PERSON: Ian Sams

Kamala Harris for President

National Press Secretary

Democratic communications operative and strategist, with on-record experience conveying both political and policy objectives. Have worked on six state, federal, and national campaigns, for a national party committee, and in the U.S. Senate. Strong background in digital program management, strategy and content creation.

National Press Secretary
Kamala Harris For The People
January 2019 – Present 6 months
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Communications Director
Tim Kaine for Virginia
July 2017 – December 2018 1 year 6 months
Arlington, Virginia

Advised U.S. Senator Tim Kaine on communications and message strategy as a senior-level aide and strategist, while leading all communications efforts and serving as principal spokesman for his record-setting 2018 campaign in Virginia; frequently traveled with and personally staffed the Senator. Helped coordinate $6 million TV advertising campaign, including writing multiple ad scripts. Ran Kaine’s 1 million follower Twitter account and developed and executed content for his personal Facebook page, which boasts 283,000 likes, and 100,000+ follower Instagram account. Led all candidate debate prep for three statewide TV debates, including four full mock debates.

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Communications Director
Tom Perriello for Virginia
January 2017 – June 2017 6 months
Alexandria, Virginia

Led communications strategy and was principal spokesman for former Congressman Tom Perriello, an insurgent progressive Democrat running an aggressive five-month primary campaign for Governor of Virginia. Coordinated TV advertising and production with media consulting team, including writing ad scripts, as part of a $2.5 million ad campaign.

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Regional Communications Director
Hillary for America
April 2015 – November 2016 1 year 8 months
Brooklyn, New York

Oversaw communications strategy and operations in Virginia, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Florida and Ohio in the 2016 general election, as well as more than a dozen states and territories in the 2016 Democratic primaries. Previously a spokesman and member of the HFA rapid response communications team.

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Regional Press Secretary
Democratic National Committee
September 2013 – March 2015 1 year 7 months
Washington D.C. Metro Area

On-record DNC spokesman for 14 states, responsible for rapid response and opposition messaging efforts for Republican presidential candidates Chris Christie, Rand Paul, and Jeb Bush. Embedded as staff on the gubernatorial campaigns of Terry McAuliffe (D-Virginia) and Dan Malloy (D-Connecticut).

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Press Secretary
Office of U.S. Senator Tom Carper
June 2011 – September 2013 2 years 4 months
Washington D.C. Metro Area

On-record spokesman and primary press aide for senator’s Finance and Environment and Public Works Committee portfolios. Promoted twice, from prior positions as deputy press secretary and press assistant.

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Press Secretary and Digital Director
Tom Carper for Delaware
September 2012 – November 2012 3 months
Newark, Delaware

On-record spokesman for reelection campaign for Delaware’s senior senator. Also managed email program, focused on issue advocacy and fundraising, as well as social media accounts.

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Press Intern
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
June 2010 – August 2010 3 months
Washington D.C. Metro Area