 David Tamasi |
Chartwell Strategy Group, a strategic advisory firm specializing in government relations, political risk management and strategic communications, has set up shop in DC. The bipartisan firm – led by managing directors Matt Epperly, Oswaldo Palomo and David Tamasi – says its goal is to help clients navigate the global political landscape with insight and impact. Epperly, who was VP at Harbour Group for seven years, has managed public affairs and marketing campaigns in over 30 markets around the world, as well as being a veteran of Democratic political campaigns at the presidential, mayoral, and congressional levels. Palomo, the founder of Public Sphere government relations and a former senior VP at A.D.S. Ventures, specializes in devising and executing advocacy strategies for clients in a bipartisan manner before the Legislative and Executive branches of the federal government. He serves on several finance committees at both the federal and state level and as an advisor to numerous Congressional steering committees. Tamasi spent nine years as a managing partner at Rasky Partners, and before that was at Ogilvy PR for four years. A leading Republican fundraiser, he has participated in congressional, gubernatorial and presidential finance committees over the last two decades, most recently serving as Trump Victory Finance Chair.
 Tiffany Guarnaccia |
Kite Hill PR has acquired Cutler PR, a tech-focused firm based in New York City and Tel Aviv. Cutler brings a roster of clients in the cyber security, enterprise technology, mobile and retail tech categories under Kite Hill’s umbrella as it expands into new B2B and emerging tech categories. Since Cutler PR was founded in 2009, it has served as agency of record for nearly 100 tech startups and industry leaders. Cutler PR’s existing staff will join Kite Hill PR in its New York headquarters and founder Zach Cutler will transition to the role of strategic advisor, based in Tel Aviv. “This is a significant milestone in our company’s history,” said Kite Hill CEO Tiffany Guarnaccia. “Cutler PR’s notable client roster combined with the teams’ experience and knowledge in the technology PR space adds value to our firm.”
 Tom Brand |
Healthcare focused Dodge Communications is combining with digital agency AVID Design to form MERGE Atlanta, a marketing communications and technology firm. MERGE Atlanta’s offerings include digital strategy, web, mobile, and campaign development along with marketing, PR and social programs. AVID Design president Tom Brand will now serve as the president of MERGE Atlanta, while Brad Dodge, president of Dodge Communications, retires. MERGE Atlanta will operate under parent company MERGE, formerly known as Myelin Communications. “Serving in facets of market strategy, branding, positioning and campaigns, paired with influencer, thought leadership and reputation management programs, MERGE Atlanta will help position clients as leaders in this complex, competitive market,” said Dodge executive VP Chowning Johnson, who will take the same role at MERGE Atlanta.
DJE Holdings, parent of Edelman and Zeno, launches RUTH as an independent shop named after Ruth Edelman, mental health advocate, wife and longtime business partner of Dan Edelman.
New York City PR firms make up the largest slice of O'Dwyer's 147 firm overall ranking with 33 of 40 in the New York/New Jersey area either calling Manhattan their home or having a presence there.
Subject Matter+Kivvit, which joined forces in May, has rebranded as Avoq, an integrated shop with more than 200 professionals in Washington, New York, Asbury Park (NJ), Miami and Chicago.
While PR pros stationed at in-house comms. teams and those working for agencies share many of the same objectives, they also have markedly different top priorities, according to a recent report.
Edelman is cutting 240 employees or about four percent of its workforce to cope with the cooling down of the PR sector, according to a memo from CEO Richard Edelman.
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