Weber Shandwick Seattle Appoints New Leadership, Secures Major Client Wins

- Leading Pacific Northwest PR Firm Grows Diverse Team to Support Expanding Client Base Focused on Social Innovation -

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Sep 23, 2010, 11:00 ET

SEATTLE, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- To support its rapid growth, Weber Shandwick has appointed new Pacific Northwest leadership and embarked on a hiring campaign. Fourteen-year agency veteran Tim Fry has been promoted to general manager for the Seattle office. Fry will be supported by Michelle Maggs, a 12-year agency veteran who has been promoted to senior vice president, management supervisor.

The firm has also hired Senior Vice President Bee Wuethrich to head the Seattle arm of its Social Impact practice, which drives advocacy programs for some of the world's largest philanthropic organizations. Wuethrich brings more than 20 years of experience in strategic communications for nonprofits.

Historically known as a top public relations firm for some of the region's largest software companies, the agency has broadened its focus and recently been awarded significant new assignments ranging from philanthropic organizations to mobile communications providers.

The combination of Weber Shandwick's global reach and experience with local innovators has resulted in new Seattle office assignments with a heavy emphasis on social innovation from organizations including: the Consortium of Universities for Global Health; Meridian Institute's Initiative on Food and Agriculture Policy; Mashable's Social Good Summit at United Nations Week; the Canadian Tourism Commission; Intersect.com; and Motorola Mobility.

"We recognize that the Pacific Northwest is constantly redefining itself to drive meaningful innovation," said Cathy Calhoun, president of Weber Shandwick North America. "Under Tim's leadership, I'm confident Weber Shandwick will continue to be the top partner for diverse types of local companies needing to build advocates for their innovations around the world. Tim and his team have created one of the best environments for communications professionals who want to pursue their passions and do world-class work."

Weber Shandwick Seattle also has a new office located at 818 Stewart, in the heart of Seattle's fastest-growing business district. The new space boasts modern design that fosters collaboration and creativity among the team to deliver results for global and local clients.

"Our new office is filling quickly as we hire talent across all levels and practice areas," said Fry. "We are seeking individuals with a passion for social impact and innovative technology, as well as an appreciation for the rapidly changing nature of public relations and advocacy in the digital era."

As a part of the world's largest public relations firm, Weber Shandwick Seattle's services are inspired by a local culture of innovation and delivered through an international network of experts across 73 countries. The team collaborates to share stories, creatively engage audiences and harness the power of advocacy for clients across a range of areas, including social impact, travel and tourism, public affairs, digital entertainment and wireless.

About Weber Shandwick

Weber Shandwick is a leading global public relations agency with offices in 73 countries around the world. The firm's success is built on its deep commitment to client service, our people, creativity, collaboration and harnessing the power of Advocates - engaging stakeholders in new and creative ways to build brands and reputation. Weber Shandwick provides strategy and execution across practices such as consumer marketing, healthcare, technology, public affairs, financial services, corporate and crisis management. Its specialized services include digital/social media, advocacy advertising, market research, and corporate responsibility. In 2010, Weber Shandwick was named Global Agency of the Year by The Holmes Report for the second year in a row; an 'Agency of the Decade' by Advertising Age, Large PR Agency of the Year by Bulldog Reporter, and Top Corporate Responsibility Advisory Firm by CR Magazine. The firm has also won numerous 'best place to work' awards around the world including "Best Multinational Firm to Work For in EMEA" by The Holmes Report and a "Top Place to Work in PR" by PR News. Weber Shandwick is part of the Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). For more information, visit http://www.webershandwick.com