Commerce Sec. Pritzker taps Jim Hock to be new chief of staff

WASHINGTON– Commerce Sec. Penny Pritzker tapped Jim Hock to be her new chief of staff.

Hock, who Pritzker called a “valuable advisor” in a statement, is Director of Public Affairs in the Office of the Secretary.

“He has been instrumental in focusing our public outreach efforts, and in creating and framing the Open for Business Agenda for the wider world. His deep knowledge of the Department, as well as his history as a business owner and entrepreneur, will serve all of us well,” Pritzker said in a statement.

HOCK BACKGROUND, FROM COMMERCE: “Prior to joining Commerce, Jim founded 463 Communications, a communications agency for technology and clean energy firms within the Next 15 family of companies. As partner at 463, Jim worked with a variety of clients, including many premier U.S. brands in technology, to drive critical discussions on policy, communications, digital media, and marketing.

“Before starting 463, Jim served as spokesman and advisor to U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein for six years. He has also served as the President of the Northern Virginia Democratic Business Council and has worked on more than 20 political campaigns and initiatives. Jim has an M.A. in Public Policy from Georgetown University and a B.A. from Fordham University in New York City.”