A Conversation with the Press Secretary

During my time in the Office of Congressman Griljalva I was able to speak to Dan Lindner who is currently the Congressman’s Communications Director. The director of communications plays a key role in the organization as they support the work of the member of congress. In addition, they are the key component of creating communication strategies that will serve the organization. Their role also serves as the key spokesperson for the member of congress as well as the person who communicates with other media entities to bring more or less media attention to the issues that the member of congress agrees or disagrees on. Lindner studied political communication at American University in Washington D.C. He said he was always interested in a career in politics and media so being in his current position is something he always dreamed of. According to Lindner, one of the new trends in this field has been implemented social media. “Social media is a great tool being used to communicate with the public,” said Lindner.  Currently Congressman Raul Grijalva has a platform of social media tools he is using to engage more with the public. Personally, I have always been interested in a career in public relations, Spanish broadcast journalism, and communications. This office gave me an in-depth understanding of the role of governmental communications.