High School Teacher Now Runs Communications Shop for California Congressional Candidate

With an international studies degree in hand from the University of North Carolina in 2002, Noel Fritsch began teaching English, and later Spanish, to high school students.

“I taught school and coached high school sports for most of my professional career to date, until I decided to make the jump to politics,” Noel said.

Now, he’s working as the communications director for Gary DeLong, candidate for California’s newly created 47th congressional district that covers Long Beach and West Orange County.

“HTML is now my friend,” Noel said. “I manage the communications effort, from managing messaging and properly positioning the candidate on issues to drafting email blasts and keeping the website updated, and managing the social media effort. It's pretty all-consuming, especially during the last few weeks before Election Day.”  

Gary DeLong is Long Beach’s Councilman, and has been since 2006. He’s also president and CEO of The RTP Group, a telecommunications consulting firm and software development company.

When he moved to Washington, D.C. in 2005, Noel learned about the Leadership Institute through the Intercollegiate Studies Institute.

In June this year, Noel attended LI’s Conservative Intern Workshop.

“Without a doubt having the opportunity to hear LI’s faculty member Mike Rothfeld speak was the highlight. The combination of his construct of political power and his passion for affecting positive change was infectious,” Noel said. “After attending the workshop, I couldn't wait to get moving.” 

Noel’s current position is a result of his training at the Leadership Institute.

“I received a job offer within a month of attending my first Leadership Institute workshop, and the offer was a direct result of attending of the Conservative Intern Workshop,” Noel said.

"I was able to briefly meet Mike Rothfeld through LI's Conservative Intern Workshop, and after sending my cover letter and resume to him, and a subsequent email interview, I scored an in-person interview," Noel explained. "He recommended that some of his friends reach out to me, and I got another interview, and was ultimately hired. LI was integral in helping me generate movement in my job search that ultimately led to several offers of gainful employment. None of that would've been possible without my having attended LI's training. And, of course, a little perseverance."

“The capacity LI offers for personal growth and networking opportunities is astounding. I'd recommend LI training to any conservative looking for a place in the movement.” 

LI will offer the Conservative Career Workshop in five weeks weeks on Capitol Hill. Register early to enjoy a discount on the price. Email LI’s Career Services Coordinator Alyssa Condrey at ACondrey@LeadershipInstitute.org for more details.

 “If those places are ‘think tanks,’” Noel said about other conservative organizations he’s learned from, “LI is a ‘do-tank.’ LI does. LI acts. LI moves.” 

Please welcome Noel Fritsch as LI’s Graduate of the Week.

To nominate a Leadership Institute graduate or faculty member to be featured as LI's spotlight of the week, please contact LI's External Affairs Officer Lauren Hart at LaurenHart@LeadershipInstitute.org.