WASHINGTON - The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) names Gary Somerset as the agency’s Chief Public Relations Officer.  Somerset has worked in media, public relations and communications positions for more than two decades.  Prior to coming to GPO, he worked as a broadcast journalist at network affiliates across the country.  As the Chief Public Relations Officer, Somerset will serve as agency spokesperson, manage GPO’s social media platforms, oversee GPO’s public relations activities and special events, and advise executive leadership on external communication strategies and opportunities.

“Gary’s knowledge and expertise in using public relations and social media platforms to tell the story of the work our employees do for Congress and the Federal Government is a tremendous asset for GPO,” said GPO Director Davita Vance-Cooks.  “His use of social media platforms has expanded GPO’s communication efforts to the public and our stakeholders.  GPO congratulates Gary on a well-deserved promotion.”

Since Somerset joined GPO’s Public Relations Office in 2006, he has promoted and placed numerous stories in national media outlets on the important work GPO performs.  He manages GPO’s presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.  He is responsible for producing, directing and narrating agency videos, several of which have won awards. He also works with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on the annual release of the President’s budget for the Federal Government. In his time at GPO Somerset has received three Distinguished Service Awards.

Prior to coming to GPO, Somerset spent more than a decade working as a news anchor/reporter at several network television affiliates. He covered Presidential campaigns, newsmakers, and community issues at WSYX-TV in Columbus, OH; WKEF-TV in Dayton, OH; WXXA-TV in Albany, NY; and KSWT-TV in Yuma, AZ. Somerset began his television career at WFSB-TV in his home state of Connecticut. Somerset earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism at Northeastern University in 1994.