The United States Capitol building and reflecting pool in Washington, D.C.

Sam Edelen

Sam Edelen

U.S. Senate staff identification badge for James Edelen, 107th Congress, on a lanyard



Portfolio


Seasoned Communications & Public Affairs Professional

With two decades of experience in writing, communications and public affairs, I craft compelling messages and help build inventive campaigns that deliver targeted results for clients.

Writing & Communications

The Springfield Sun newspaper and a vintage typewriter on a wooden desk

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.

Today, I bring that editorial eye to press releases, policy briefings, speeches, social media content, legislative analyses and earned-media strategy for campaigns, nonprofits and private-sector clients.

Writing & Communications →

Politics & Public Affairs

Greg Orman at a signature campaign event

Serving on political campaigns and in government roles have been major highlights of my professional life. My first job came in Frankfort, Ky., 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—including as a legislative assistant in the office of U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, where I conducted research, drafted constituent correspondence and supported work on defense, foreign policy, veterans’ affairs and appropriations on behalf of Kentuckians.

On the campaign side, I’ve served candidates as a communications director, press secretary and public spokesman, with lead responsibility for digital strategy and social media planning. Highlights include press advance work for U.S. Sen. John McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign, advance and event logistics for U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson’s 2008 bid and communications roles on campaigns across Ky., Tenn., Calif., Kan. and beyond—including nationally watched independent races and federal public affairs service in the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Politics & Public Affairs →

A Detour to Wine

Harvest bins filled with grapes at Doe Ridge Vineyard in the Willamette Valley

I took a break from campaigns and politics in 2018 and pursued my interest in wine production in the famed Willamette Valley in Ore. During my time in the valley, I worked with more than 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. I’ve also contributed freelance writing and photography to Cascade Business News in central Ore.

A Detour to Wine →

Selected Experience

Education

Contact

For inquiries about communications, writing or public affairs work, connect via LinkedIn.