Potomac Flacks

Hynes Communications Adds Richardson

Hynes Communications has announced the hire of Atlanta-based communications specialist James Richardson.  Richardson joins the Hynes team as Account Services Director, expanding Hynes’ presence in the Southeastern United States.

Previously, Richardson served as Communications Director for the College Republican National Committee, leading the organization’s aggressive media relations effort.  During 2008, he worked as the Republican National Committee’s Online Communications Manager, in which capacity he helped implement the Committee's highly-regarded online communications strategy.

Richardson is a contributing editor at RedState.com. In addition, his work has been featured in/on The Daily Caller, CBS News, The Atlantic, and Politico.   He is also a frequent commentator on new media and politics, appearing regularly on both MSNBC and CNN.
 
A native of Atlanta, Richardson is a proud product of the University of Georgia, where he studied political science and sociology.

American Hospital Assoc. New Sr. VP

Alicia Mitchell is the new senior vice president for communications at the American Hospital Association (AHA). Mitchell is a 20-year veteran of the AHA and in her new role, she will oversee member and advocacy communications as well as outreach to the media, and further enhance the AHA's overall communications efforts with members, policy makers, the media and the public. (PF Tipster) 

JOB OF THE WEEK: Staff Writer at NEI

As the need for alternative energy sources increases, the Nuclear Energy Institute (www.nei.org) is at the forefront of communicating the benefits of building clean-air nuclear power plants and promoting the safety of existing plants to Capitol Hill staff, policy makers, media outlets and NEI members.

As one of six writers in a 20+ staff communication services department, this individual will have the opportunity to contribute their writing skills in a variety of forms including newsletter articles, fact sheets, policy briefs, web updates, reports, issue briefs, presentations, brochures and other collateral material.

For more information, e-mail resume, cover letter and at least two writing clips (minimum 500 words) to Shira Harrington, Managing Director, Association & HR Practice, Armstrong Franklin at [email protected] with subject line: “Staff Writer.”

RNC Hires Doug Heye as Communications Director

RNC Chairman Michael Steele announced the hiring of Doug Heye as Communications Director and the promotion of Katie Wright to Deputy Communications Director.

Heye served in the same position for RNC chair Michael Steele during Steele's run against Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) in '06 and is close to the chair. Before that, Heye led Sen. Richard Burr's comms shop.

He has close relationships with both NRSC comms chief Brian Walsh and NRCC communications director Ken Spain, and he is well-known on Capitol Hill from his frequent appearances on cable news.

Heye fills a gap that has been open since Trevor Francis was forced out in late Nov. The deputy comms director left at the same time, and last week RNC press secretary Gail Gitcho announced she would leave to take over communications for Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA). (Hotline)