Sam Franco is the Acting Director for the Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) Office of Legislative and Public Affairs. As Acting Director, Franco oversees the agency's strategic communications and interactions with Congress, agency employees, the media and the public. He is responsible for the development of congressional testimony, reporting requirements, briefings and legislative analysis. He also manages the AOC's press relations, external and internal websites, and internal communication initiatives.

Professional Experience

Prior to joining the AOC in 2022, Franco served as Chief of the Legislative Team for the Office of Executive Review at the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). His team's work covered all VBA legislative hearings, legislative proposals, budget inquiries, requests for technical assistance, and inquiries from the Congressional Budget Office and prepared senior leadership for all legislative hearings.

Previously, Franco worked for the Department of Housing and Urban Development where he ushered a Proposed Rule from obscurity to publication in five short months. He was promoted to serve as the Policy Lead for the Deputy Assistant Secretary, addressing numerous public communication crises and leading several diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Franco has also served as a Senior Policy Advisor and Investigator for a congressional committee. Notably, he was inducted into the Stennis Emerging Congressional Staff Leaders Program in 2020. He was also honored to receive the 2020 DAV Special Recognition Award for "Significant contributions as an advocate and policymaker devoted to improving the lives of our nation's veterans and their families."

Franco served in the United States Navy from 2004-2010. He held several positions in the Navy, including working as an analyst and Assistant Department Head for training and serving as Command Financial Specialist. He received numerous citations and medals for his military and volunteer work. After honorable service in the Navy, Franco was recruited to serve as a National Service Officer for a Veteran Service Organization. In addition to his regular duties, he provided benefit briefings to senior leadership in the U.S. Navy and Air Force. Franco was promoted to National Appeals Officer, serving at the Board of Appeals located in Washington, D.C.

Education

Franco earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication with a concentration in Political Communication from George Mason University and a Master of Arts degree in International Relations with a concentration in Conflict Resolution at American University. Additionally, he is a Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and holds a certificate of Diversity and Inclusion.