Ramon Korionoff serves as communications director for the Prince George’s County (Md.) State’s Attorney’s Office. He maintains an open relationship with the media and other organizations for the benefit of justice.

A man of many talents, Ramon Korionoff, communications director for the Prince George’s County (Md.) State’s Attorney’s Office, speaks five languages: English, French, Spanish, Tagalog and Russian.

He previously worked as a TV news reporter for a multicultural communications network in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region, covering major events of international flavor. He is a former Capitol Hill reporter, and he covered news events that sent him travelling across the world.

He has interviewed numerous notable and famous people, including the “shadow” prime minister for Azad Kashmir; former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi; former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo; former Maryland Governor Parris Glendenning; NAS, the rapper/actor and music artist; and Dana Tai-Soon Burgess, the renowned choreographer and founder of the DTSB Modern Dance Company of Washington, D.C.—among others.

Korionoff entered the political scene by helping former Maryland State Delegate David Valderrama produce scripts and voiceovers for a show. He became Valderrama’s legislative assistant and, through the affiliation, met members of the Maryland political establishment.

During that period, he became acquainted with Rushern Baker III, the current county executive for Prince George’s County. At the time, Baker was a close friend of Valderramas and was running—for the first time—for the position of county executive. Korionoff met Baker and helped run his campaign, which lost.

When Baker lost the election the first time, a newly elected Prince George’s County State’s Attorney, Glenn F. Ivey, noted Korionoff’s work and wanted him to be part of his team. As a result, Korionoff became Ivey’s first hire.

“We came to terms; he got sworn in. He knew he wanted me to handle his media,” Korionoff says. Consequently, in December 2002, Korionoff became the communications director for the State’s Attorney’s Office. He served eight years under Ivey, who recently chose not to run for a third term.

During the first three days of Ivey’s term, Korionoff experienced “baptism by fire.” There were four police shootings in three days. Korionoff says, “From that moment on, we forged a strong and close working relationship. After a spirited discussion with the [police] chief, I woke my boss up at 4 a.m.”

Korionoff’s role involves communicating internally and externally through mass media, alternative media and the mainstream media. He assists with speechwriting, content development for information disseminated by e-mail, newsletters and office communications. He also deals with the office’s day-to-day communications pertaining to media relations.

He must be available above and beyond media contacts. Interpersonal relations are important in his role, and he speaks to people in their environment to ensure they are able to talk to the state’s attorney, his boss. It’s vital for Korionoff to develop relationships with writers, reporters and news executives, building a rapport with them for the good of the office.

Throughout Ivey’s term, Korionoff ensured that Ivey’s interests were well represented. “Glenn has asked for my opinion and advice on matters of media, political and general,” Korionoff says.

Korionoff understands trust is a key factor in media relations. He says, “Trust is a two-way street in media relationships and communication in general. Saying what you mean and meaning what you say are very important. The media relies on what you say and do to be accurate and true, and, in turn, I count on the media to be responsible in their coverage.”

He is cognizant of how important it is to have a boss who understands the importance of immediate access, making oneself available with an understanding of the time constraints involved and critical to media outlets. In his role, Korionoff faces many challenges.

“The central challenge is guarding the privacy rights and legal rights of defendants and suspects while being responsive and responsible to the public at large. Balancing those two concerns is a great challenge. One has to be extremely careful not to jeopardize criminal cases by overstepping legal boundaries,” Korionoff says.

Highly skilled and polished at what he does, Korionoff enjoys his work. Although it can be demanding and stressful at times, the rewards predominate. “I find my job very satisfying because I get to talk about seeking justice. Prosecutors are sometimes the sole voice for victims, and I’m able to bring that message into the public forum,” he says.

Generally, Korionoff works 60-70 hours per week and remains accessible to the media outside of regular work hours. “It’s a privilege I afford them. If a story is brewing, I may get a call at 10:45 p.m. at night,” he says.

Although highly dedicated, he acknowledges, “I need to find more time for me.” His strategies to alleviate stress include numerous hobbies, such as writing poetry, fishing, playing basketball and cooking. Korionoff is a gourmet cook and enjoys preparing meals for family and friends.

Changes
The newly elected Maryland State Attorney Angela Alsobrooks has chosen to retain Korionoff under her leadership. What’s the secret to Mr. Korionoff’s success? He gives 100% to the tasks at hand. “Know that you can’t please all; it’s a cliché, but true,” he said. However, he strongly believes that if one pursues career goals, respects others, and is respectful and open, things will turn out well. And, for him, it is apparent they have.

About the Author
Karen L. Bune is a victim specialist in the domestic violence unit of the State’s Attorney’s Office for Prince George’s County, Md. She serves as an adjunct professor in the Department of Criminal Justice at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., and Marymount University in Arlington, Va., where she teaches victimology.

Bune is a consultant for the Training and Technical Assistance Center for the Office for Victims of Crime and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, U. S. Department of Justice. She is a nationally recognized speaker and trainer on victim issues. She is board-certified in traumatic stress and domestic violence, and is a fellow of The Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and the National Center for Crisis Management.

She is a 2009 inductee in the Wakefield High School (Arlington, Va.) Hall of Fame and received the Chief’s Award from the Prince George’s County Maryland Police Chief in 2009.