Amherst’s New Communications Manager: Samantha Giffen

Source: amherstma.gov

Samantha Giffen began work as the town’s new communications manager on June 17, replacing Brianna Sunryd, who resigned on  September 8, 2023. Prior to assuming her position in Amherst, Giffen served as Assistant Director for the Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics at Salem State University where she led voter engagement and political programming. As the first person to serve in that role, she developed a range of programs aimed at inspiring students to be politically active and to pursue careers in public service.

Prior to that, she worked as a campus organizer with MASSPIRG working on issues such as food and housing insecurity, college affordability, climate change, and voter engagement.

Giffen is on the Board of Directors for the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, and co-chairs its voter engagement and education committee. 

Giffen attended the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams for her undergraduate education. She recently earned a certificate in public communications from the National Center for Public Performance at Suffolk University.

As Amherst’s communications manager, she will be managing the town’s public media relations, social media, website, and other outreach initiatives. She states, “I hope to expand community engagement, promote opportunities for government participation, and increase the transparency, and accessibility of information and public services.”