November 15, 2006 Matt Raymond Appointed Director of Communications

Matt Raymond has been appointed director of the Library’s Office of Communications.

“Mr. Raymond has strong communications skills, including the development of policies and strategies that will be an asset to the Library,” said Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. “He will make valuable contributions to the public relations efforts we need for a ‘new visitor experience’ in the Thomas Jefferson Building, our new strategic plan for the years 2008-2013 and our continued outreach to Congress and the American people.”

Raymond served since May 2005 as the senior advisor for communication at UNICEF, where he was the chief speech writer and senior aide to the executive director. He was responsible for UNICEF’s communications vehicles, including press, publications, broadcasts, Web presence and events.

Prior to his position at UNICEF, Raymond was the director of speech writing at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where he developed major communications policies and strategies across the 100,000-employee executive branch department.

His legislative branch experience includes serving as communications director for Virginia Senator George Allen, deputy press secretary and communications director for Montana Senator Conrad Burns, and chief of staff for Rep. Rick Hill (R-Mont.).

Raymond began his media career as a television news reporter, covering Montana’s state government and its legislature. He received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University.