Gov. Corbett not only completed the replacement of all three of his top staffers Wednesday-- Chief Of Staff, Legislative Secretary and Director of Communications-- he changed from an all male team to an all female first string.
Steve Aichele was replaced by Lesley Gromis-Baker as Chief of Staff. Christopher Carusone was replaced as Legislative Secretary by Katie True. Lynn Lawson replaced Kevin Harley as Director of Communications.
This marks the first time in anyone’s memory that the Governor’s top three aides were female.
Lawson Named Communications Director
Gov. Corbett Wednesday announced the appointment of Madelyn (Lynn) Lawson as Director of the Governor’s Office of Communications.
Monday Corbett announced Kevin Harley, his Director of Communications, will be leaving the administration to become a partner in Quantum Communications, a Harrisburg-based public relations firm.
“Lynn brings a significant record of accomplishment in developing and implementing communications plans,” Corbett said. “I am pleased to have her expertise heading into the upcoming legislative session where the legislative leaders and I plan to build on our jobs record and pursue new policies to improve job growth and career opportunities for Pennsylvanians.”
Lawson has prior Pennsylvania state government experience having served as press secretary for the jobs-focused Department of Community and Economic Development from 1995-1997, where she directed and implemented the media and grassroots outreach strategies on issues including job creation programs, business tax reduction policies, tourism and numerous community-based initiatives.
She also has Pennsylvania political experience, having served with Corbett Chief of Staff Leslie Gromis Baker, as press secretary for the 1998 re-election campaign of Governor Tom Ridge.
“Gov. Corbett’s commitment to Pennsylvania and to his policies that foster job growth, educational excellence and public accountability made it easy to accept when the opportunity to join his team was presented,” Lawson said. “I am extremely enthused to be part of the talented current and new team Governor Corbett has attracted. I look forward to helping the governor share his message of achievement with Pennsylvanians.”
Lawson joins the administration from her position as managing director at the public affairs firm, DCI Group, where she directed US-based legislative issue campaigns at the local, state and federal levels. Prior to joining DCI, Lawson was a director of public affairs for the global communications firm, Burson-Marsteller.
In her new role, Lawson will be responsible for overseeing the communications outreach of the Governor’s office as well as the communications offices of 27 state government agencies.
Lawson’s political experience extends to the federal government level with service to President George H. W. Bush in the White House Office of Intergovernmental and Political Affairs. Her responsibilities at the White House included outreach to elected officials, including mayors, governors and key political officials.
A native of Luzerne County, Lawson received a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from Dickinson College, Carlisle. She lived in Harrisburg for 12 years and currently resides in Luzerne County.
