Langevin names Baffoni Communications Director

By Tim Forsberg
Posted 3/30/17

For five generations since 1935, the Baffoni family has kept their tradition of raising poultry on their farm in Johnston. Now, one of their own, Anita Baffoni, is flying the coop and entering the fray of national politics as Rhode Island

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Langevin names Baffoni Communications Director

Posted

For five generations since 1935, the Baffoni family has kept their tradition of raising poultry on their farm in Johnston. Now, one of their own, Anita Baffoni, is flying the coop and entering the fray of national politics as Rhode Island Congressman Jim Langevin’s new communications director. 

“I’m already two weeks in and it’s really been eye opening,” said Baffoni. “I’m glad I’m able to see how everything works from this side and get a better understanding of federal issues because before I hadn’t, so this is definitely new territory for me. But, in my eyes I won’t know if I don’t like something unless I try it. It’s a really great opportunity.”

Born and raised in Johnston, Baffoni, 26, graduated from Johnston High School in 2008 before continuing her education at the Community College of Rhode Island. She then transferred to the University of Rhode Island and graduated in 2013 with a degree in journalism.

“Looking back, when I was in Ferri Middle School, I was part of the morning announcements, which was kind of like a news reporter. They sit in front of the camera and they tell the morning news,” she said. “I’ve always been inquisitive, and I think naturally I just kind of fell into that role.”

In 2011, following her passion for writing, Baffoni interned for Beacon Communications, the publisher of the Johnston Sun Rise. Her articles were published there as well as in the Cranston Herald and the Warwick Beacon.

“I remember I told [publisher] John Howell during my interview that I do not want to be anywhere near politics, and here I am. It was my first time into actual journalism. I printed one article in the Cigar at URI, but John kind of threw me right in,” said Baffoni. “I remember my first story that was actually published was a complicated National Grid story. It was definitely tough, but I was able to learn the ropes very quickly and John was able to kind of guide me in the right direction and make sure that I covered things properly.”

About six months after she graduated college, Baffoni landed a job with the Kent County Daily Times in West Warwick and Coventry, “covering basically everything for just under two years.” There she began reporting on state news and politics. With the assistance of one of her journalism professors, she moved on to WPRO, working there for about a year.

“That was my chance to get into broadcasting, which was really fun and interesting, and I learned more about Rhode Island politics than I think I wanted to know,” she said.

Meg Geoghegan, former editor of the Johnston Sun Rise and Langevin’s communications director prior to Baffoni’s arrival, was moving on to become director of communications at the Rhode Island Department of Education and told Baffoni about the opportunity.

“When she said that, it got me thinking about seeing how the federal side works and going to the ‘dark side,’” she said.

Baffoni feels that beginning her new role during the start of a new presidency with multiple, serious issues being discussed felt like getting “thrown into the fire,” but believes she is slowly but surely adjusting to the position.

Her new responsibilities require her to reply to a large volume of emails and other communiqués. She must constantly interact with the press, from organizing press conferences to writing statements and press releases, as well as handling social media accounts.

“I think one of the toughest things to do right now is determining what his voice is and how things shape these statements,” said Baffoni of Langevin. “Figuring how things are going from his point of view and what normal is has required a little bit of adjustment.”

While her new role may take her far from her roots at the family farm, Baffoni still plans on taking the Wednesday directly before Thanksgiving off, when “all hands are needed on deck,” to help the family pass out more than 2,000 holiday turkeys to customers. She’s also excited about her planned October wedding to her fiancé, Jacob Anderson.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds,” she said.

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