PRESS RELEASE
January 30, 2023
(Salem, OR) — Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced three new staff members who are joining her Communications Team:
Elisabeth Shepard joins the administration as the Governor’s new Press Secretary. Shepard brings nearly a decade of experience in communications and government affairs to the role, having most recently served as Communications Director for Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt. In that role, Shepard served on DA Schmidt’s Executive Team and led his strategic communications plan and all media relations. Prior to that, she worked in government affairs at Strategies 360 and on various ballot measures and candidate campaigns.
Danny Moran joins as the Strategic Communications Advisor, overseeing strategic planning, speechwriting, interagency communications, and more. Moran joins the Governor’s Office after most recently serving as Communications Director in the Oregon House Speaker’s Office, where he led communication efforts for the Oregon House Democratic leadership team. He previously served as Deputy Communications Director for Defend Oregon and as a reporter at The Oregonian. Moran is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.
Courtney Ryman joins the administration as the Governor’s Events Manager, where she will coordinate and manage logistics for Governor Kotek’s One Oregon Tour and other public events and press engagements. Ryman served as Events Manager for Governor Kotek’s gubernatorial campaign. Prior to that, she worked on Katie Hobbs’ campaign for Governor in Arizona and for the Democratic National Committee. Ryman graduated from Georgetown University with a degree in government.
“I am excited to bring on these talented and creative individuals to our communications team,” said Governor Kotek. “Their experience and dedication to public engagement will help my administration better connect with and serve Oregonians across the state.”