Steve Crawford to Join S. R. Wojdak & Associates

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Steven Crawford, Chief of Staff to former Governor Ed Rendell, has joined S. R. Wojdak & Associates as Managing Vice President, the company announced today.  Crawford served as Rendell's Chief of Staff and Secretary of Legislative Affairs over the last eight years, capping off a 25-year public service career.

During his tenure in the Rendell Administration, Crawford earned a reputation as a skilled legislative strategist and budget negotiator and was known for his ability to work with both Republican and Democratic legislative leaders.   In addition to working in the Rendell Administration, Crawford also served in the legislature as a top leadership staff director for the House of Representatives for several years, and served as the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture in the administration of Governor Robert P. Casey.

"Steve Crawford has the right mix of experience and credibility to be successful on behalf of our firm's clients," said Stephen R. Wojdak, President of S. R. Wojdak & Associates, a pre-eminent government relations firm in Pennsylvania.  "Steve's depth of experience in working with all the Executive Branch agencies and his credibility with members of the Legislature is unmatched and will be a terrific asset to the firm."

As Secretary for  Legislative Affairs and Chief of Staff , Crawford was credited with effectively maneuvering within a divided government and a contentious political atmosphere to accomplish some of the boldest public policy initiatives in modern state history, including alternative energy, education, and economic development.

Elected officials from across the political spectrum praised Crawford's capabilities and professionalism during this tenure in the Rendell Administration.

Senator Dominic Pileggi, Senate Majority Leader, said he and Crawford worked well together. "I worked closely with Steve in his capacity as Chief of Staff to the Governor," said Pileggi.  "Although we were usually on opposite sides of an issue, Steve's integrity and comprehensive knowledge of state government made him an effective advocate for the Governor's positions. I look forward to working with him in his new position."

U.S. Senator Bob Casey agreed. "Steve Crawford has distinguished himself at the highest levels of government as a man of credibility and effectiveness," Casey said.  "He is a friend of long standing."

Former Governor Rendell lauded the role Crawford played in the achievements of the Rendell Administration. "Steve Crawford was a top counselor, navigator and negotiator for eight years," Rendell said.   "He was an integral part of everything we did. I once credited him as the driving force that broke the budget impasse of 2009. He emerged respected by all four legislative caucus which speaks volumes about his character and his professionalism."

S. R. Wojdak & Associates LP is one of the largest government relations firms in Pennsylvania, employing 30 people and providing services to a roster of clients that include Fortune 500 companies, major universities, major hospital systems and health providers, and statewide associations.  Some of the firm's more well-known clients include Comcast, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Bank of America, Wal-Mart, Drexel University, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Kimmel Center, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the City of Philadelphia.

SOURCE S. R. Wojdak & Associates