All of us in the communications field lost a great role model today with the passing of Tim Russert, Washington Bureau Chief for NBC News and moderator of the popular Sunday morning "Meet the Press" news program.

Tonight's news coverage -- on NBC and competing networks alike -- paid tribute to Russert's unique abilities as a communicator. What made him so effective and trusted by those who watched and admired him?

Authenticity.

It's something we talk about frequently in public relations as the "secret sauce", but few capture it as well as Russert did in his 58 years.

He often spoke of the importance of communicating simply, directly and in an unassuming way so that all could easily understand the complex political issues of the day. Do you remember Tim's famous low-tech dry erase board in the Bush vs. Gore 2000 presidential election? Florida. Florida. Florida. (This board now resides in the Smithsonian.)

And when Russert proclaimed Obama as the presumptive Democratic nominee for this election, America listened.

His passion for politics was contagious. My wife often asked why I was so drawn to a political news program on Sunday mornings. Russert made news approachable, interesting, and human.

Pundits on both sides of the political aisle have come out in droves tonight to talk about his fair dealings, objectivity, and passion for the topics he covered. And above all else, they talked about his authenticity as a communicator and a man.

What a legacy. Communicators for generations to come will surely study Russert in the hopes to emulate him and his success as one of the most effective communicators of our day.