Chris Connelly
Chris Connelly is senior director of Communications and Research for the Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Connelly is tasked with leading the GIPC Communications team in promoting intellectual property issues to both domestic and international audiences through effective media outreach and research programs. He joined the Chamber in March 2009.
Previously, Connelly was a senior communications official in the Bush administration, serving as director of Communications for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Reporting directly to the secretary, Connelly led a staff of 90, effectively promoting USDA’s programs and the administration’s agenda. Under his leadership, the department dealt with a variety of issues including trade, agribusiness, and food safety.
A veteran of Capitol Hill, Connelly was chief of staff and communications director for Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis (R-VA). He served as her top aide and oversaw all congressional and campaign operations, including communications.
Earlier in his career, Connelly served as press secretary for Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) and as assistant press aide for the National Republican Congressional Committee under former Chairman Tom Davis (R-VA). He began his Hill career in the office of then-Majority Whip Tom DeLay
(R-TX).
Connelly received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Oral Roberts University, a master’s in public policy from Regent University, and a master’s in national security from the U.S. Naval War College. He also taught political communications at the graduate level.
Originally from Buffalo, New York, Connelly lives in Virginia with his wife and four children.
