WASHINGTON — Hill+Knowlton Strategies has added to its political and media credentials in Washington with the hiring of Senate veteran and former news anchor/commentator Matthew Felling, and Patrick Ryan, previously with the Fox Business Network and CNBC.
“Matthew and Patrick bring that mixture of politics and media that is always such a compelling complement, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to our team,” said Ellen Moran, executive vice president and general manager of H+K Strategies’ Washington, D.C., office.
Felling has more than 15 years of experience communicating complex issues and designing thoughtful and impactful communications strategies. He came to his new role as a vice president at H+K from the United States Senate, where he was strategic communications director for Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). He served as the architect of her day-to-day and long-term messaging on policy areas ranging from health care to military issues and from Alaska Native needs to the state’s sustainable fisheries, and he designed and implemented her announcement strategy in support of marriage equality. With Murkowski as the chairman of the Energy and Interior Appropriations Committees, Felling also worked with a team in framing her work on responsible energy development. Prior to that, he was a print and broadcast journalist, working as the anchor and lead political reporter for KTVA-CBS (Anchorage, Alaska), a frequent cable television commentator on the intersection of media and politics, a media writer for CBSNews.com, and a regular guest host for “The Kojo Nnamdi Show” on WAMU.
“Since being introduced to this opportunity, I’ve been impressed with all the tools in H+K’s toolbox to deliver results – framing, researching and dynamic web outreach services – and its commitment to employees’ work/life balance and innovation; I am excited to jump in and contribute to the team,” said Felling.
Patrick Ryan brings with him a diverse background in communications, media and litigation. Most recently he worked at Braithwaite Communications where he was responsible for managing media relations and crisis communications for clients in a broad range of sectors. Prior to his time with Braithwaite, Ryan developed his media expertise through his work at the Fox Business Network, CNBC, and Thomson Reuters. At Fox, he was a producer for “Opening Bell with Maria Bartiromo.” Ryan is also a licensed attorney, having earned his J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law. Ryan practiced commercial litigation and served as a judicial law clerk in New Jersey. He joins H+K as a senior account supervisor.
“Coming from a position focused on corporate strategy and crisis communications, I’m looking forward to joining a firm with such a strong reputation and historical strength in both areas,” said Ryan.
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