Courtney is the president of House of Rock Communications, a public relations firm based in D.C. He has lived in Alexandria since 2003.
What did you do before you got into public relations?
I actually started out in the military, and when I was discharged for medical reasons, I went back to school as a journalist. One of the professors looked at me and said, “You know, I think you’re a little more of a weather guy.” So I studied meteorology for a while … I did pretty well as a weather guy.
How did you begin working in public relations for the Department of Homeland Security?
Well, at the time I was married to … an anchor across the way who worked at another TV station. When 9/11 happened … there were a lot of cutbacks. With my military background, I wanted to do something that would serve the country a little better.
What are some of the projects you are currently working on for House of Rock?
Right now we’re pretty multifaceted. We have a couple of campaigns we’re getting ready to work on … [and we’re] in the process of getting things finalized on a couple of documentaries. One is really focused on Yemen. From the government affairs side, we’re starting to reach out and work with some government organizations … some commercial opportunities, kind of doing some grassroots advocacy online.
You served in the military in a combat area. How did that prepare you for the field of PR?
I can threaten people better. [Laughter]. I don’t know. I think more than anything, it taught me work ethic. The military experience … I really do think it teaches you how to push through some of the obstacles that exist in front of you. It gives you a different focus on how you approach your job.
– Alana Goodman
