People in the news

Kevin Smith

Communications Director, House Speaker John Boehner (since 2006)

Why He Matters

Smith is Boehner's chief communications strategist, helping theHouse speaker keep rank-and-file GOPers on the same page and pounding the press with his boss's talking points.

Smith helped shepherd Boehner to the House minority leader post after Democrats reclaimed the majority in 2006, and kept him in the job after the GOP's electoral drubbing in November 2008. He was also at Boehner's side when the Republican was chairman of the House Education and the Workforce Committee from 2001 to 2006, helping his boss pass the No Child Left Behind Law that President Obama would like to rewrite.

Read more

 

At a Glance

  • Career History: Communications Director, House Education and the Workforce Committee (2005-2006); Senior Communications Adviser, House Education and the Workforce Committee (2001-2005); Senior editor, Voter.com (2000-2001); Legislative analyst, Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio), House GOP Conference (1997-1999); Legislative Assistant, Rep. Randy Tate (R-Wash.) (1995-1996)
  • Birthday: Dec. 30, 1971
  • Hometown: Springfield, Ore.
  • Alma Mater: Oregon State Univeristy, B.A., political science and business administration, 1995
  • Spouse: Kara
  • Religion: Christian
  • Office: H-204 The Capitol Washington, DC 20515, (202) 225-4000
  • Web site