Firm expands with addition of shareholders

Contact: Nicoleta Jordan
(617) 391-9667
njordan@rasky.com

RASKY BAERLEIN NAMES MANAGING DIRECTORS

Firm expands with addition of shareholders

January 13, 2014 (Boston) – Rasky Baerlein Strategic Communications, Inc. (RBSC), one of the country’s top 25 independent communications firms, is pleased to announce that RBSC Senior Vice Presidents George Cronin and Justine Griffin, and Jim Cabot were all named Managing Directors and shareholders.

“We are pleased to welcome our long-time colleagues into the partnership,” said Joe Baerlein, President of RBSC. “Each one of them has been a major contributor to the firm’s success and growth over the past several years, and I know they will continue to contribute to our success by providing strategic guidance to the firm. I am proud to call them partners.” As Managing Directors, Cronin, Griffin, and Cabot will join long-time partners Joe Baerlein, Ann Carter and Larry Rasky in providing strategic direction and oversight for the firm’s continuing growth plans.

George Cronin joined RBSC in 1997. Since then, he has successfully managed and grown RBSC’s state public affairs practice which provides a range of services including government relations, lobbying, coalition building and grassroots organizing, local and state government procurement consulting for corporations, economic development consulting, and ballot initiative management to a diverse group of national clients such as Raytheon, Dell Inc., MasterCard and Toyota.

“I have had the privilege of working with George Cronin since 1994,” said Joe Baerlein, President of RBSC. “His extensive campaign experience coupled with his legislative and lobbying acumen makes him an invaluable asset to Rasky Baerlein and to its clients.”

Justine Griffin, who joined the firm in 2004 and heads the issues management practice at RBSC, works with clients who find themselves at the nexus of media, government and business. Her practice includes several specialty disciplines including crisis and reputation management, political communications, project management and development consulting and litigation support. Under her leadership, RBSC’s crisis communications specialty has grown to be one of the firm’s most successful and sought after service offerings. Prior to joining RBSC Justine was the Massachusetts communications director for the Kerry-Edwards 2004 Presidential Campaign.

“Crisis communications is a specialty for which RBSC is well known,” said Joe Baerlein. “Justine’s leadership and expertise have been instrumental in helping to significantly build the firm’s crisis and issues management practice in Boston and nationally. Very few people have Justine’s judgment and the ability to understand our clients’ business considerations when business reputation and brand position is at stake.”

Jim Cabot, who directs the Energy, Life Sciences and Technology practice, came to RBSC in 2006. Cabot works closely with companies ranging from start-ups to multinational corporations. He oversees integrated programs which include corporate communications, investor relations, marketing communications, public affairs, project management and regulatory strategy. Prior to joining RBSC, Jim spent 12 years with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), New England, serving most recently as Director of Strategic Planning.

“Jim’s background as an entrepreneur and expert on environmental issues and policy provided the foundation for the firm’s expansion into the clean-tech and broader energy sector, making us one of America’s leading firms in this critical industry,” said Baerlein. “He has built an impressive team and an equally impressive client roster. Now, as we continue our recently-announced expansion into the Life Sciences and Biotechnology industries, Jim will bring both his technical expertise and business acumen to the leadership of that effort. I have no doubt he will succeed there as well.”

Baerlein added he believes that Cronin, Griffin, and Cabot bring tremendous insight and experience to the firm. “They truly embody what the Rasky Baerlein brand stands for: dedication to client service, commitment to providing outstanding results and unparalleled expertise in their fields.”

Rasky Baerlein Strategic Communications is a nationally recognized communications and public affairs firm with more than two decades of experience providing exceptional client service to organizations that operate at the intersection of business, politics and media. With offices in Washington, D.C. and Boston, the firm offers a comprehensive range of services, including public affairs, government relations, public relations, corporate & marketing communications, reputation management, international representation, digital public affairs, ballot campaign management, media & presentation training and public sector business development. The firm represents a broad range of businesses, nonprofit organizations and trade associations. For more information, please visit www.rasky.com.

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