The United States Senate has confirmed Lauren Maddox as Assistant Secretary for Communications and Outreach at the U.S. Department of Education. Maddox comes to the U.S. Department of Education from PodestaMattoon, where she served as principal for the past six years and provided strategic legislative and public relations counsel to a broad range of clients. As assistant secretary for communications, Maddox will be responsible for the Department's entire communications apparatus and oversee press relations, publications, contacts with organizations, and communication with parents, educators, students, and citizens.

"Lauren's experience in developing communications strategy makes her an invaluable addition to our team," said Secretary Spellings. "She's a great resource with outstanding leadership skills and a terrific nose for news, and we at the department are lucky to have her. I look forward to working with her to ensure that American schoolchildren receive the quality education they need and deserve."

Prior to her work at PodestaMattoon, Lauren Maddox was a senior communications advisor to the House Majority Leadership, including former Speaker Newt Gingrich and former Republican Conference Chairman J.C. Watts, Jr. She also served as the senior spokesperson and communications strategist for two national health care trade associations.

Lauren Maddox earned her bachelor's degree from Creighton University where she majored in psychology and minored in journalism. Maddox went on to receive a master's degree in broadcast journalism from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.

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