Liza Acevedo ’15 heads communications for Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff

Alumna’s new role is latest in string of prominent positions in public affairs

Liza Acevedo ’15 continues her ascent in the world of high-profile communications. In her latest professional move, she took on the role of communications director for U.S. Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris.

“I feel very proud,” said Acevedo in a September 9 NBC News article announcing the appointment. “And I feel very ready to make a difference working on behalf of the administration to help communities, including the Latino community.”

Acevedo most recently served in the role of deputy press secretary for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. She also previously worked for the Julián Castro presidential campaign and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.

Acevedo majored in economics at Wheaton College. A student-athlete on the college softball team, she originally envisioned herself working in sports. But at the suggestion of a mentor who noted that she might thrive in a government position, she interned the summer before her senior year with the Office of Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), working with the chief of staff and communications director.

She officially joined Emhoff’s office in August.

“It is an honor to serve as communications director for Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff and continue the work of the Biden-Harris Administration in the White House,” she tweeted earlier this month.