Get to know the latest addition to the Merritt Group team! Emily Goodwin is the Government Practice Group’s newest account manager.

What do you do at Merritt Group?

I work on the Government IT team as an account manager. I focus on the day-to-day implementation of our clients’ PR strategies and do everything from writing articles for trade publications and pitching reporters to planning integrated marketing campaigns. Every day I learn something new about emerging technology and how it is being incorporated into federal agencies.

What’s your greatest moment — whether in work, school or marketing/PR — so far?

My greatest moment was probably realizing that I can make positive contributions to the world around me. In school and during the early stages of my career, it was difficult to understand where I fit in. I was very afraid of making mistakes. Coming to see that my skills, experiences, and ideas can make a difference in the world, was truly a great moment.

Who do you love to follow on Twitter or Instagram and why?

I love following moms on Instagram. It’s so nice to know that there are moms out there balancing family life, careers, hobbies, and more with grace. And enjoying the process!

What’s your favorite piece of technology?

That is a tricky question! It might be a tie between my laptop or a kindle. I really don’t know if I could choose one.

What’s the one gadget you think needs to be invented?

An app connected to your biochemistry (somehow) that tells you when you’re hungry and how much you actually need to eat. And can also tell you exactly what you want to eat when you experience the inevitable “I don’t know what I want for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.”

What’s your favorite thing about living in the Washington, D.C., area?

Options! D.C. attracts really good restaurants, cool events, and has a plethora of activities during every season.

What do you love to do when you are not working?

I love being creative. Usually, that means experimenting with new recipes, finding new date ideas for me and my husband, or diving into an art project.

What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

A Man Called Ove. This book was fantastic. I don’t usually do heartwarming but this novel really captured my attention, made me laugh, made me cry a little, and left me feeling like everything was going to be okay in life.

What are your podcast recommendations?

“Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me” is great for people working in PR because it uses the week’s news in a “true or false” kind of guessing game. It makes me laugh so hard.

Ask Me Another is a modern trivia radio show (accessible via podcast). I like it because the average Joe can be a contestant. I hardly ever know any of the questions, but it is fun to guess.

What’s your favorite Merritt Group memory?

So far, my favorite memory is going ax throwing with my team. Terrifying yet exhilarating.

What’s one thing you can’t live without?

My family (husband + daughter). They are the reason I do what I do, and why I try to be the best version of myself every day!

What’s the most interesting item on your desk?

I generally keep my desk free of clutter, but I guess I would say the most interesting thing is my cactus-shaped eraser. It is interesting because it doesn’t look like an eraser and is almost impossible to use as one.

Get to know more of our staff in our ongoing Q&A blog series or visit Who We Are. Want to join our amazing team? Check out our open positions.