Caleb Asher

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Apr 3, 2005 by Lindsey Geisler Capital-Journal

Communications director

/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

A communications director needs to be quick on his feet, flexible and able to multi-task. That's what Caleb Asher has learned through communications positions at various state agencies.

Now at the Kansas Department of Commerce, Asher said his first order of business was to learn about the department and the services it offers.

"You do have to familiarize yourself with whatever agency or topic that you're working on," he said. "In our case here, there's quite a variety of programs and things that we do at commerce."

Asher began his career in public relations in 2000 after graduating from The University of Kansas.

"I did communications studies at KU and, really, the thinking behind that was that with just that broad education in communication studies you could really leave yourself open to do a lot of different things," Asher said.

Asher began his career with an internship at the Kansas Department of Human Resources, which is now the Department of Labor. He also has worked at the Department of Administration and Social and Rehabilitation Services. Asher recently moved to the Department of Commerce.

To be a successful public information officer for a state agency, or any organization, Asher said there are certain characteristics that are helpful.

"I think that typically you need to be outgoing, you can't be afraid to get out there and learn and ask questions," he said. "You do have to have kind of that desire to learn and be able to retain information and then relay information. You really have to think on your feet."

At the Department of Commerce, Asher is responsible for fostering a positive relationship with the media and promoting the agency's programs. This includes writing its newsletter and annual report and coordinating events.

Asher's arrival is part of structural changes within the agency.

"I think the biggest thing will be with the addition of research to communications," Asher said. "I'm just trying to figure out how best to use the team that's in place there and how we can better tell our commerce story through statistics and data."

Asher said the average starting salary is $30,000-$35,000 regardless of whether the position is with a state agency or in the private sector. The salary then increases with experience.

"There's certainly room for growth," he said.

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APRIL 3, 2005