Potomac Flacks

Former Cantor Press Secretary Whittemore Joins Perdue’s U.S. Senate campaign

Roll Call’s Kyle Trygstad reports that Megan Whittemore has joined the David Perdue for U.S. Senate campaign in Georgia as Communications Director.

Whittemore was previously Press Secretary for outgoing House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA).  She served on Capitol Hill for nearly five years.  She got her start as a research producer at Fox News for Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace.

Whittemore is a graduate of The George Washington University and a native of Middletown, NJ.  (Roll Call)

Kirby Departs Hastings’ Office for IPAA

Neal Kirby, Press Secretary for Congressman Doc Hastings (R-WA), the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, announced he is leaving after five and a half years to become Manager of Public Affairs and Communications at the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA).

He is a graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi and a native of Mandeville, LA. (PF tipster)

JOB OF THE WEEK: Blue Engine Message & Media, Writer / Communications Strategist (Washington, DC)

Blue Engine Message & Media is seeking a talented writer and communications strategist to join the team servicing a growing and dynamic stable of clients.  Primarily, candidates applying for this position must demonstrate a talent for writing short form and long form products, writing for digital and traditional platforms, and writing quickly, efficiently, and succinctly on a wide variety of topics. Candidates should be accustomed to periods of intense activity, tight deadlines and pressure situations.  Candidates should have the skills to interface with multiple clients and manage projects simultaneously. Previous campaign experience, Capitol Hill experience or agency experience welcome. 

 Qualifications: 

• At least two years of communications or public relations experience
• Significant media relations experience with proven results and experience working with reporters
• Familiarity with the professional use of digital media channels
• Results-focused approach and commitment to going the extra mile for clients
• Experience developing and editing high-quality written materials

Blue Engine Message & Media specializes in strategic public affairs communications, reputation management and crisis communications for corporate, non-profit and industry advocacy clients.  All interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter via e-mail to [email protected].  (PF tipster)

Frischmann Joins Microsoft in DC as Senior P.R. Manager

Kate Cyrul Frischmann has joined Microsoft’s Washington, DC office this week as Senior Public Relations Manager.  She is based at Microsoft’s Innovation & Policy Center in downtown DC.

Kate has spent the majority of her 14-year career on Capitol Hill, where she devised and implemented media strategies for senior Members of Congress on legislative and campaign initiatives. In her new position, Kate will focus on telling Microsoft’s story to U.S. government and public policy audiences.

Kate joins Microsoft from the office of Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA), where she has served as Communications Director for the past five years.  Prior to her time with Sen. Harkin, Kate was the Communications Director for Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT).

A native of Connecticut, Kate is a graduate of Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts. She resides in Alexandria, Virginia with her husband and young son.  (PF tipster)

House Majority Whip Announces Two Members of Communications Staff

House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) announced two members of his communications staff for the ofice of the Majority Whip and his personal office.  Scalise became House Majority Whip on July 31st. 

TJ Tatum, Deputy Communications Director: TJ joins the Office of the Majority Whip after most recently serving as the Communications Director to both the Republican Study Committee and Rep. Scalise in his personal office.  He came to Team Scalise from the office of Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and began his career on Capitol Hill with former Rep. Quico Canseco (R-TX).  TJ is a graduate of Boston College.

Office of the First District of Louisiana

Erika McManus, Press Secretary:  A native of Baton Rouge and graduate of Louisiana State University, Erika joined the office of Rep. Scalise and the Republican Study Committee as Deputy Communications Director.  Prior to her work on Capitol Hill, Erika worked for FOX News Channel in the D.C. Bureau.  Erika also received her MBA from LSU.  (PF tipster)

DREAM JOB OF THE WEEK: Coordinator, Media Relations, Chicago Blackhawks (Chicago, IL)

The Chicago Blackhawks are currently looking for a Media Relations Coordinator with strong media contacts in the Chicagoland area and a solid knowledge of the game of hockey.

General Responsibilities:

Assist media relations efforts by creating and producing effective off-ice media interest in human interest stories and team initiatives with community relations, tickets, youth hockey and corporate sponsorships, while also coordinating the department’s day to day on-ice media responsibilities.

Specific Duties:

• Assist the Senior Director, Communications & Community Relations as well as the Director, Public Relations with all media related responsibilities.

• Write and distribute press releases and media advisories for all on-ice and off-ice activities, including games, ticket sales, marketing, corporate sponsorship, youth hockey, community relations.

• Manage media servicing, including press lounge on practice and game days, and press box on game nights.

• Manage credentialing operations for all Blackhawks events, including but not limited to practices, games, Prospect Camp and Blackhawks Convention.

• Track media coverage of all Blackhawks events and announcements through daily news clippings (distributed to front office staff electronically) and news clippings archive.

• Compose media notes for all games (home and away) and produce/distribute Blackhawks Gameday document on game days.

• Coordinate all hockey information services for media including daily maintenance of the Blackhawks media website and distribution of hard copies of statistics/news clippings/game notes on practice and game days.

• Assist with story ideas of both traditional and non-traditional/human interest stories to media contacts.

• Manage media for public appearances by Blackhawks players/coaches/executives, both in advance of the event and on-site at the event.

• Manage full-time and game night interns for the Media & Public Relations department.

• Manage television/radio broadcast recaps for each game.

• Some travel will be necessary.

• Other duties as assigned 

Note: When you apply for this job online, you will be required to answer the following questions:

1. Yes/No- I currently reside in the Chicagoland area.

2. Yes/No- I have experience in media relations within a hockey environment

TO APPLY: Click here. (PF tipster)