Goddard Claussen Announces Gerry Gunster as New Partner

WASHINGTON, April 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Ben Goddard, co-founder of the Goddard Claussen political strategy and public affairs firm, announced that Gerry Gunster was named Partner. Previously, Gunster served as Goddard Claussen's Executive Vice President and Executive Director of the award-winning firm that provides strategic counsel, and manages issue advocacy, ballot measure and branding campaigns.

"Gerry brings excellent leadership qualities and a unique perspective to Goddard Claussen. He's worked on Capitol Hill, for a trade association and a trade group member company so he understands our clients' needs," said Goddard, who is credited with creating the genre of national issue advocacy advertising with the historic "Harry & Louise" campaign.

Gunster has served as Goddard's deputy for the past 10 years and has a significant track record managing national and state advocacy issues and directing statewide ballot measures. He is the recipient of the "Best Public Affairs Campaign of the Year" award from the American Association of Political Consultants.  "This opportunity allows us to continue to offer outstanding service to our clients and opens the door for exploring broader and more diverse issues," said Gunster. "We provide strategic counsel, communications planning and tactical execution including new media strategies – where we've done groundbreaking work recently."

Gunster has taken the lead with a long-time Goddard Claussen client, the American Beverage Association (ABA), in its fight against the beverage tax. ABA President and CEO Susan Neely said, "Gerry has proven his leadership with invaluable strategic counsel and campaign management services. He's helped us overcome challenges in Maine, New York and at the national level, and continues to be a key part of the strategic team."

Founding partners Ben Goddard and Rick Claussen have recently restructured the company into two separate legal entities that will continue to work together as they have in the past. Under Goddard's leadership, the DC office is now known as Goddard Claussen Public Affairs. Claussen is leading the Sacramento office, which is now known as Goddard Claussen West.

Goddard Claussen Public Affairs is one of the nation's leading public affairs firms that provides strategic counseling, advocacy advertising, branding, grassroots and ballot issue management services. Its success at ballot issues is virtually unmatched with a win record of over 9 out of 10 campaigns.

To learn more, visit www.goddardclaussen.com.

SOURCE Goddard Claussen Public Affairs