Michael Ricci

Michael Ricci

Director of Communications
Office of the Governor

When the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, many people turned to state government to find out the latest on safety measures, protocols and closings. Leading the flow of information from the Office of the Governor was Director of Communications Michael Ricci.

“The state’s response to COVID-19 involved an unprecedented marshaling of communications, marketing and public relations infrastructure,” he said. “Communicators across the public and private sectors came together to ensure Marylanders had the information they and their families needed to stay safe. We brought to bear innovative tools and used social media to keep in touch with Marylanders around the clock. To this day, I talk to people who say what we did helped them get through the worst of things.”

A Columbia University graduate, Ricci has served in his current role since 2019. He previously worked for 12 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, including as communications director for House Speaker Paul Ryan, deputy communications director for House Speaker John Boehner and communications director for Rep. Christopher Lee, R-New York. He also served as director of speechwriting for the National Republican Congressional Committee for more than a year.

Ricci notes one of his proudest professional accomplishments thus far is the people he has hired over his time in state government.

“Our communicators come from all different walks of life and parts of the state, and they are all people of the highest caliber,” he said. “Many move on to pursue other passions after having the opportunity to serve, and I enjoy keeping tabs on them and watching their individual journeys.”