Erik Smulson (C’89), Vice President for Public Affairs and Senior Advisor to the President

Erik leads Georgetown’s efforts and senior officers in institutional positioning and branding, intercollegiate athletics, strategic communications, civic engagement and public safety.

Erik Smulson (C’89) joined Georgetown University in September 2005 after more than 15 years working on Capitol Hill and on political campaigns. At Georgetown, Erik served as Assistant Vice President for Communications from September 2005 until January 2007. In that role he served as spokesperson and communications director for the university and guided all activities having to do with media relations. From 2007 to 2011, Erik served as Chief of Staff to Georgetown University President John J. DeGioia. In that role, he was responsible for running the Office of the President and served as a liaison with important constituents both within and outside the academic community.

A 1989 graduate of Georgetown’s College of Arts and Sciences, Erik majored in American Government. He gained extensive experience in the areas of message development, crisis communications, speech writing and media placement in his years working on Capitol Hill. Erik has served in numerous communications positions, including spokesperson and communications director for U.S. Sen. Jim Jeffords, the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. A native Washingtonian, Erik and his wife Jennifer (I’89) have three children.