Christopher Groneng is a communications, speechwriting  and storytelling professional with experience across nonprofits, campaigns and government. He joins Purple Strategies as a communications manager from the U.S. Department of Commerce, where he served as the principal speechwriter and communications advisor to Deputy Secretary Don Graves. Before this, Chris served as a speechwriter to Jaime Harrison and rapid response operative at the Democratic National Committee during the 2022 midterm cycle. He’s also previously served in roles at Everytown for Gun Safety and When We All Vote, two of the nation’s leading advocacy organizations. In those roles, he crafted successful communications strategies for a number of campaigns, programs and initiatives including writing for former First Lady Michelle Obama. He attended Bryant University. Outside of his professional career, Chris volunteers his time as a mentor to high school students on the importance of civic engagement and public service through Dirigo Boys State, a premier youth leadership program in his home state of Maine. 

“My past work experiences have been a taste of everything – political advocacy, campaigns and elections, government – and have given me a comprehensive view of how to be an effective communicator. It’s exciting to translate those insights to a totally new professional sphere.” 

“I’m a storyteller first and foremost, and having that skill base is essential in order to do the job of a communicator. I enjoy working a story from every angle to see how it can be the most resonant, impactful, and timely.” 

“One lesson that has always stuck with me is that if someone asks you to do something hard, it’s because they think you have what it takes to do it. You earned this opportunity and now is the moment to prove them right.”