MARY WERDEN
Vice President
MARY WERDEN
Vice President
Mary is a dynamic communications professional with deep experience in government, political campaigns, and academia who knows how to navigate the complex world of Capitol Hill. As Vice President at ROKK, she leverages her nearly decades-long communications experience as a senior staffer in the House of Representatives to advance even the most complex communications challenges for her clients.
She most recently served as Senior Advisor and Communications Director to Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), managing a robust communications strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic when Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. She previously served as Communications Director for Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) where she elevated his national profile as a leader on science policy.
Mary’s passion for communications is rooted in her background as a historian. Mary holds a B.A. in history from the University of North Carolina and later completed a Ph.D. at Indiana University where she lived in Europe as a Fulbright Scholar.
WHY MARY BELONGS IN THE ROOM
She loves a challenge.
Mary understands that today’s media market requires a multi-faceted approach to achieve objectives. Let her tell you how there’s never just one path to accomplish a goal.
She knows the intersection of communications and policy.
Mary can translate the latest policy debate in Washington and why it matters into a good story that doesn’t leave out the important details.
She brings clarity to a crisis.
In the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mary sprang into action and created a rapid response plan that included press releases, social media and newsletters to ensure reporters and constituents had critical public health information.
GOOD TO KNOW
30 Rock, Abbott Elementary, Hacks, Parks and Recreation
University of North Carolina – Go Heels!
Both – You can’t ask someone from North Carolina to choose.
When she’s not in the office, you can find her running at the National Arboretum or rollerblading along the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers.