Top 10 Comms Staffers
Communications staff have the unique ability to set the tone for the public face of their Congressional office. These staffers, nominated by their peers, have embraced this challenge and stand out as masters of political communications.
Let’s get to know CNCT Readers’ choices for the Top Ten Communications Staffers on the Hill…
Grace Davis is a stand-out political communicator. She’s currently serving as Rep. Nick Langworthy’s Communications Director, but she got her start as a comms intern on Steve Chabot’s campaign. From there, Grace has worked in the private sector and in the House as a Scheduler and Press Secretary. Grace’s coworker shares, “She has an amazing work ethic and we’re so happy to have her on our team.”
Theresa Bordenave is Press Secretary for Sen. Dick Durbin and boasts rich comms experience spanning from local politics, to campaign work, to the private sector, and finally to the Hill. Theresa’s nominator writes, “Calm in the face of extreme pressure, always kind, and the ability to whip up a press release for the Whip in a matter of minutes – Theresa can do it all. She's a rockstar Press Sec and a lovely human.”
Michelle Myers currently serves as the Communications Director for Rep. Keith Self, but originally she had a successful career in accounting. Since starting on the Hill, Michelle has been able to learn the ins and outs along the way, while also growing the office’s newsletter to have over 10,000 subscribers. Michelle’s nominator shares, “When she isn't busy grinding, she loves playing golf, spending time with her family, and making jokes with her coworkers.” You’ll be hard pressed to find a political communications and accounting professional who is not Michelle!
Dominick Sokotoff doesn’t just work on the press team for Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, he is the press team! Dominick is technically the Communications Director in his office, but runs a one-man press team – and, according to peers, does a great job doing it! One of Dominick’s co-workers writes, “[He] is young to be doing such an important job, and he does it incredibly. He makes the office proud!” Also, connect with Dominick about his vast experience in photography.
Noah Sadlier is described by his staff as a “social media extraordinaire” and an “all-around communications talent.” Noah is a seasoned comms professional with lots of campaign experience. He was the Communications Director for Rep. John James’ campaign and stayed on when James was elected. This Michigan State University grad has some great experience in politics under his belt!
Sidney Johnson graduated from Howard University and is a stellar communications professional. She’s currently serving as the Comms Director for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as well as the Comms Director for the Congressional Black Associates in her spare time. Additionally, Sidney has worked as a Press Assistant and Press Secretary in other offices. She’s described as a “powerhouse young Black woman in comms [who] has ascended quickly in her two years of being a full-time staffer.”
Tom Brandt is a Hill veteran or, as his nominator puts it, a “communications wizard.” With roughly 15 years of experience, he currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff / Communications Director for Sen. Jerry Moran, after starting on the Hill as an LC. Tom has made quite the impression on his team and is looked up to by his coworkers. His colleagues expressed their appreciation for his communications finesse under pressure.
James Kwon, coming to the Hill all the way from Hawaii, worked his way up the communications ladder using his expertise in digital content. Before becoming Rep. Seth Magaziner’s Communications Director, he was a Digital Content Manager, Digital Director and Press Secretary. James is a graduate of American University, where he studied International & Global Studies. His staff says that he “sets the bar high for himself.”
Matt Smitt is back on the Hill after a two year stint at Xenophone Strategies, working in private sector comms. A Rep. Comer alum, Matt brought his “calm, cool, and collected” personality back to the Hill this summer to join Rep. Michelle Steel’s team as Communications Director. This presents Matt with the unique opportunity to show off his nuanced communications strategy in a light red seat after getting his Hill start in a deep red office.
Brennan Adelaide serves as the Deputy Communications Director for the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Brennan has done it all – from research to campaigns to marketing to fundraising to digital, we mean everything. She is a self-described “tech-nerd” with “an entrepreneurial heart and infectious enthusiasm.” Brennan graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in Communication and Media Studies and an array of minors. For the young staffers out there, check out her CNCT Masterclass on moving up the Hill here.