Adfero Group Expands Public Affairs Practice

December 19th, 2007 -

Fast-growing DC firm announces hiring of DC veteran Kate Kennedy, internal promotion of Darren Scher to Account Director role

WASHINGTON – Adfero Group announced today the continued growth of its public affairs team with the addition of Kate Kennedy, who brings more than seven years of experience in the communications industry, and the promotion of Darren Scher, an online grassroots professional, to the role of account director.

Kate Kennedy joins Adfero as an Account Supervisor, strengthening the leadership of the fast-growing public affairs firm. Recently, Adfero expanded its client roster with the addition of two Fortune 200 companies and two major national trade associations.

Adfero also announced the promotion of Darren Scher, who has become one of Washington’s most experienced campaign managers for online grassroots campaigns, to Account Director.

Kennedy and Scher will provide clients with expertise that integrates traditional communications strategy and new media tactics to execute public affairs campaigns.

“Kate’s background and knowledge of the various media venues and public relations environments will provide invaluable insight for clients,” said Jeff Mascott, Adfero’s Managing Director. “Both Kate and Darren will play important leadership roles as the firm continues to expand with new clients and campaigns.”

Kennedy’s expertise blends experience in journalism, public relations and issue advocacy. As the Deputy Managing Editor for Television at the National Journal’s Hotline, she reported on the media’s coverage of national politics. Previously, she worked as a Senior Associate with the White House Writers Group, a strategic communications consulting firm. She also worked as a production assistant at MSNBC’s Hardball with Chris Matthews.

Immediately before joining Adfero, Kennedy served as the Director of Development for a non-profit in Washington D.C. for at-risk children. She is also a published author whose work has been featured by the LA Times and the Philanthropy Roundtable. She earned a B.A. in journalism from the George Washington University.

Darren Scher brings extensive experience executing interactive grassroots campaigns to Adfero’s clients. He has helped manage national and state advocacy efforts for the wireless industry as the account manager for Adfero client MyWireless.org®, the advocacy organization dedicated to preserving rights for wireless consumers.

Scher also played a critical role in California’s No on Proposition 87 campaign, a successful ballot initiative to stop a potentially harmful state oil tax. He has worked on grassroots campaigns for Adfero’s Fortune 500 clients.

Prior to joining Adfero, Darren worked on the campaign for Todd Caliguire’s gubernatorial bid in New Jersey. He holds an M.A. in political management from the George Washington University and a B.A. in political science from Caldwell College.

About Adfero Group
Adfero Group is a full service public affairs firm that delivers high-impact communications and coalition building programs for associations, corporations, and government officials. The firm sets itself apart by integrating the latest in online and interactive tools with strategic messaging, grassroots campaigns, earned media and marketing programs for maximum impact. A sample of Adfero’s clients includes the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, AARP, CTIA, NFIB, PhRMA and over 150 Members of Congress.