FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2006

Public Strategies Expands Financial Communications Practice
Financial Media Specialists Bring Regulatory Expertise to Clients Pursuing Major Transactions

Austin, TX — Public Strategies, Inc. announced today that two financial media relations specialists have joined the firm's New York office. Andrew Williams and Erin Hickman, who both have experience in public affairs for major federal financial regulators, will support the firm's growing financial transactions communications practice.

Williams previously served as a spokesman for the Federal Reserve Board's public affairs office, focusing on issues related to the Fed's role as the primary regulator of bank holding companies in the U.S.

Before serving at the Federal Reserve Board, Williams was an economics reporter with Bridge News in Washington, D.C. where he chronicled action in the economic and financial world from a seat in the U.S. Treasury Department's press room.

Hickman comes from the Treasury Department where she was spokesman for the Office of Thrift Supervision, the primary regulator of the $7 trillion thrift industry.

Both Williams and Hickman have extensive experience dealing with the media on bank mergers, corporate governance reforms, anti-money laundering efforts, the Bank Secrecy Act, and the U.S. implementation of the Basel II Capital Accords.

"Public Strategies managed communications for some of the country's largest M&A deals last year. We are building our capabilities to take on more," said Public Strategies Vice Chairman Mark McKinnon.

"Our clients rely on Public Strategies to help them navigate the financial regulatory environment and communicate with Wall Street. Andrew and Erin bring both perspectives," said McKinnon.

"Public Strategies is uniquely equipped to take on serious communication challenges. The mix of talent and experience at the firm really sets us apart," said Williams.

Public Strategies, Inc.
Public Strategies manages campaigns around issues affecting business practices. We provide clients with results-oriented strategic consultation in distinct disciplines such as crisis management, long-term communications planning, public opinion research, government relations, media relations, and issue-based advertising.

The largest independent firm of its kind nationwide, Public Strategies' reach is considerable, with more than 160 employees in 20 cities and three countries. Public Strategies was founded in 1988, and is still led by Jack Martin, a 20-year campaign veteran.

###

Download as PDF