January 2, 2011
Roger Nyhus Named Public Relations Professional of the Year
SEATTLE – December 8, 2010 – Roger Nyhus, president and CEO of Nyhus Communications LLC, a leading Seattle-based strategic communications and advocacy firm, has been named Public Relations Professional of the Year by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Puget Sound Chapter.
“Roger exemplifies the values of creative vision, integrity and collaborative spirit we value in our public relations professional of the year. Passion, candid counsel, integrity and on-target results define Roger and his team,” said Kathryn Reith, PRSA Puget Sound president-elect. “Roger excels at strategic public relations, public affairs and social media for a growing list of innovative regional, national and international clients, including American Express and Invest Victoria, the economic development arm of the State of Victoria, Australia. Roger has a proven reputation for anticipating and adapting to changing business and political situations.”
Nyhus has led his firm to year-over-year growth and client diversification. While other firms have shrunk in the recession, Nyhus’s innovative approach to client service and delivering exceptional results has resulted in a combined revenue increase of 22 percent during the past three years. Nyhus recently was named one of the top 100 fastest-growing private companies in Washington state by the Puget Sound Business Journal.
Nyhus has successfully grown his team to serve a wide variety of innovative industries – from technology and biotech to healthcare and financial services to international business development. Most recently, he championed the opening of a second office in Washington, D.C., only a couple blocks from the White House. This expansion gives the firm an East Coast presence and supports a growing number of national and global clients with operations in New York and Washington, D.C.
Nyhus, 42, has advised numerous business and government leaders around the world since founding his firm in 1994. His 17-person communications practice specializes in full-service public relations, public affairs and social media. Nyhus was recognized as one of the best places to work in Washington state by Seattle Business Magazine. Nyhus is also dedicated to philanthropy and volunteer support for leading local and national nonprofits, a hallmark of Nyhus’ business leadership.
“At Nyhus, we value connections. We partner with our clients to strategically connect the right people to spark an idea, promote a campaign or move an issue forward,” Nyhus said. “Our clients value our personal, candid and tailored approach combined with world-class connections and deep knowledge of business strategy. In short, we’re business advisers as much as we are communications and advocacy counsel.”
Nyhus’s career spans senior leadership roles in both business and government. He was the longest-serving communications director for former Washington Gov. Gary Locke, the nation’s first Chinese-American governor. In that role, he served as chief communications strategist for the governor and his cabinet agencies. In 2008, Nyhus staffed Locke during his nomination and confirmation as the U.S. Commerce Secretary in President Obama’s administration.
Before his public relations career, Nyhus was a general assignment and political reporter for The Associated Press in Seattle; Olympia, Washington; and Juneau, Alaska.
Nyhus has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Washington State University’s Edward R. Murrow College of Communication. He is a board member of the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Seattle Association and the Seattle Parks Foundation. Nyhus is a member of the professional advisory board of Washington State University’s Edward R. Murrow College of Communication. He is also a member of the Chinook Indian Tribe.
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About Nyhus Communications
With offices in Seattle and Washington, D.C., Nyhus Communications LLC is a smart, creative and connected strategic communications and advocacy firm with a global view. Nyhus provides comprehensive, innovative and tailored communications strategies to meet its clients’ unique needs. Through its public relations, public affairs and social media teams, Nyhus offers its clients a full array of communications services, delivering exceptional results.
Media Contact: Whitney Keyes, Nyhus Communications LLC, (206) 323-3733 whitney@nyhus.com