Former Dem Spokeswoman Celebrates One-Year Anniversary of Start-Up Public Affairs Firm

Aug. 8, 2011 - PRLog -- Persisting through a stubborn recession and the inevitable challenges of launching a new business, strategic communications and campaign veteran Christy Setzer will celebrate the one-year anniversary of her start-up public affairs firm, New Heights Communications, LLC, tomorrow at Russia House in Dupont Circle. Since launching in May 2010, Setzer has grown an impressive client list of progressive advocacy organizations, corporate leaders, and political groups, become a go-to political commentator on a major broadcast network, and added a new member to her team.

“Starting a new business, let alone one during the middle of a recession, is always a leap of faith. But it’s been a phenomenal fifteen months,” said Setzer. “Each project has brought new challenges, greater opportunity, and the luxury of amazing clients doing incredibly important work. We’re further now than I’d ever imagined, and I can proudly say that I’m the owner of likely the only all-female, all-Columbia Heights, all-Vassar alumni firm in the business!”

New Heights Communications, LLC officially opened its doors in May 2010, but the firm has been so busy, they’re just now getting around to celebrating the anniversary. In addition to consulting for a steady roster of clients, in June 2011, Setzer began regularly commentating as a “Democratic Strategist” on Fox News, and brought on New Heights’ first hire, Jordana Merran.

Formerly at Burson-Marsteller Public Relations, where she acted as the deputy communications project manager for a Fortune 50 client, Merran brings extensive agency experience and knowledge of grassroots public relations, corporate messaging, and regional media landscapes. She is a frequent contributor to K Street Kate, one of the capital’s premier online lifestyle magazines; and writes a bi-weekly arts column for the popular We Love DC blog.

“The transition from corporate to more advocacy-based communications has been fascinating, and I’m thrilled to learn from her,” said Merran, adding that Christy’s work style is “a breath of fresh air.”

“She successfully competes with the best in the [communications] industry, and yet you can tell she’s still having fun.”

Clients of New Heights have included: U.S. Chamber Watch, American Rights at Work, Health Care for America Now!, the Partnership Project, Social Security Works, Our Community Votes, and the Global Campaign for Education.

Prior to launching New Heights Communications, Setzer served as Iowa press secretary for Vice President Al Gore, spokeswoman for former Vermont Governor Howard Dean, and national press secretary for Senator Christopher J. Dodd. Veterans of these campaigns and professionals from DC’s progressive communications circles are expected to attend Tuesday’s celebration, where they’ll enjoy food, music and drinks.