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| Amy Rutkin |
Rutkin Strategies, a consultancy practice, is launched by Amy Rutkin, who is retiring from her role as staff director to the House Judiciary Committee and long-time chief of staff to Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY). Rutkin Strategies is partnering with two women-owned government relations agencies, Kasirer of New York and NVG of Washington, DC., with Rutkin serving as a senior advisor to both firms. The new practice will provide key services to each firm’s clients through strategic insights, relationship development, policy advising and direct government relations. Her connecting the two firms across the DC-NY power landscape will also result in enhanced opportunities and synergies. “Amy’s knowledge of government, her unparalleled connections both in DC and here in NY, along with her expertise on a broad range of issues will be an enormous asset to our clients and a perfect complement to our existing team,” said Kasirer president Suri Kasirer. “She is a true leader on so many important issues and made an unquestionable impact on the House and its most prolific committee,” said NVG managing partner Andrea LaRue.
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| Coltrane Curtis, Lisa Chu |
Stagwell acquires Team Epiphany, a consumer marketing agency that specializes in cultural relevance, experiential, progressive multi-cultural marketing and influencer integration. Team Epiphany will continue to operate independently as part of Stagwell's Constellation network, which includes 72andSunny, Instrument and The Harris Poll. It is led by founder and managing partner Coltrane Curtis and managing partner Lisa Chu, who will remain in their current positions. Launched in 2004, the agency has worked with such clients as Airbnb, American Express, Coca-Cola, LEGO, HBO (MAX), Campari and Amazon. “When I met the team, it became clear to me that their deep appreciation and mastery of culture is an essential ingredient for contemporary brands focused on forward-looking growth," said Constellation chair Justin Lewis. Team Epiphany is Stagwell's first acquisition of the year after picking up Movers+Shakers in November 2023, Left Field Labs in October, Tinsel Experiential Design in July, and In the Companies of Huskies in April.
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5WPR launches a dedicated defense PR and aerospace PR vertical. Services offered to defense clients include messaging and positioning, media relations, initial public offering media strategy, new market expansion campaigns, visibility programs, content creation, sponsorships/partnerships, digital media campaigns, event planning, thought leadership and speaking opportunities. The new vertical is led by a team of experts who possess a long history of leading successful campaigns for defense and aerospace clients including Shield AI who 5W has assisted to expand their footprint and enhance their brand reputation. “We have extensive experience working in these industries and understand how to navigate both the historical context of the industry while bringing a tech-focused approach as AI and robotics continue to heavily influence the space,” said 5WPR co-CEO Matt Caiola.
Real Chemistry launches RC Resolve, a healthcare advisory practice... Seven Letter, a bipartisan strategic communications firm, adds offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Huntsville... GMMB founding partner David Mitchell died on Jan. 2 at 75. Mitchell’s career in communications began in June 1978, when he joined the staff of the United Auto Workers as assistant to the director of public relations and publications.
Berns Communications Group expands its advisory services and rebrands as Berns & Co... DVV Media International, a B2B media and events company serving the transport and logistics markets, sells its Road portfolio of products to Mark Allen Group... MAD Global Strategy of New Jersey launches a Washington presence. 
Motio is launched by former BPD chief strategy & innovation officer Sasha Boghosian and Ryan Colaianni, who was CCO at BPD as well as an SVP at Edelman... PMG acquires Digital Voices, an influencer marketing agency with a team of 70 employees across London, New York and Costa Rica... Gregory
Marketing Maven signs on to work with AI-native application platform Cogzia... Curtiss Partners, a consultancy dedicated to elevating executive communications, strengthening leadership effectiveness, and translating complex strategies into clear, actionable narratives, launches... Origin & Oak Creative, a marketing and communications agency specializing in culturally competent, community-centered messaging for B2B clients, opens its doors.
