PR Whiz Behind Successful American Cancer Society Campaign to Ban Public Smoking in NYC Joins National Public Affairs Firm; M&R Hires Former Communications Director for NY League of Conservation Voters

3/30/2004

From: Sean Crowley of M&R Strategic Services, 202-478-6128 202-550-6524 (cell) or scrowley@mrss.com

NEW YORK, March 30 -- M&R Strategic Services today announced the hiring of the man who spearheaded the American Cancer Society's PR campaign to pass New York City's public smoking ban, Dan Klotz, as Vice President and New York Director of Communications.

Founded in 1991, M&R provides communications, direct mail, grassroots and Internet advocacy, lobbying, media relations, research and strategic planning for both non-profit groups and corporate clients out of its offices in New York City; Albany, NY; Missoula, Montana; Portland, Oregon; and Washington, DC. In addition, M&R maintains relationships with experienced political operatives in 40 states.

Just last month, M&R's DC office announced the hiring of former FCC Public Affairs Director Liz Rose and former Justice Project Director Peter Loge as senior vice presidents in their media and campaign departments, respectively.

"We are thrilled that Dan is joining the M&R team," said M&R CEO Donald K. Ross. "Dan brings a unique combination of advocacy, campaign, media relations, media training and political experience that I know will benefit both our New York-based and national clients."

Klotz has prepared spokespeople for both local and national media appearances, ranging from debates on local cable station NY1's "Inside City Hall" to MSNBC's "Hardball with Chris Matthews." Prior to serving as the American Cancer Society's Media Relations Director, where he specialized in educational outreach and public health advocacy, he was Communications Director for the New York League of Conservation Voters, promoting its political endorsements and legislative agenda. The long-time Bronx resident graduated from Cornell University in Ithaca with a BA in English.

"M&R's strength is its ability to provide complete campaign support to non-profit advocacy groups and corporate clients," said Klotz. "The most successful public education and policy efforts are coordinated campaigns that use all the tools -- communications, direct mail, grassroots and Internet advocacy, lobbying, media relations, research and strategic planning. M&R understands this reality and helps its clients find the right mix to meet their goals."