When Communications Meets Policy and Purpose
This week, we spoke to Christopher Concepcion, Communications Director & Policy Advisor for the Office of Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds.
Can you outline your career journey and the key steps that led you to your current role as Communications Director and Policy Advisor?
Prior to my role as Communications Director for Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds, I served as Managing Director of the Marianas Visitors Authority, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands’ tourism bureau. In that role, I oversaw marketing, promotions, staffing, and operations across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, as well as representative offices in Japan, South Korea, China, Russia, Taiwan and the Philippines. Before that, I spent nearly a decade with Delta Air Lines, overseeing sales, marketing, and community and government affairs in the Northern Mariana Islands and Palau. With a background in transportation, marketing, and communications, and deep institutional knowledge of the economic and political issues affecting the CNMI, I was a strong fit for this role and joined the Congresswoman’s office in March 2025.
Which policy areas or legislative issues are you most passionate about, and how do you stay informed and engaged in those topics?
I am most passionate about transportation and economic issues, drawing on my experience in both the public and private travel and tourism sectors. I stay informed by attending relevant hearings and meetings, following industry news and trends, and engaging with colleagues and stakeholders online and on social media.
Can you share a challenging or rewarding project that played a significant role in your professional development? How did you overcome the challenge, and what key lessons did you take away from the experience?
One of the most rewarding and challenging projects in my career was leading efforts at the Marianas Visitors Authority to secure new air service from Japan to Saipan. In 2018, Delta Air Lines, the sole carrier providing direct service from Tokyo, announced it would suspend flights indefinitely, creating an urgent need to replace that connectivity. We engaged extensively with potential partners and ultimately connected with Japan’s third-largest airline through a former Delta colleague. This led to a year-long process of negotiations, market analysis, and commitments on marketing and promotional support. In 2019, the airline launched daily nonstop service from Tokyo to Saipan, the first by a Japanese carrier since 2005. I overcame this challenge through persistence, industry knowledge, and strong professional relationships. While the service was later suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the experience reinforced for me that meaningful outcomes require time, tenacity, and sustained belief in the mission.
In your role as Communications Director and Policy Advisor, effective leadership is essential for keeping the team aligned with messaging and communication goals. What strategies or techniques do you use to inspire and motivate your team, ensuring they remain focused on delivering the office’s objectives despite any obstacles?
I lead by consensus, a value rooted in indigenous Chamorro culture, by actively listening to ideas, weighing perspectives, and making informed decisions on next steps. This approach helps keep the team aligned and invested in our goals. We are fortunate to have a highly capable social media coordinator who operates with minimal supervision, allowing us to focus on strategy and impact. By consistently delivering clear, engaging content through social media and our weekly newsletter, we stay connected with constituents and achieve the office’s communication objectives.
Mentorship is a key aspect of leadership. Could you provide an example of how you’ve supported the growth and development of your team members, helping them enhance their communication skills and advance their skill sets?
While I am currently the only communications staffer based in Washington, DC, I support our communications team in the district by keeping them informed of developments on the Hill and providing content and context when needed. This ensures they can effectively translate federal activity into clear, timely messaging for our constituents. Our social media coordinator and other team members are highly capable, and I view my role as supporting their work, recognizing their strengths, and giving them space to shine.
Word association, what is the first word that comes to mind for each of these?
Policy – Impact
Networking – Relationships
Writing Skills – Essential
Working on the Hill – Hectic
Leadership Connect – Connection
