October 9, 2013

RNC Announces Orlando Watson as Communications Director for Black Media and Tara Wall as Senior Advisor for Black Media

WASHINGTON - Today Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus announced that Orlando Watson will join the RNC Communications Department as Communications Director for Black Media and that Tara Wall has been hired as Senior Advisor for Black Media. Orlando will handle day-to-day media relations for the RNC. Tara will assist the committee in strategy and strengthening relationships with black journalists.
 
“We’re excited to welcome both Orlando and Tara to our communications team,” said Chairman Priebus. “In their new roles, they will work to ensure our message of freedom and equal opportunity is heard throughout the black community. My priority as Chairman is to reach all voters, and that means we’ll continue working diligently to engage with black media outlets in the nation’s capital and in cities and towns across America. It’s essential that the Republican Party fight to earn the trust of black voters and build relationships in the black community.
 
“Orlando has proven himself as a skilled spokesperson and a talented communicator. He brings with him experience on the Hill and on the campaign trail. Tara brings an incredible resume from inside and outside of politics, from non-profits and the private sector. We’re grateful to have such accomplished individuals on our team.”
 
Orlando Watson joins the RNC from Congressman Paul Gosar’s (R-AZ) office where he led the communications team and served as the primary on-the-record spokesperson as Press Secretary. Prior to joining the Arizona congressman’s office, he served as Deputy Press Secretary for Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) from 2011 to 2013. He began his political career as a campaign aide on Senator Rand Paul’s successful 2010 Senate bid in Kentucky. Orlando holds a bachelor’s degree in public policy from the College of William and Mary.

Tara Wall is chairman and founder of the PTP Foundation for Media Arts and owner of a media production agency. The former newscaster-turned-communications executive is experienced in strategy development, media training, public affairs, coalitions-specific marketing campaigns, and new media. Her career spans two decades, and her award-winning portfolio includes work with three presidential campaigns, the RNC, Fortune 500 CEO’s, entertainers, government agencies, media outlets, and non-profits. She most recently served as a senior media advisor to the Romney 2012 presidential campaign. At PTP she oversees editorial content development, new business, digital programming, production and distribution of online videos, digital media, film shorts, and documentaries.