Clear and credible messaging, even under pressure.

I'm a strategic communicator who helps leaders navigate complex, sensitive, and dynamic environemnts with clarity and credibility — from a U.S. Senate press office to national medical associations.

Get in touch ↗ See the work Résumé (PDF)

On the record. Milwaukee, Wis.

§ About

Trust first. Everything else follows.

For nearly a decade, I've helped leaders build trust and protect hard-earned reputations. My experience spans serving as press secretary for a United States Senator press office to as senior communications counsel to national medical associations. I move comfortably between rapid response and long-term strategy, and work well with colleagues at all seniority levels, influencing and building consensus on the right messages at the right time for the right audience.

I excel at capturing a voice and finding authentic and effective ways to clearly communicate simple and complex messages. When the environment changes, I wade through ambiguity to deliver work that provides clarity. Reputation stewardship, message discipline, and trust-building are my specialties.

in one line

I help leaders decide what to say when it's complicated, sensitive, or high-stakes — and, just as often, what not to.

§ Selected work

A career on the record.

Present role

Executive Director, Inc.

2022 — Present · Milwaukee, Wis.

Senior Communications & Membership Manager

Lead communications strategy for the American College of Mohs Surgery and two other national medical associations.
Counsel the president, executive director, and board on internal and external messaging, including executive communications.
Manage a full website redesign initiative with web developers.
Produce annual-meeting programs, signage, collateral, and the meeting site, and supervise a communications manager.

Featured

Office of U.S. Senator Ron Johnson

2017 — 2021 · Washington, D.C.

Press Secretary

Staff Assistant → Press Assistant → Deputy Press Secretary → Press Secretary

Served as on-record spokesperson for a sitting U.S. Senator, building relationships with Wisconsin, Washington, and national media.
Developed and executed communications plans with the communications director — explaining legislation, surfacing thought leadership, and sustaining a messaging drumbeat on priority issues.
Fielded press inquiries alongside the Senator and policy staff, translating complex policy for audiences with very different levels of expertise.

Education

George Washington University

M.P.S., Political Management — public relations & public affairs · 2018

Boston University

B.A., Political Science — cum laude, minor in communications · 2016

§ What I do

Areas of focus.

Executive communications & counsel

Speeches, statements, and strategy for presidents, executive directors, and a U.S. Senator.

Reputation & message strategy

Building visibility, dispelling misinformation, and shaping the narrative over time.

Editorial & content

Clear writing across formats, a keen eye for detail, and a strong grasp of AP style.

Media relations & rapid response

Spokesperson work, press strategy, and a steady hand when the cycle moves fast.

Web & digital

Website redesigns, SEO, content management, and working knowledge of HTML and CSS.

Voice & translation

Capturing a principal's voice and making complex issues make sense to any audience.

§ Beyond the desk

Off the record.

Off the clock, I'm usually writing something, learning something, or chasing a good photo.

Guitar

Thoroughly hooked on learning my fourth musical instrumental, with slightly too much gear.

Photography

Usually chasing a good shot whether in the neighborhood or across the world.

Travel & hiking

Always up for a new trail or a new place. The best thinking happens miles from a desk.

Fiction

At work on a handful of short stories and studying the craft seriously.

P.S.A Green Bay Packers season ticket holder and a Formula 1 fan.

§ Contact

Let's talk.

I'd be glad to hear what you're working on.

aarensj@gmail.com

LinkedIn Wauwatosa, Wis.