Potomac Flacks

Election Challenge of ABA Flack/Ex-Postie Earns Ink

Ex-Washington Post scribe Charles W. Hall, a media relations staffer for the American Bar Association, earned a placement in the May 29 Post for another endeavor: his candidacy for the Fairfax County (VA) Board of Supervisors. A key supporter of Hall's opponent in the June 12 Democratic primary scolded him as not having been active enough in Democratic politics. Hall countered that he is a lifetime Democratic voter and that his former job as a reporter and editor at the Post kept him from engaging in partisan politics -- until now. Hall is also a founder of FairGrowth, "a nonpartisan, countywide citizens group concerned with development and land-use decisions and their impact."

Flack Profile: Trevor FitzGibbon, Fenton Communications

Trevor FitzGibbon oversees media relations and strategy for MoveOn.org, Avaaz.org, Appeal for Redress, and much of the antiwar movement. He has worked for a variety of political campaigns including the re-election of Senator Patty Murray and the Campaign to Defeat Oliver North in his FAILED bid to win U.S. Senate. His favorite things in life are his wife, Meredith, playing lacrosse, reading, surf-casting for bluefish and cooking shrimp and grits for brunch.

Name and job title: Trevor FitzGibbon, Vice President of Media Relations, Fenton Communications
Hometown: Seattle, Washington
How long have you been in your current position? VP, two years, Fenton, 5
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grow up? I wanted to be in Sonic Youth and a photojournalist in El Salvador.
What college did you go to and what was your major? Hampden Sydney College (dropped out to become an environmental organizer), political science
What was your very first job? Sold ice cream from a truck I drove while in high school – got fired for giving it all away to the poor kids
Where do you get your news from? New York Times and FOX

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Biden's New Hampshire Press Secretary

Joe Biden has a new press secretary in New Hampshire. Today, the Biden for President Campaign announced that Evan Carlson, former press secretary for New Hampshire's State Democratic Party, will join the team as New Hampshire Press Secretary. (Blog 4 President)

Obama Campaign Adds Communications Planner

Liz Oxhorn has been hired as director of communications planning for the presidential campaign of Sen. Barack Obama. Oxhorn was deputy communications director for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. (CQ People on the Move)

Strand Communications Opens in DC

PR Week reports, "Strand Communication Strategies has opened headquarters in DC. Sheila C. Strand, previously senior director of communications and marketing at the American College of Cardiology, heads the firm. Rachael Lille Moore, previously PR manager for the Heart Rhythm Society, has joined as MD, and Yvonne Brune, previously a manager of strategic communications at APCO Worldwide, has joined as creative director." (PR Week)

Defending Wildlife

On May 21, Cat Lazaroff became the communications director for the Defenders of Wildlife. She replaces Wil Lutz who has transitioned to head up communications for Defender's political arm. Cat previously served as press secreatry for Defender's and before that worked for EarthJustice. She also has a background in environmental reporting. (PF Tipster)

SEIU hires Assistant Director for Media Relations

SEIU, the Service Employees International Union, has announced Michelle Ringuette as the new Assistant Director for Media Relations. Ringuette came to SEIU from Catholics for a Free Choice and has nonprofit, advocacy and political campaign experience. (SEIU)

360jmg Hires New Managing Director

Michael Davies has been hired as managing director of the political communications firm 360jmg. Prior to his new post, Davies was executive director of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee. (CQ People on the Move)

Osterberg to Open New Shop

Gayle Osterberg, vice president for corporate communications at the Motion Picture Association of America, is breaking out on her own. She's opening a public relations firm, with another person to be named later, called 133 Public Affairs. Osterberg spent 11 years with Nickles, working as press secretary for his leadership, personal and Senate Budget Committee offices. She's also served as a spokeswoman for Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., at the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. Osterberg will continue dealing with the film world at her new firm, as MPAA will be a client. (Congress Daily AM)

Cuellar's New Press Secretary

Lauren Smith has been promoted to press secretary for Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas. (CQ People on the Move)