Washington, D.C. - For most of the past 10 years, Garrett Russo has devoted his life to covering the news, and those who make it. Now he's bringing that expertise to public service, joining Congressman Brian Baird's (D-WA-03) office as Communications Director. "Garrett brings a wealth of experience and a seemingly unending amount of energy to my office," said Congressman Baird. "Whether it's from his time in the newsroom trenches, or in the halls of power here in Washington, Garrett has seen just about everything. His talents will be invaluable in helping provide a voice for residents of Washington's 3rd District."

Most recently, Russo served as Press Secretary for American Rivers, the national environmental group based in Washington DC, with offices across the country, including Portland and Seattle. Russo was responsible for coordinating and executing the national message for the organization, providing media training for its executives, and serving as a spokesperson. His actions were responsible for helping push several important pieces of legislation through Congress. He's also well versed on water policy issues facing the Western United States.

Prior to entering politics, Russo had a long and distinguished career as a television journalist. He worked in some of the country's largest media markets, and on the front lines of some of the biggest stories of his generation, including the ill fated 2000 election in Dade County, Florida, the Elian Gonzalez saga, the California Recall, the events and aftermath of September 11th and the War on Terror. He has won awards from the Associated Press, the National Broadcasting Society, and 2 Emmys from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Russo attended the University of Miami majoring in both Broadcast Journalism and Political Science. He also studied British Politics at Exeter College at the University of Oxford. In his spare time, he's a passionate, if temporarily displaced surfer and snowboarder. During the fall he devotes many of his Saturdays to the avid, and some would say rabid, following of the Miami Hurricane Football team.

"It's always nice to have an Emmy winning journalist on your team, but Garrett brings so much more to the table," said Congressman Baird. "We're lucky to have him on our side."