Rasky Baerlein Strengthens Federal and International Government Relations Capabilities

Adds Three Senior Professionals to Growing Public Affairs Practice

March 1, 2010 (Boston) – Rasky Baerlein Strategic Communications, one of the country’s top 50 largest, independent, integrated public relations and public affairs companies in the country, today announced a major expansion of its federal and international relations practices with the addition of three, new, uniquely-credentialed senior associates to its already strong team.

"Over the past year, Rasky Baerlein has experienced significant growth in our public affairs practice," said Joe Baerlein, President of the firm. “Today’s announcement reinforces to our clients in Boston, Washington and globally our commitment to providing them with unparalleled insight into the way public policy makers think both here and abroad.”

The three new additions are:

· Graham Shalgian, Senior Vice President, provides public affairs counsel to clients navigating the federal legislative process, particularly in the United States Senate. For the past 7 years, Graham served as Massachusetts Policy Director for U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy. In this capacity, he managed wide-ranging, high profile issues including health care, labor, energy, economic development, armed services and fisheries. He worked for Sen. Kennedy for 11 years.

· Shawn Sullivan, Senior Vice President, has more than 15 years of high level international, government and political experience, including over a decade in the Departments of State, Defense and NATO. Formerly of Cassidy Associated, Shaw has provided assistance to foreign governments and private sector and non-profit clients in dealing with Washington's complex bureaucratic and regulatory processes.

· Patrick Bench, Vice President, served for the last three years as Director of Business Development for the Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment (MOTI), where he helped foreign companies looking for growth opportunities, capital and strategic partners in the United States, and assisted Massachusetts companies expand overseas.

Shalgian will work alongside Michael Gorman, former chief of staff for Rep. Michael Capuano (D-MA), with both serving as the central links between Washington and Massachusetts.

"The addition of Graham Shalgian bolsters our outreach to the New England Congressional delegation, particularly in the U.S. Senate," Baerlein said. "Graham will work alongside Mike, and enhance our capabilities within the Boston/Washington, DC corridor."

Sullivan will be based in Washington and is a significant addition to the firm's stable of senior strategist.

"Shawn is one of Washington's most recognized international relations specialists," Baerlein said. "He possesses a sophisticated understanding of how Washington influences global public policy and has been a senior advisor for many foreign governments seeking federal representation."

Bench worked with more than 60 foreign companies to open their North American Offices in Massachusetts, and facilitated bilateral economic partnerships with more than 50 countries.

Baerlein noted "Pat gives us real insight into what makes international economic development tick and is a real asset for foreign companies looking to expand their business opportunities in the United States."

About Rasky Baerlein
Rasky Baerlein Strategic Communications is a nationally recognized public and government relations firm with more than a decade of experience providing exceptional client service to organizations that operate at the intersection of business, politics and media. With offices in Boston and Washington, D.C., the firm offers a comprehensive range of services, including ballot initiative management, corporate communications counsel, community relations, crisis and reputation management, government relations, grassroots organizing, investor relations, media and presentation training, litigation support, lobbying, and public sector business development.

The firm has served and is serving a broad range of clients including: Adaptive Engineering, American Council on Renewable Energy, Arbella Insurance Group, BJ's Wholesale Club, Boston-Power, The Boston Red Sox, Catholic Charities of Boston, Citizens Financial Group, Covanta Energy, Eli Lilly & Company, Erickson Retirement Communities, First Wind, GDF SUEZ Energy North America, MasterCard, The Museum of Science Boston, Northeastern University, Raymond Property Company, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston, Saint Raphael’s Healthcare System, Shady Hill School, Toyota, UGL Unicco, Vanguard Health Systems, and Veolia Energy. For more information, please visit www.rasky.com.

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