AARP Names Publicity Director

Former Bush/Cheney White House Appointee Joins AARP in Newly Created Position

 | October 23, 2006

AARP announced today a high-level appointment to its Media Relations team for the newly created position of Publicity Director. Brian Marriott has joined AARP’s ranks from a post in the Bush/Cheney Administration as a political appointee for President Bush. Specifically, Mr. Marriott worked for the Federal Communications Commission since 2001 as Special Assistant for Media Relations to FCC Chairman Michael Powell and recently Chairman Kevin Martin.

"Brian’s vast experience in dealing with broadcast media will go a long way in helping us build out our media outreach and spokespersons strategy," said Mark Kitchens, AARP Director of Media Relations. "As Publicity Director, Brian will be responsible for all broadcast interviews for AARP spokespersons and will also build out our media relations training program. We are thrilled that he is joining our growing team."

While working for the FCC, Mr. Marriott also handled press advance for President George W. Bush and Vice-President Cheney. He was previously Lead Advance Representative for the Bush-Cheney campaign in 2004, serving as Events Director in planning rallies, town hall meetings, and other election activities.

During the 2000 election season, Mr. Marriott was the Political Director in Missouri for the Bush-Cheney campaign. Brian also assisted in the Florida recount following the 2000 election. Since 1994, he has been a veteran of Missouri political campaigns.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. We produce AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, our bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, our quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and our website, www.aarp.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.