ABOUT SPSA
In the 1970s, the Senate Press Secretaries Association was a pretty dismal group—great people but lousy cheddar cheese and jug wine receptions. In the 30-plus years since I was a member, the Association has really blossomed. There is attention to professional development, consideration of workplace issues of real relevance and, of course, a lot more fun. Bravo to those who built the bridge to the 21st century for the SPSA!
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Mike McCurry
SPSA Alumni & White House Press Secretary for President Clinton
Exclusive Events
SPSA-sponsored events are held on and off the Hill, providing members unique opportunities to meet and learn from one another and to connect with reporters and media professionals. Events include a monthly speaker series, Washington bureau tours, happy hours, and more.
Career Opportunities
Our strong network across the Hill, Administration, and public relations firms means SPSA members have access to job postings and career development events that are not available anywhere else. Members receive a regular newsletter with exclusive job postings and upcoming networking events.
Annual New York City Trip
At the beginning of each year, SPSA organizes a two-day trip to New York City, where members meet with news and media organizations to expand their network, share best practices, and learn about careers in other communications fields. Site visits have included ABC with George Stephanopoulos, CBS This Morning with Gayle King and John Dickerson, CNN, MSNBC, New York Times, Comedy Central, Viacom, Buzzfeed, Snapchat, NFL, MLB, HBO, and more.
MEET THE BOARD
Kaily Grabemann
President
Broadcast Media Advisor, U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-North Dakota)
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Kaily Grabemann, is the current Senate Press Secretaries President and serves at the Broadcast Media Advisor for Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Grabemann previously served as a communications advisor for Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and was the Deputy Director of Media Affairs at the Republican National Committee and the Media Affairs Manager for the 2020 Republican National Convention. Grabemann is a graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign majoring in political science and communications. She also attended Trinity College in Connecticut where she was on the Women's Rowing team that won the NCAA National Championships for the 2013-2014 season. Kaily is also an active member of the Junior League of Washington and serves on the Woodlands Academy Alumnae Association Board.
Elisabeth St. Onge
Vice President
Deputy Communications Director, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)​
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Elisabeth St. Onge is the Deputy Communications Director for Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont). Prior to her time in the Senate, she worked across the dome in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Press Secretary & Digital Director for Congresswoman Shontel Brown (D-Ohio). A proud Pennsylvanian, Elisabeth is a graduate of American University and holds a Master's Degree in Political Science. In her free time, she enjoys hiking in our nation’s national parks and traveling.
Hannah Eddins
Membership
Deputy Communications Director, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama)
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Hannah currently works for U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) and has held various positions within his office since 2021. She is a two-time graduate of Auburn University, where she obtained a degree in public relations and a master’s degree in communication. In her free time, Hannah enjoys watching SEC football (War Eagle!) and trying new recipes.
Valeria Rivadeneira
Membership
Press Secretary, U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-Virginia)
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Valeria Rivadeneira is the Press Secretary for U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner (D-Virginia), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. In her role, Valeria travels alongside the Senator and serves as a spokesperson and primary point of contact for Virginia-based press. Valeria graduated from the University of Maryland, where she earned a degree in Rhetoric & Political Culture. She was born in Bogotá, Colombia and immigrated to South Florida with her family.
Rachel Dumke
Digital Director
Communications Director, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri)
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Rachel joined Senator Schmitt's team as Communications Director after serving in Senator Daines' office for over four years. She is a graduate of Mississippi State University and a Nashville, Tennessee, native. Rachel loves SEC football, trying new restaurants, traveling, and playing with dogs!
Eric Fejer
Events
Press Secretary, U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-Utah)​
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Eric currently works for Senator Curtis and previously worked for Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) on the U.S. Senate Finance Committee. With strong family ties to Idaho, Eric was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia. After completing his education in Melbourne, he interned in Senator Crapo’s personal office, leading to his current role on the Committee.
Brennan Sullivan
Events
Deputy Communications Director, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (R-Michigan)
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Brennan serves as the Deputy Communications Director for U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-Michigan), who represents her home state of Michigan. Brennan started her career on Capitol Hill in 2019 as a staff assistant in Senator Peters’ office. She then served as Peters’ press assistant, deputy press secretary, and press secretary, before assuming her current role. Brennan is a graduate of Roosevelt University in Chicago, Illinois where she received bachelor’s degrees in economics and political science and captained her school’s women’s soccer team.
Blake Kernen
Treasurer
Press Secretary, U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine)
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Blake Kernen is a published author, congressional communicator, and nonprofit board member; she currently serves as press secretary for United States Senator Susan Collins (R-ME). Previously, Blake was campaign spokesperson for Governor Larry Hogan’s senate race, press secretary for the House Budget Committee, and Senator Steve Daines (R-MT)'s speechwriter and deputy press secretary. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2022.
Stephen DeLeo
Secretary
Deputy Communications Director, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island)
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Stephen DeLeo serves as the Press Secretary for U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island). Stephen, a born and raised Rhode Islander, has worked for Senator Whitehouse for nearly six years, starting off as the Senator’s driver before joining his communications team. Stephen graduated from Haverford College, where he earned a degree in political science and captained the men’s lacrosse team. Stephen is a diehard Boston sports fan, and previously interned for the New England Patriots.