Mark Seifert, Senior Advisor at the Commerce Department and Federal Communications Commission, Joins Brunswick Group as Partner

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Brunswick Group LLC, a leading global strategic communications consultancy, today announced that Mark Seifert, Senior Adviser at the Department of Commerce, former Deputy Division Chief at the Federal Communications Commission and Counsel for the House Commerce Committee, has joined the firm's Washington, DC office as a Partner.  Also today, Brunswick announced that Erik Hotmire, Senior Advisor at the SEC, former Special Assistant to President George W. Bush, and former Communications Director to US Senator Sam Brownback will join the firm as a Director.

"For more than 15 years, Mark has been at the center of telecommunications, media and technology policy debates in Washington.  His diversity of experience, sector expertise and understanding of the increasingly complex regulatory and policy landscape will be an invaluable asset to our clients as technology and telecommunications continue to drive the global economy," said Susan Gilchrist, Managing Partner of Brunswick's US offices.

"At a time of continued economic uncertainty and increasing regulatory oversight of global financial markets, Erik is a great addition to our team.  His experience in government – the SEC, the White House and in the Senate – as well as the private sector, will be a strategic asset to our clients," said Michele Davis, Brunswick Partner in Washington, DC.  

"We are thrilled to welcome both Mark and Erik to our growing and dynamic team in Washington," said Susan Gilchrist, Managing Partner of Brunswick's US offices. 

Background on Mark Seifert 

Mark Seifert has extensive experience in government.  He joined the National Telecommunications and Information Agency at the US Department of Commerce in 2009 and was appointed Senior Advisor to the Deputy Secretary in early 2010.  Prior to his work at the Department of Commerce, Mr. Seifert served as Counsel on the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet at the US House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce.  Mr. Seifert began his government career as a Staff Attorney at the FCC, and worked in various roles over the next decade, becoming Deputy Division Chief in the Wireline Competition Bureau.  Mr. Seifert worked on the Kerry-Edwards presidential campaign and the Clark presidential campaign.  Mr. Seifert graduated cum laude with a B.A. from Birmingham-Southern College.  He earned his J.D. from University of Virginia School of Law.

Background on Erik Hotmire 

At the SEC, Mr. Hotmire provided strategic counsel to the Chairman and senior Commission officials on communications strategy, messaging, and public positioning during and after the 2008 financial crisis.  Prior to joining the SEC, Mr. Hotmire was a Director at Clark & Weinstock public affairs consulting firm where he advised Fortune 500 companies on public relations and government affairs.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Hotmire managed communications and served as a spokesman for President Bush's USA Freedom Corps in the Bush White House, and worked in senior communications roles for US Senator Dan Coats (R-IN) during his first stint in the Senate, and US Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS).  He received his B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Mass Communications from Taylor University.

About Brunswick Group LLC

Brunswick Group is a leading corporate relations and communications consultancy with offices in major financial and regulatory centers around the globe.  Founded in 1987, the firm is a private partnership with 15 offices in 11 countries.  We offer a global network to address the most complex and critical public affairs needs, especially those surrounding corporate transactions and public policy initiatives.  In addition to public affairs and M&A, Brunswick specializes in media and investor relations programs, corporate reputation management and crisis communications.

A full list of capabilities and communications professionals is available at www.brunswickgroup.com.

SOURCE Brunswick Group LLC