Joint Center Celebrates Hiring Tim Mack as Communications Director
The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, America’s Black think tank, commends Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) for hiring Tim Mack as communications director.
Prior to his current role, Mack served in various communications roles for Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (D-PA), including communications director/senior adviser, press secretary, and press aide. Mack graduated from Lock Haven University with a B.A. in communication and media studies, political science, and government, and the University of Leeds with an M.A. in political communication.
With the addition of Mack, African Americans account for twelve (4.2 percent) Senate personal office top staffers in Washington, DC serving as chiefs of staff, legislative directors, and communications directors. African Americans account for 13.6 percent of the U.S. population.
Joint Center Senior Researcher Dr. LaShonda Brenson said, “We commend Senator Kim for joining the group of 119th Congress members who recognize the critical importance of hiring a diverse and qualified top-level staff of color. His decision to bring on Tim Mack as communications director underscores a commitment to ensuring that top staff reflect the voices and experiences of all Americans. Mack’s extensive experience working as a communications director/senior adviser, along with his previous roles as press secretary and press aide, showcase his preparedness for leading Senator Kim’s communications team effectively. His expertise will be invaluable in shaping the senator’s messaging and engagement with the public. We hope other senators follow his lead and recruit talented people of color for top staff positions, ensuring that congressional top staff reflect the diversity of America.”
“The Joint Center is excited about the increase in senators hiring and promoting people of color to serve as chiefs of staff, legislative directors, and communications directors, especially in the contentious political climate. As the first Korean American Senator and the first Asian American senator from New Jersey, Senator Andy Kim is breaking ground in the Senate,” added Joint Center Vice President, Policy Jessica Fulton. “Senator Kim is a leader, joining several of his freshman colleagues in building diverse teams. With Mack’s experience at the various levels, he is well prepared to lead Senator Kim’s communications strategy and ensure that Senator Kim continues to advance policies that serve his constituents in New Jersey.”
Background
In November 2024, the Joint Center launched its midterm hiring campaign, which includes a microsite featuring interactive tracking tools, reports, an explainer video, coalition letters, and a list of ways concerned citizens and members of Congress can get involved. Every two years, the Joint Center tracks in real-time all top staff hires by newly-elected and returning senators and House of Representatives. The microsite allows users to learn how each new and returning member of Congress is faring when hiring diverse top staff (chiefs of staff, legislative directors, and communications directors) in their Washington, DC office. The Joint Center regularly updates tracker data. Please check the press release section of our website for future updates.
The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, America’s Black think tank, provides compelling and actionable policy solutions to eradicate persistent and evolving barriers to the full freedom of Black people in America. We are the trusted forum for leading experts and scholars to participate in major public policy debates and promote ideas that advance Black communities. We use evidence-based research, analysis, convenings, and strategic communications to support Black communities and a network of allies.