GWENYTH KIRKWOOD
Special to The Leader
Josh Ranney, the director of communications for New York State Assembly Member Karen McMahon, returned to Fredonia on April 17 to tell students about voting, state government and the power of the press.
After graduating in 2019 with degrees in journalism and political science, Ranney said, “Fredonia was vital in preparing me for my role today and laying the foundation for my career … I simply wouldn’t be where I am today without Fredonia.”
As a student on campus, he took part in “diverse and plentiful opportunities” with numerous campus media organizations, including Fredonia Radio Systems and The Leader.
During Ranney’s time with The Leader, he was the News Editor. As a sophomore, he was elected president of the Student Association (SA) and continued serving in different SA roles throughout college.
In Ranney’s day-to-day professional life as a communications director in the state assembly, he interacts with the press and news media almost daily. He also handles other roles including written statements, responding to constituent inquiries and managing social media.
“While my focus is on communications, from time to time, I have to jump in and help out on any number of issues, be it legislation or constituent relations,” Ranney said.
He explained how his favorite thing about his role is interacting with the press and seeing his work be used in news stories. He also looks forward to “opportunities to work out of our Albany office and the busyness and action of being in the capital.”
Ranney discussed how the most important part of his workday is any interaction he has with the news media, which he described as a “major focus … It’s important to maintain a professional and effective relationship with the press, as they are key in relating what our goals and motivations are to the public.”
He said his day can vary from very hectic with a press conference to a pretty slow communications day. Regardless of the day, he still has to handle the issues of people in the community.
Ranney noted that his biggest motivation is looking back and seeing how far he has come and how his work has progressed: “It inspires me to keep going and keep improving and pushing what may seem like limits, but are actually stepping stones.”
While on campus as a graduate on April 17, Ranney participated in a panel discussion and an “ask-me-anything” (AMA) styled event, where students could, as the name suggests, ask him anything.
The AMA, lasting from 10-11 a.m. in the Williams Center, focused on Ranney’s professional experience and advice on applying and interviewing for jobs.
Following that, he gave a keynote address titled “From Campus to Career: Democracy in Action,” also at the Williams Center.
Ranney sat down to eat lunch with the current Student Association executives, followed by participation in two panel discussions with Fredonia Mock Trial and students from The Leader and SA, where he discussed the communication aspects of his job, such as delivering press releases. He also talked about state government as a whole and the effect that the media has on it.
It was “a meaningful conversation about local government and the mass media. I had multiple community members, faculty and staff tell me how articulate and knowledgeable [the panelists were],” said Dr. Angela McGowan-Kirsch, a communications professor and the chair of the American Democracy Project committee.“I’d love to host a similar panel in the fall,” she remarked.