Potomac Flacks

UPDATE & CORRECTION: PR Week Roundtable

I posted incorrect information on this blog yesterday about a roundtable sponsored by PRWeek. The correct information is below. I apologize for the confusion, but hope you can still attend.

A panel discussion with top public affairs PR professionals, followed by cocktails and conversation with the PRWeek team.

When: Thursday, October 2, 2008 at 6:00-8:00 pm
Where: Hotel Palomar, Phillips Ballroom
Ground level, 2121 P Street NW, Washington, DC

Featured speakers:
Suzy DeFrancis, chief public affairs officer, American Red Cross
David Barnes, media liaison, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration office (IRS)
Martha Boudreau, EVP and GM of Washington, DC, Fleishman-Hillard

Moderated by:
Keith O’Brien, Editor-in-chief, PRWeek

Sponsored by:
Fleishman-Hillard

Gordon's New Communications Director

Kinsey Kiriakos has been hired as Communications Director for Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN). Kiriakos served in the press office of Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN). Before that he was Deputy Communications Director for Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA). He replaces Julie Eubank, who has left to do press work in Montana for the presidential campaign of Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL). (CQ’s “People on the Move” column)

Job of The Week: NAACP

The NAACP, headquartered in Baltimore, is hiring several communications positions:

-Director of Communications
-Communications Associate
-Public Relations Specialist (Internal)
-Public Relations Specialist (External)
-Web Activist
-Researcher and Writer

For more information, please visit: www.naacp.org/about/jobs/

(PF Tipster)

McAuliffe Enlists Elleithee to Explore Possible Run for Governor in VA

Former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe has enlisted the help of a veteran Virginia political consultant and former Hillary Clinton and Mark Warner spokesman Mo Elleithee to explore a possible run as Governor in VA for 2009.  According to various reports including The Washington Post, the hiring of Elleithee signals publicly what many Virginia insiders have known privately for several months: McAuliffe is almost certain to run for governor -- joining state Del. Brian Moran and state Sen. Creigh Deeds, who came within a few hundred votes of winning the attorney general's office in 2005.  McAuliffe also has the sage advice of Tracy Sefl, a highly-esteemed communications pro who now works at The Glover Park Group in Washington, D.C. (Washington Post)

Job Openings At FD Dittus

FD Dittus, a leading D.C.-based public relations agency has openings for directors, senior directors and vice presidents with a minimum of 5 years experience in a public relations agency. Contacts and experience in health care, technology, energy and environment, new media and public affairs preferred. Candidates must have experience managing clients, developing strategic communications and public affairs campaigns, writing new business proposals and winning new business. Excellent writing, media, strategic planning, problem solving, public affairs and management skills required. Send resume to join.our.team@dittus.com

McCain's move: Brilliance or Blunder?

It's the question reverberating through Washington this morning.  Some think it's a bad idea all the way around and others think it's smart.  Let us know what you think.  One of our favorite hands at Politico, J-Mart, showcases some competing views on the right. 

Michelle Richmond Named Communications Director for Texas Congressman

Rep. Neugebauer (R-TX) has hired Michelle Richmond as his new Communications Director.  Richmond is returning to Capitol Hill after most recently serving as a Senior Account Executive for Hill and Knowlton.  Prior to that position, she served as Assistant Press Secretary for the Republican National Committee and Press Assistant for Republican Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO). (PF Tipster)

White House Press Office Promotions

Everyone knows that White House Press Secretary Dana Perino is a brilliant spokesgal, but she also gets high marks for her management style.  As reported yesterday in the Washington Post, Emily Lawrimore is leaving to serve as Press Secretary at the Commerce Department.  She will be replaced by Carlton Carroll, who has handled operations in the press office for the past year.  Stuart Siciliano and Pete Seat are also getting promotions. (Washington Post)

News of the promotions reverberated through the Washington press corps -- everyone was very stoked that these individual's hard work has been appreciated.  Here's what they're saying:

Emily - "Sweet and always responsive;" "We're going to miss her ... we hope her 'news you can use' email continues."

Carlton - "They don't come any classier;" "Hardest working and most loyal employee you will ever find."

Pete - "A laugh a minute;" "The one aide you hope is on the road and the only person I know that has made it to every World Series."

Stuart - "Good at his job, trustworthy -- very likable and a fast rising star in the West Wing;" "Extremely intelligent, thoughtful and innovative."

Flack Profile: Stan Collender, Managing Director at Qorvis Communications

Stan Collender is a Managing Director at Qorvis Communications and writes a weekly column for RollCall.com.  He also helped start a blog earlier this year that is definitely worth checking out.

Hometown? McLean, VA; originally Brooklyn, NY

How long have you been in your current position? 2.5 years

First read in the morning? Washington Post...online.

First watch in the morning? CNBC

Did you vacation in August? If so, where? Hiking in Yosemite National Park, where there's no Blackberry or cell reception.

Best thing about working at a PR Firm? The people.

Worst thing about working at a PR Firm? It never stops.

Greed is good? Your views on communicating during this economic crisis? You can't wait for a crisis to occur to start communicating. If you do, you end up being defined by the crisis and don't have the credibility you need to deal with it.

Patrick Kennedy Hires New Press Secretary

Kerrie Bennett has been hired as Press Secretary for Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI). Bennett served as spokeswoman and projects manager for the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority for the past three years. Before that she was policy director for Rhode Island General Treasurer Paul Tavares. She has also worked as a legislative assistant and Deputy Press Secretary for then-Rep. Jack Reed (D-RI). Bennett replaces Robin Costello, who is now Director of Communications at PlanUSA, a nonprofit organization focused on issues affecting children. (CQ’s “People on the Move” column)