Hill Diversity

Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester and Sean Ryan

The Joint Center Applauds Sen. Blunt Rochester for Hiring Sean Ryan as Communications Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 14, 2025

Contact:
Kennedy Fortner, kennedy.fortner@jointcenter.org

The Joint Center Applauds Sen. Blunt Rochester for Hiring Sean Ryan as Communications Director

​​WASHINGTON — The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies commends Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) for hiring Sean Ryan as communications director.

Prior to this position, Ryan served in various roles for Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), including communications director and chief of staff/senior communications adviser. From 2018 to 2020, he was Congressman Earl Blumenauer’s (D-OR) press secretary. He also served as an intern for Congressmen Donald Payne (D-NJ) and Tim Kaine (D-VA). Ryan graduated from Randolph-Macon College with a B.S. in Political Science and Communications.

“Ryan’s new position is a testament to the importance of hiring and promoting talented and diverse pathway and top staff. With several internships, a position as press secretary for Congressman Blumenauer, and communications director for Congresswoman Lee, Ryan earned significant experience that will make him a great asset to lead Senator Blunt Rochester’s communications team,” said Joint Center Senior Researcher Dr. LaShonda Brenson. “We applaud Senator Blunt Rochester, who made history as the first Black person to serve as a senator in Delaware, for recognizing a qualified candidate like Ryan, and ensuring the 42 percent people of color in Delaware are adequately represented among her top staff in Washington, DC. Ryan is only one of two Black top staffers hired by newly-elected senators thus far, we encourage all members of Congress to follow Senator Blunt Rochester’s lead in hiring qualified people of color for their top staff.”

“Senator Blunt Rochester has remained committed to public service throughout her career and is a stellar example among her colleagues in prioritizing diversity among her top staff as a senator. In an ever-changing media landscape, communications directors ensure that elected officials and their messages effectively reach diverse constituencies to advance legislative priorities. Ryan’s experience on Capitol Hill will be critical as he leads Senator Blunt Rochester’s communications team,” said Joint Center Vice President, Policy Jessica Fulton. “In addition to prioritizing top staff diversity, Senator Blunt Rochester has also been a longtime friend of the Joint Center, including leading on issues related to the future of work and its impact on Black workers. We look forward to continuing to work with Senator Blunt Rochester, and commend her for recognizing the importance of building a highly qualified and diverse team.”

With the addition of Ryan, African Americans account for only ten (3.5 percent)  Senate personal office top staffers in Washington, DC who serve as chiefs of staff, legislative directors, and communications directors. African Americans account for over 13.6 percent of the U.S. population. Every two years, the Joint Center tracks in real-time all top staff hires by newly-elected and returning senators and House of Representatives.

A 2024 Joint Center report found that while people of color made up 41.1 percent of the U.S. population, only 21.4 percent of mid-level or “pathway” staff in the Senate are people of color, and only 4.3 percent of press secretaries/deputy communications directors were Black. 

Background

In November, the Joint Center launched its midterm hiring campaign, which includes a microsite featuring interactive tracking tools, reports, an explainer video, coalition letters, and a list of ways concerned citizens and members of Congress can get involved. The microsite allows users to learn how each new and returning member of Congress is faring when it comes to hiring diverse top staff (chiefs of staff, legislative directors, and communications directors) in their Washington, DC office. The Joint Center regularly updates tracker data. Please check the press release section of our website for future updates.

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About the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, America’s Black think tank, provides compelling and actionable policy solutions to eradicate persistent and evolving barriers to the full freedom of Black people in America. We are the trusted forum for leading experts and scholars to participate in major public policy debates and promote ideas that advance Black communities. We use evidence-based research, analysis, convenings, and strategic communications to support Black communities and a network of allies.