Brown names new communications director

By Glen Johnson, Globe Staff

US Senator Scott Brown has named a new communications director.

Marcie Ridgway Kinzel will oversee all his interaction with the media, as well as the Massachusetts Republican’s efforts to have the public understand his priorities and decision-making.

It’s a critical role as Brown seeks re-election in 2012 to a first full six-year Senate term. He was elected to a partial term last year in a special election to replace the late Democratic Senator Edward M. Kennedy.

While the race will take place within the Massachusetts borders, it has the potential to take on national overtones as President Obama seeks re-election and works to preserve his party’s majority in the US Senate.

Kinzel will be on Brown’s government staff, but her efforts will be closely aligned with the communications efforts of his campaign committee.

In a statement, Brown highlighted Kinzel’s 12 years of experience.

“She has previously served as the communications director for US Senator George Voinovich, Republican of Ohio, and chief of staff in the Office of Communications & Outreach for the US Department of Education,” it said.

Kinzel has also has worked for US Representatives Dave Camp, Republican of Michigan, and Sam Johnson, Republican of Texas, and most recently as director of eastern media relations for the University of California at Los Angeles.

“Marcie is a talented communicator with a wealth of experience, and I am pleased she is joining my staff,” Brown said in the statement. “She will be a valuable asset helping to communicate my pro-jobs legislative agenda to constituents across Massachusetts.”

Kinzel will be based out of Brown’s Washington office, joining veterans Felix Browne and Colin Reed. She replaces Gail Gitcho, who took a job as communications director for Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign.

Brown and Romney have some of the same political and communications advisers.