Experienced Flack Lee Departs TSA for Senior Communications Role at Microsoft in DC

Microsoft has hired Kristin Lee as a Senior Public Relations Manager in the DC office.

Lee brings nearly a decade of communications experience in the federal government, campaign, and non-profit sectors. Most recently, she served in the Obama administration’s U.S. Department of Homeland Security as the Director of Public Affairs at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).  In this role, Lee directed the agency’s external and internal communications – including rapid response and social media operations – and served as the chief spokesperson. 

During her tenure at TSA, Kristin focused on strengthening the agency’s ability to communicate with the public and the press.  She helped coordinate the agency’s rapid response efforts to many high-profile events including the attempted terrorist attack on Christmas Day 2009 and the air cargo bomb plot, and shaped the agency’s media strategy for the 10 year anniversary of 9/11. 

Before joining the Obama administration, Lee worked as the Majority Communications Director for the House Rules Committee.  During the 2008 presidential campaign, she served as the Surrogate Press Secretary for the Obama campaign in Pennsylvania.  Prior to joining the Obama campaign, Kristin worked for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign in seven states, serving as a statewide communications director and press desk, among other roles.  In the 2006 election cycle, Lee worked as the National Press Secretary for the League of Conservation Voters.

A California native, Lee also served as Deputy Press Secretary for U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA).  She started her career as an editorial assistant at The Los Angeles Times.

Lee holds a Masters degree in political communication from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelors degree in journalism and literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz.  She is a native of Auburn, CA.  (PF tipster)