People in the news

Jenny Backus

Former HHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (January 2009-August 2010)

Why She Matters

As the message maven for Obama's Health and Human Services Department (HHS), Backus' Blackberry is buzzing off the hook.

She took a lead role in pushing the administration's health-reform hopes, often making the rounds on cable-news shows. She is also responsible for getting out the message on important public-health issues, and was a prominent face during 2009's H1N1 "swine flu" pandemic.

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At a Glance

  • Career History: Obama-Biden Transition Team, Health Working Group (November 2008 to January 2009); Senior Adviser, Barack Obama presidential campaign (June 2008 to November 2008); Political operative, Backus Consulting, LLC, (January 2003 to January 2009); Communications Director, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (2001 to 2003); Press Secretary, Democratic National Committee (1999 to 2001); Communications director, Sen. Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) (1995 to 1999)
  • Hometown: Brattleboro, Vt.
  • Alma Mater: Brown University
  • Spouse: Ed Pagano
  • Religion: Congregationalist
  • DC Office: Room 647-D, 200 Independence Ave., S.W.,Washington, DC 20201
  • Web site