FTA 25-02
Wednesday, September 25, 2002
Contact: Tami von Isakovics
Tel.: (202)
366-4064
Kristi M. Clemens Joins the Federal Transit
Administration (FTA) as Associate Administrator for Communications and
Legislative Affairs
Federal Transit Administrator Jennifer L. Dorn today named Kristi M. Clemens
associate administrator for communications and legislative affairs.
“Kristi has extensive—and impressive—experience in
both communications and legislative affairs,” says Dorn. “She will be a real asset to the Federal Transit
Administration as we implement and communicate our strategic business plan in
support of growing transit ridership in America.”
Clemens brings years of experience in government and the
private sector to the FTA. Most
recently, she was senior legislative advisor for the U.S. Small Business
Administration (SBA). Clemens also
acted as the key liaison for the Office of Entrepreneurial Development with all
White House personnel and coordinated all communications, marketing, and
congressional activities for that office within the SBA.
In addition, Clemens coordinated strategic initiatives for the
administrator, prepared speeches, and handled communications for SBA’s
executive staff.
Clemens served as deputy director for the Michigan Senate
Majority Communications Office, where she advised the Senate Majority Leader and
caucus members on public policy and political issues.
As the political director, Clemens developed caucus messages and strategy
and managed executive teams charged with implementing campaign strategy.
As director of financial affairs for the Michigan Senate
Republican Campaign Committee, Clemens created and implemented an annual finance
plan for the Senate Republican Caucus. She
supervised Senate Republican Campaign Committee employees and was responsible
for all campaign finance reporting.
In Michigan, Clemens also served as a finance consultant
for the 8th Congressional District campaign of Mike Rogers in 2000
and as vice president of government and community affairs for the Grand Rapids
Area Chamber of Commerce, where she oversaw the annual budget, supervised
division employees and created an annual strategic plan. As a lobbyist for The Right Place Program in Grand Rapids,
she advised the president and board of the non-profit economic development
agency on various federal, state and local issues.
She also served as legislative assistant for the Senate
Majority Leader, and a campaign manager in the 37th State Senate
District in 1994, where she established the main campaign headquarters and all
regional satellite offices.
Originally from Michigan, Clemens earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Michigan State University in 1992. She is currently completing work on a master of science degree in public communication at Northwestern University.
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