Potomac Flacks

Former Gov. Perdue Flack Takes New Job

Jon Romano has been named the vice president of communications for the Campaign to Fix the Debt. Most recently, Romano served as the director of communications for North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue (D-NC), where he provided daily communications guidance and strategic direction. He also served as the campaign manager on a mayor's race in Boston and was the chief of staff to a Boston City Councilor.

According to the press release, The Campaign to Fix the Debt is a non-partisan movement to put America on a better fiscal and economic path. The Campaign will mobilize key communities who want to see elected officials step up to solve our nation's fiscal challenges. (PF Tipster)

Outreach Strategies Hires Bonarrigo

Angela Bonarrigo has joined Outreach Strategies as a senior vice president.  In her new role, Bonarrigo will direct the development and implementation of strategic communications and advocacy campaigns designed to promote positive environmental outcomes. 

Angela is the former director of the DC offices for Ceres and has also worked at Rasky Baerlein Strategic Communications and the EPA. 

Outreach Strategies is a communications and public affairs firm focused on advancing sustainability, clean energy and environmental solutions. They also recently expanded their office space at Farragut Square to accomodate their growing team. (PF Tipster)

Murphy’s U.S. Senate Campaign Staffs up with Dem Comms Vet Phillips

Rep. Chris Murphy's (D-CT) U.S. Senate campaign this week welcomes Mike Phillips as its new Deputy Chief of Staff in a move signaling a more aggressive posture against Republican nominee Linda McMahon.

Phillips took a leave from his post as Chief of Staff of Communications for the education reform group StudentsFirst, founded by Michelle Rhee, who is the former DC schools chief.  While at StudentsFirst, Phillips managed day-to-day communications strategy and planning for the organization. Prior to that, he served StudentsFirst as Manager for National Research, where he managed the organization's research and rapid response efforts.

Last cycle, Phillips served as Research Director for then-appointed U.S. Senator Michael Bennett's (D-CT) successful election to a full term.  Earlier in his career, he worked at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) and on the 2008 presidential campaign of Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT).

Phillips is a graduate of The George Washington University.  (PF tipster)

Cornyn Flack Brandewie Takes Leave for Maine U.S. Senate Campaign

Reported by the Portland Press Herald, Drew Brandewie, the press secretary for U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) has taken a leave of absence to work as Communications Director for the U.S. Senate campaign of Charlie Summers in Maine.

Brandewie currently works for Cornyn and had served on the staff of Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) before that.

Brandewie is a 2007 graduate of Vanderbilt University and a native of The Woodlands, TX.  (Portland Press Herald)

Former Gov. Jindal Spokeswoman Sellers to Tallahassee for Gov. Scott; Burgess to RPOF

Reported by the Miami Herald, starting Sept. 10, Melissa Sellers, is the new Communications Director for Gov. Rick Scott (R-FL).  Sellers most recently was Director of Regional Media for the 2012 Republican Convention in Tampa.  Before that, Sellers was Communications Director for Gov. Bobby Jindal (R-LA).

Beginning Sept. 17, current Communications Director for Gov. Scott, Brian Burgess, will move over the the Republican Party of Florida to serve as Communications Director.  Burgess first began working with Gov. Scott in 2009 when he was working for CRC Public Relations, which ran the media relations for Scott’s Conservatives for Patients’ Rights.

Sellers is a native of Houston and a 2003 graduate of the University of Texas.

Burgess is a native of Moline, IL.  (Miami Herald)

JOB OF THE WEEK: Associate, Chlopak, Leonard, Schechter & Associates (CLS)

Chlopak, Leonard, Schechter & Associates (CLS) is considering applications for multiple entry-level Associate positions. Candidates should have prior relevant work or internship experience to be considered.

The right candidates will have a passion for communications and public affairs, the ability to juggle a range of tasks and work well under pressure, and strong organizational skills. The associate position allows for the opportunity to write press statements and releases, organize press events, participate in strategy sessions and brainstorms, and handle a range of client service responsibilities.  Associates also provide administrative support to partners of the firm

Candidates who have language skills (specifically Spanish) or who have an interest or experience in litigation communications or legal crisis work, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Chlopak, Leonard, Schechter & Associates is a highly regarded mid-sized communications/public relations firm that focuses on public affairs and corporate, international, and crisis communications. CLS has a roster of clients that includes Fortune 100 companies, leading trade associations, non-profits and international businesses and organizations. CLS offers a competitive salary, and health and retirement benefits.

TO APPLY: Please email your resume to [email protected] and indicate you are applying for the “Associate” position in the subject line.  (PF tipster)