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!
"
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
Every Spring, 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 NASDAQ, ABC News, NBC News, CBS This Morning, CNN, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board, The New York Stock Exchange, The United Nations, Spotify, Google, YouTube, NFL, Republic Records, and more.
MEET THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
Elisabeth St. Onge
President
Deputy Communications Director, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)​
​
Elisabeth St. Onge is the current President of the Senate Press Secretaries Association and serves as Deputy Communications Director for Senator Peter Welch (D-VT). 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-OH). Before coming to the Hill, Elisabeth worked in the non-profit industry as a Communications Coordinator II for World Resources Institute’s Energy Program, and served in roles in Leadership Office of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-California), and in the U.K. House of Commons for the Office of the Rt. Hon. David Lammy MP. A proud Pennsylvanian, Elisabeth is a graduate of American University and holds a Master's Degree with distinction in Political Science. In her free time, she enjoys hiking in our nation’s national parks and traveling.
Eric Fejer
​Vice President
Press Secretary, U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-Utah)​
​
Eric Fejer currently works for Senator Curtis and previously worked for Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID) 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 previous role on the Committee.
Sophie Ulin
Secretary
Deputy Communications Director, U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colorado)
​
​Sophie Ulin serves as the Deputy Communications Director for Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO). Prior to her work in the Senate, she served in the Department of Justice’s Communications Shop during the Biden-Harris Administration. She began her career on the other side of the dome as a Press Assistant for Chairman Peter DeFazio and Ranking Member Rick Larsen on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She grew up in Los Angeles, California and is a proud alumni of the University of Southern California where she earned bachelor degrees in Narrative Studies and Psychology.
Blake Kernen
Treasurer
Press Secretary, U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine)
​
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.
Suzy Vazquez
Digital Director
National Press Secretary, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-New Jersey)​
​
​Suzy Vazquez is the National Press Secretary for Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). She began her career on Capitol Hill in 2023 as a Press Assistant in Senator Booker’s office before being promoted to Deputy Press Secretary and later National Press Secretary. Prior to her career in politics, Suzy spent a year teaching English in Valencia, Spain. She graduated from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism in Evanston, Illinois, earning bachelor’s degrees in journalism and political science. Suzy is originally from Houston, Texas.​
Sam Somogye
Events
Press Secretary, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama)​
​
​Sam Somogye currently serves as Press Secretary for United States Senator Katie Britt. He previously served as Communications Director for Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger in the U.S. House of Representatives. Before coming to Washington, D.C., Sam worked primarily on political campaigns across the state of Texas, most recently serving as Senator Ted Cruz’s campaign press secretary during his successful 2024 re-election campaign. He is a native Texan and proud graduate of Texas A&M University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science.
Sonja Thrasher
Events
Press Secretary, U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan)​
​
Sonja Thrasher serves as Press Secretary for Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI). Before coming to the Hill, she served in multiple roles in the Biden-Harris Administration, including within the White House Press Office and at the Department of Energy, after beginning her career on campaigns for the House, Senate, and presidency. Sonja is a native of Northern California and a graduate of the University of California, Irvine, where she double majored in International Studies and Dance.
Stephen DeLeo
Events
Deputy Communications Director, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island)
​
Stephen DeLeo serves as the Deputy Communications Director for U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). Stephen, a born and raised Rhode Islander, has worked for Senator Whitehouse for nearly seven 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.
Caty Payette
Membership
Communications Director & Senior Advisor, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-New Mexico)
​
A proud Ohioan and adopted New Mexican, Caty Payette serves as Senior Advisor and Communications Director for Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Communications Director for the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Democrats. Before joining the Senate, she held senior communications roles in the U.S. House of Representatives, including as Communications Director for Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH) and Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH), and as Press Secretary and Digital Director for Congressman Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL). A storyteller at heart, Caty earned her degree in Broadcast Journalism from Kent State University. When she’s not pitching reporters or chronically online, you’ll likely find her exploring a new running route, listening to Beyoncé, or cheering on The Ohio State Buckeyes every Saturday in the fall.
Zack Lissau
Membership
Press Secretary, U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-Oklahoma)​
​
​Zack Lissau currently serves as Press Secretary for U.S. Senator and Republican Conference Vice Chair James Lankford (R-OK). He manages media relations and acts as the Senator's on-the-record spokesperson. Previously, he spent some time in the House before returning to his roots in the upper chamber, where he got his start as a press intern in Senator Lankford's office. A proud Sooner, his passion lies in connecting Oklahomans with their government.