Trevor Neilson, Director of Special Projects
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

1. How did you get into PR?
Through politics. Moved to DC and was a White House intern under Clinton in '93 (no I didn't know her) and then became a part of his advance team and press operation. From there I went into corporate PR and then moved back into issue-focused advocacy.

2. Briefly describe your typical workday.
As Director of Special Projects I am involved in a blend of policy, strategy and communications working with the foundations' public affairs department, its' office in Washington DC and its partners and grantees. I deal with officials at the United Nations, the World Economic Forum and many other non-governmental organizations and work with foundation leadership to devise strategies to further the philanthropic goals of Bill and Melinda Gates.

3. What is the best part of your job?
Knowing that in a small way I'm helping to improve the lives of the world's poorest people.

4. What is the worst part of your job?
Being away from my wife and dog on travel.

5. What is the biggest lesson you've learned during your PR career?
If it doesn't work, try harder. Keep your message simple. Read as much as you can. Laugh a lot (including at yourself).

6. What is the most unique thing about your company?
It is an organization established by the wealthiest family in the world whose goal is to help the poorest people in the world.

7. What is your ideal dream job?
It's hard to think of one that would be better than the one I have.