Fiona Hutton & Associates Announces New Leadership Structure

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Fiona Hutton & Associates (FH&A), one of California's leading independently-owned public affairs and public relations agencies, today announced expanded leadership at the firm, with Ann Newton and Vanessa Rodriguez serving as vice presidents.  Ann Newton has been with FH&A since 2006, specializing in customized communications strategies, media relations, litigation support, outreach and coalition-building. Vanessa Rodriguez is a new addition to the firm and brings years of experience in local and state government affairs, public affairs and politics.

Ms. Newton has utilized her extensive knowledge and expertise in complex policy issues to manage accounts and client services for a broad spectrum of corporate, non profit, trade association, public agency, municipal and political interests, as well as constituent groups ranging from healthcare to environmental organizations. Ms. Newton has designed and implemented public education and outreach programs, led outreach and coalition-building for many successful statewide ballot measure campaigns, developed strategic media relations programs for high-profile projects and managed a wide range of effective, customized communications programs.

"Ann is a trusted and highly-valued counselor for our clients, with a reputation for strategic planning, skilled implementation and careful attention to details," said Fiona Hutton, president of Fiona Hutton & Associates. "She has immersed herself in some of California's most complex public policy issues, including water, health care, natural resources, infrastructure planning, and successfully demonstrated the ability to effectively communicate and advocate on behalf of our clients."

Ms. Rodriguez augments the FH&A team with an in-depth knowledge of the inner workings of local, regional and state government and the messages that move decision-makers, civic elites and community members. As a result of her years of advocating before Southern California's largest governmental bodies, including the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the Los Angeles City Council, she brings with her proven relationships at all levels of management region-wide. Most recently, Ms. Rodriguez was a senior vice president at Mercury Public Affairs, a nationally-recognized public affirms firm, where she managed the lobbying practice of the Los Angeles office. Prior, she served as public policy manager at the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Rodriguez is active in the regional business community, serving as co-chair of the Government Affairs Committee for the Valley Industry & Commerce Association, one of the most influential business advocacy organizations in Southern California.

"As we continue to grow our agency, Vanessa will play an important role in expanding our footprint in Los Angeles and Southern California, utilizing her understanding of public policy and relationships within the business community and regional government," added Hutton. "Vanessa's experience with local, regional and state government will be a great asset for our clients."

Fiona Hutton & Associates' expansion and new leadership structure builds upon the firm's existing group of talented public relations professionals. To meet the rest of our team, please visit www.fionahuttonassoc.com/wware.html.

"In the past decade, Fiona Hutton & Associates has grown to be one of the most respected public affairs firms in California, serving a broad range of clients in a variety of industry sectors," added Hutton. "Our success is attributed to a talented team of creative, driven and focused individuals, establishing high expectations and continuously delivering on our clients' objectives. Today's announcement showcases our commitment to retaining and recruiting the best talent in the field."

Fiona Hutton & Associates specializes in intricate and often controversial policy issues, public education and issue advocacy efforts, corporate branding, image enhancement, litigation support, crisis management, statewide and regional ballot measure campaigns, permitting entitlements and other regulatory processes requiring strategic solutions.

For more information on Fiona Hutton & Associates, please visit www.fionahuttonassoc.com.

Fiona Hutton & Associates is a Los Angeles-based public affairs and public relations firm with a record of success in representing high-profile clients and effectively managing complex and challenging issues. The agency has represented a wide range of corporate, non profit, government, trade association and political clients, including the California Association of Health Plans, Clear Channel Outdoor, State Water Contractors, Health Net California, Los Angeles Coalition for the Economy & Jobs, Association of California Water Agencies, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority, University of Southern California/Marshall School of Business, City of Hermosa Beach and the Southern California Water Committee. For more information, please call 818.760.2121 or visit the website at www.fionahuttonassoc.com

SOURCE Fiona Hutton & Associates