Michael FleischerMichael Fleischer

Burson-Marsteller’s grassroots communications operation Direct Impact has promoted Michael Fleischer to the role of president and general manager.

Fleischer joined the grassroots campaign communications firm in 2012 as executive vice president and has served as the interim leader since last year. He was previously a vice president at boutique government relations firm Lighthouse Consulting Group, and also served as VP of public affairs at Finn Partners’ public policy unit Widmeyer Communications.

Earlier in his career, he was stationed at the Washington Post, where he served as an editorial aide at the national news and politics desk.

Washington, D.C.-based Direct Impact, which was founded in 1988, maintains additional offices in Boston, Austin and Chicago, as well as Toronto.