Sam Edelen
Seasoned Communications &
Public Affairs Professional
With two decades experience in writing, communications and public affairs, I craft compelling messages and help build inventive campaigns that deliver targeted results for clients.
Where Experience
Meets Creativity
B.A. in Print Journalism, Western Kentucky University
B.S. in Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University Bloomington
Writing & Communications
As a seasoned writer and editor, I’m the fourth generation of my family to work in the newspaper business in my native state of Kentucky. My great-grandfather bought and operated his hometown newspaper, The Springfield Sun, for more than 50 years, and my father served as editor and publisher of my own hometown paper when I was young. A reporter who worked for my father once quipped that I acquired my journalistic chops through osmosis hanging around newsrooms as a boy, and my subsequent experiences in the field in both print and broadcast news have provided opportunities to hone my craft in a variety of diverse settings.
Politics & Public Affairs
Serving on political campaigns and in government roles have been major highlights of my professional life. My first job came in Frankfort, Kentucky, where I worked in state government with the elected commissioner of agriculture’s office promoting a new farm and home safety program statewide. From there I moved to Washington, where my passion for politics and public policy landed me in Congress in legislative roles. On the campaign side, I’ve served candidates as a communications director, press secretary and public spokesman, all of which came with lead responsibility for digital strategy and social media planning.
A Detour to Wine
I took a break from campaigns and politics in 2018 and pursued my interest in wine production in Oregon’s famed Willamette Valley. Over a six year span, I worked with a half-dozen winemaking teams helping with all aspects of production, including grape processing, fermentation and bottling. Working on crush pads and in wine cellars around the valley gave me an opportunity to recharge my batteries and reconnect with the natural processes and rhythms of the growing season in one of the premiere wine regions in the world.