Emily Schillinger
Senior Vice President of Public Affairs
The American Investment Council
Want to meet an SVP of Public Affairs who got her start on the Hill by working on a Wyoming ranch?
Oh, you should talk to Emily Schillinger!
Emily Schillinger is the Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at the American Investment Council, an organization representing private equity and private credit in D.C. that educates the Federal Government on the importance of private investment into local communities.
While working on a ranch in Wyoming one summer during college, Emily was inspired by her co-workers to intern for a summer in D.C. The next summer, Emily was hooked! She’s been in D.C. ever since — for 22 years, to be exact. Emily spent 16 of those years working in government communications: 12 years on the Hill and four in the White House with the Bush Administration.
Emily worked in communications for some of the biggest names in Washington and fine-tuned her abilities through an array of experiences. On the Hill, she learned the importance and skill in driving a particular message. In the White House, she learned everything there is to know about crisis comms.
Emily’s expertise doesn’t stop at communication and press strategy. She is also one of the best people to talk to about moving from the public to private sector. Recognizing that she was burned out from the Hill was her key to deciding to expand out. “If you stay, stay until you're done. If you leave, you can always go back … When you get that feeling, you will know,” Emily says.
Keep reading about Emily ⬇️
A Message From DC Fray
Catch some (F)rays with one of DC Fray's late summer leagues across 10+ sports in the DC area. Save by registering today with code CNCTFRAY.
Her Backstory
🏠 Hometown: Columbus, GA
🎓 College & Major: Clemson University, Speech and Communication
💭 Favorite Hill Memory:
On the Hill: “I have so many, but my favorite memories were with the Barrasso team and the Ways and Means press shop (especially during the long nights of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act process).”
In the White House: “We had a world class team of communicators in the Bush press office from 2006-2008. They were a joyous group of people to work with and even though we worked hard, we laughed a lot. It’s inspiring to see how far everyone has gone (including Dana Perino at Fox, Tony Fratto at Goldman, Scott Stanzel at Truist). Specific memories are: traveling to the 2008 Olympics in China, being on the press charter plane for most of the president’s travels, and being able to bring my family to meet President Bush.”
Private Equity in Layman’s Terms 🤔
According to Emily, most people don’t realize (1) private equity firms are everywhere and (2) just how successful their investments are. There are over 4,000 private equity firms across the country and they exist in every state and community, with 85% of all private equity going to small businesses.
“What they do is take capital and they invest in a company - usually from about five to seven years - to help the company grow … Then, after that time, they sell it and then the proceeds from that go back to their investors, usually pension funds. Pension funds are used to fund pensioners across the country who have their retirement in private equity - most notably teachers, police officers, and firefighters.” Emily explains.
🔗 CNCT with Emily about…
The best beaches 🏖️
Peloton exercises
Country music 🤠 and her desire for Miley Cyrus to have a Vegas residency
The playgrounds and pools of Capitol Hill
Communication Strategies: What works well?
Emily’s communication experience is expansive and diverse, ranging all the way from the Hill, to the White House, to the American Investment Council. Here is her advice on advancing your communication strategy and brand awareness:
“If you aren't telling your own story and defining yourself, someone else will do it for you.”
One way to ‘tell your own story’ is through events.
“Events are helpful because they allow you to create a moment where you can deliver your message and data in a positive way and to the audience you want to hear it,” Emily says.
❤️ Emily’s Favorites
Coffee Spot: Maman
Bar: Off the Record at the Hay Adams
Happy Hour: Paraiso on Capitol Hill
Lunch Spot: “Chopt. I never get tired of it."
Restaurant: El Presidente
TV Show: “I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment of the Yellowstone prequel series.”
Emily’s Guide on How to CNCT
“When I worked in the Senate, I was a member of the bipartisan Senate Press Secretary Association. Their annual trip to New York was always a great way to meet staffers on both sides of the aisle. After I became a mom, I also met so many great bipartisan neighbors at daycare, schools, etc.”
Emily’s takeaways: Sign up for some organizations that are bipartisan and have kids!”
Do you know someone on the Hill who should be our Staffer Spotlight for a week?
Nominate them here and let us hear their story!
Staffer Advice
“If you do your current job well, your next job will usually take care of itself. Try to work for kind, responsible people and you’ll stay on a good path.”
- Emily Schillinger