Potomac Flacks

PIC's Communications Team

The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) has announced part of their communications team. Josh Earnest will be the communications director and Linda Douglass will be the spokesperson. 

Josh recently served as deputy communications director for Obama's campaign and was briefly communications director for Gov. Vilsack during his short run for president. Josh was also the spokesperson at the DNC. 

Linda Douglass was recently a spokesperson for the campaign and was also a correspondent at ABC News.

Searching for New Pentagon Spokesperson

With the almost definite appointment of Sec. Gates staying on at the Pentagon, what does this mean for the spokesperson role? Steve Field at D-Ring takes a guess at what we can expect at the Pentagon.

Since Gates will probably stay on for six months to year, he believes that Geoff Morrell will also stay on during that time. But, who is going to take over after that? 

Steve takes a guess that it could one of the following people: Stephanie Cutter, Linda Douglass, Blake Zeff, Tara Andringa, Dave Helfert, Price Floyd, Shannon O'Reilly, H. Andrew Schwartz and Kris Osborn.

Who do you think would be a good pick? (D-Ring)   

JOB OF THE WEEK

Press Secretary - Congressman John Shadegg (AZ-3) is looking for an aggressive individual with press experience, strong writing skills, and established media contacts. Hill and speech writing experience preferred.  Arizona ties a plus. Please fax your resume and two writing samples to 202-225-3462 or email [email protected]

AP: Obama Taps Passionate Defender for Press Secretary

We've already posted an item on this, but over the weekend, the AP had a solid profile of the newly named press secretary for the Obama Administration, Robert Gibbs. 

Some highlights:

...Gibbs has been at the side of President-elect Barack Obama since his Senate campaign in 2004. A Southerner and tough fighter, Gibbs has been a passionate defender of Obama who can virtually channel the Illinois senator's thoughts.

...Others were surprised when he called Fox News' Bill O'Reilly a "bully" and asked Sean Hannity, "Are you anti-Semitic?" in response to the TV commentator's questions about Obama's relationship to William Ayers, a 1960s radical.

...Gibbs generally got along well with reporters covering the Obama campaign, but some complained that he ignored too many of their requests for information and guidance. That could become a problem in the hectic White House press corps unless he manages to delegate his workload deftly, some of them believe.

 

JOB OF THE WEEK

House Committee Majority Staff has opening for Communications Director to manage 5 person press staff. Responsibilities include developing and executing all aspects of Chair’s communications strategy.  Familiarity and ability to discuss economic policy and general business issues important. Degree in journalism, communications, or public relations required, advanced degree preferred. Salary commensurate with experience.  Interested parties should send resume, two writing samples, one of which should be a speech or featured article to: [email protected]

McKenna Leaving PR Week

Ted McKenna, the DC correspondent for PR Week will be leaving his job at the end of the month. As the Washington correspondent for the trade publication, he has diligently covered all types of PR news from the presidential campaigns to the economic crisis. 

PR Week is still looking for his replacement. (PF Tipster)

Flak Bash '08 is Tomorrow

Yack it up with your fellow-Flacks. Quinn Gillespie & Associates is hosting a party for public relations folks. 

When: Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Where: Rayburn Gold Room, 2168 Rayburn House Office Building

RSVP: Sarah Sunderman, [email protected] or 202-429-6871

Shaheen's New Chief of Staff

Maura Keefe has been hired as chief of staff for Sen.-elect Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). Keefe was a senior adviser on Shaheen’s 2008 and 2002 Senate campaigns. She was previously Press Secretary and Chief of Staff to Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT). (CQ's People on the Move Column)

Hanretty Joins Qorvis as Managing Director

Karen Hanretty has been hired as a managing director at Qorvis Communications, starting in December.  Hanretty was communications director for the National Republican Congressional Committee.  Before that, she was deputy communications director for the 2008 presidential primary campaign for former Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn., and a spokeswoman for the gubernatorial campaign of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, R-Calif.  (CQ's People on the Move)

Teuber Moore to become Johanns COS

Terri Teuber Moore has been hired as chief of staff for Sen.-elect Mike Johanns, R-Neb.  Since November 2007, Moore has been working in the White House as deputy assistant to President Bush and deputy director of communications for policy and planning.  Before that, she spent nearly three years as communications director for Johanns when he was secretary of Agriculture.  Moore was also communications director for Johanns when he was governor of Nebraska.  (CQ's People on the Move)