My passion is politics. I am fascinated by the power of a message. Communication is like music. Sometimes it takes a powerful message of great volume, sometimes a subtle one that is delivered more quietly. Other times, the silent notes speak volumes and withholding a message can be quite effective. Political communication requires art and science, intuition and data. Ultimately, it’s about knowing your audience—identifying it, understanding its needs and desires, tracking how it changes, and adapting your message accordingly while always remaining true to who you are and what you believe. Add a little flavor with language and a good messenger, and you get a powerfully effective message. If you can make that message reach your audience, you can effect real change and help make the world a better place.

Political Background

I got my start in politics as an intern on the Hill, moved on to polling at CBS News, and did a short stint at KPBS Radio in San Diego writing news headlines. Eventually, I went to law school and into political law, learning campaign-finance and election law from the best (Marc Elias and Ellen Weintraub at Perkins Coie in DC and Stephen Kaufman in L.A.). I was inspired by a client, mayoral hopeful Antonio Villaraigosa, to make a switch from law to politics. I worked for Villaraigosa and then others on campaigns and in government doing communications, policy, and legislative work, I helped a startup create a political resource website, and I worked for a while in the California water industry. Since then I have advised clients, crafted messages, drafted media pitches, and created political ads through Whole Bird Communications.