supplies and services, including office supplies, stationery, shipping, teleconference services, copying, CD/video duplicating services and publication subscriptions

c) Copying, typing, filing, faxing, media database entry and management

d) Assist in logistics, information distribution, scheduling and general management of Advocacy vendors, printers, designers, etc.

e) Assist with scheduling, information distribution, requests and meetings with CTIA members. f) Handle routine calls and inquiries from media members, academics, analysts, research firms, etc.

g) Collect and distribute information among appropriate CTIA and Coalition staff h) Process all MyWireless.org and Public Affairs invoices

TO APPLY: Visit here. (PF tipster)

Glen Echo Group Hires former Hill, NRCC Flack Mark as Senior Director of Media Affairs

Glen Echo Group, recently recognized by the National Journal as one of the top women-owned public affairs firms in Washington just a year after its launch, recently announced that Rebecca Mark has been named Senior Director of Media Affairs.

Mark, who most recently served as Press Secretary to Congressman Kevin Brady (R-TX), will lead media relations and strategic media efforts for the firm, based out of its Washington, D.C. headquarters.

Mark has served as communications advisor to two members of the U.S House of Representatives and as an online communications advisor at the National Republican Congressional Committee.  Most recently, Mark was Press Secretary for Congressman Kevin Brady, the Trade Subcommittee Chairman for House Ways & Means and Vice-Chairman of the Joint Economic Committee.

A San Francisco Bay Area native, Mark is a 2004 graduate of the University of Michigan. Prior to coming to coming to Capitol Hill, Mark worked for MySpace on both their content and sales teams. (PF tipster)

Stan Collender Goes Solo @ www.capitalgainsandgames.com

After close to five years of being a collaborative effort between a group of friends and colleagues, Stan Collender's blog -- Capital Gains and Games -- is going solo.

Andrew Samwick, Pete Davis, Bruce Bartlett and Gordon Adams left CG&G on January 1 and Stan has become  the sole writer and managing editor. Everything everyone reads and (hopefully) comments on about "Washington, Wall Street, and Everything In Between" will be his and his alone.

The url will remain the same: www.capitalgainsandgames.com and will be rebranded as “Stan Collender’s Capital Gains and Games.”

Natalie Munoz Joins SKDKnickerbocker

Natalie Munoz has joined SKDKnickerbocker’s public affairs team where she will work on strategic communications for various corporate and non-profit clients. 

Natalie joins the firm after serving as the Press Secretary for the New Democrat Coalition in the U.S. House of Representatives.  As the organization’s first communications professional, Natalie successfully improved the branding and awareness of the Coalition.  During her time at the Coalition, she was responsible for developing and executing all communications strategies for the moderate Coalition on many of the hot button issues facing Congress during the 111^th and 112^th Congresses including health reform, financial services, trade and taxes.  Prior to joining the New Democrat Coalition, Natalie worked for former Congressman Ciro D. Rodriguez on a variety of legislative, communications and outreach projects.     

Natalie also has extensive campaign experience having worked on President Obama’s successful campaign in New Mexico building coalitions and executing outreach strategies.  She has also worked on campaigns in Arizona, including Pederson for Senate in 2006 and Kerry for President in 2004.  Additionally, Natalie has experience in communications at the state level, working in the Napolitano Administration as an outreach coordinator.    

Natalie is a native of the San Francisco Bay Area and earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Arizona State University. 

Veteran Flack and EPA Associate Administrator for External Affairs Oster Departs for KPMG, LLP

First reported by Politico Pro’s Patrick Reis, Seth Oster has departed as EPA’s Associate Administrator for External Affairs and in January will take over corporate communications for KPMG LLP, the giant tax, audit and advisory firm.

Per Politico, “Oster will be moving to New York, and starts his new gig in January.”

EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson wrote in a note to the staff: “Seth has transformed the way EPA talks about our work protecting the environment and people’s health and I am deeply grateful for his service to the agency.”

Oster has had a long career in communications.  He most recently served as the MPAA’s Executive Vice President for Global Communications.  Previously he was Deputy National Executive Director, Communications for the Screen Actors Guild, Vice President, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at Napster, Vice President, Corporate Communications and Government Affairs at Stamps.com, Communications Director at the American Film Institute and Deputy Director of Communications for Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).

Oster is a native of Brooklyn, NY and a graduate of the George Washington University.  (Politico Pro, PF reporting)

JOB OF THE WEEK: Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), Communications Director

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) seeks pro-active and aggressive Communications Director.  Duties include: managing all communications with the press, maintenance and updating of Member’s website and Facebook page, preparation of a weekly e-newsletter, management of direct mail program, and staffing of Congressional Caucus for the Freedom of the Press.  This is not an entry-level position.  Superb written and oral communications skills are a necessity and Capitol Hill experience and / or California ties a plus.

TO APPLY: Candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to calcommdirector@gmail.com.  No drop-ins please.  (PF tipster)

PotomacFlacks Passes 600,000 Lifetime Page Views!

We are delighted to announce that our site, Potomac Flacks, has surpassed 600,000 lifetime page views. We passed the half million mark earlier this year (on Feb. 3, 2011).

We must thank you, our loyal audience, for your support of our site.

As you know, Potomac Flacks was created to provide, in one place, the comings and goings, the highs and lows and the quips of communicators in Washington, DC.

We will continue to provide you with news of flacks changing jobs, stories on trends in communications, job listings that we think may interest you and profiles. Our pledge remains that we will do this in a completely nonpartisan fashion.

As always, we need your tips to keep the content fresh. We love exclusives and can schedule postings as need, or keep anonymous from whom we receive information.

This site is the brainchild of Adam Kovacevich (@AdamKovac), a former Democratic communicator on Capitol Hill who now works at Google in DC, who created the site in 2006. He turned it over to Republican communicator and consultant Matt Mackowiak in September 2009.

To date, we have posted 1,631 blog posts since this blog's creation and we are not slowing down.

Please consider following us on Twitter -- @PotomacFlacks. Please post our website address on your Twitter and Facebook pages so that your friends may become aware of our site.

Should you wish you receive the morning email feed, sent around 8am ET every day, please subscribe on our home page.

We sincerely thank you for your support and now it's on 700,000!

 

Sincerely,

Matt Mackowiak (@MattMackowiak)

Blain Rethmeier (@BlainR)

Laura Gross (@ScottCircle)

Hill Vet Sumner Departs Rep. Whitfield’s Office for ANGA

Robert Sumner recently departed as Press Secretary for Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY) and on January 9 will begin serving as Director of Media Relations for America’s Natural Gas Alliance (ANGA).

Sumner has significant communications experience, having served as Press Specialist in the office of the U.S. Trade Representative (under Assistant USTR and now RNC Communications Director Sean Spicer), Deputy Press Secretary for Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Associate Manager of Communications for the American Diabetes Association and formerly as a press intern for former U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns (R-MT).

Sumner is a 2005 graduate of Willamette University and a native of The Dalles, OR.  (PF tipster)