US Office of Special Counsel Named Inaugural "Brand to Watch" in 2019 by SVA Master's in Branding Program

NEW YORK, Dec. 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In the wake of this week's news, it is clear that no other brand currently has the potential to make an indelible mark on our political and cultural landscape like the Special Counsel's Office, led by Robert Mueller. In light of the memo released around 8:36pm EST, on December 4, 2018, we have created a new designation of "Brand to Watch" for the year ahead, naming the United States Office of Special Counsel (OSC) our inaugural "Brand to Watch" for 2019. 

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The memo issued by Mueller in regard to the Trump administration's former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, who sat for 19 interviews with the Special Counsel's Office, read: "The defendant also provided useful information concerning __________." The majority of the memo was redacted, like a teaser trailer for what is yet to come. Surely this will be a defining moment of our time and, indeed, the entire world is watching to learn what the OSC has uncovered—and will continue to uncover—during its investigation of alleged Russian government interference in the 2016 election.

Iconic brands require leadership, consistency, and determination. The OSC has all three, with steadfast leadership from Mueller and a commitment to adhere to its mission to uncover the truth and hold those in violation of the law accountable. While there was initially bipartisan support of the office, criticism from Trump and his supporters in the conservative media has grown. Yet the office continues to be unwavering in carrying out its civic duties for the people of our country.

Brands cannot become icons without leadership. While we recognize the Special Counsel's Office as the 2019 "Brand to Watch," Robert Mueller is a notable figure to watch and we urge him to be named Time's Person of the Year. As Mr. Mueller continues to lead his team in the investigation in the coming year, we are watching and waiting for answers, accountability, and justice for all.

Join us today, Friday, December 7, 2018, at Brandstand at SVA Theatre in New York City, where "Brand to Watch" in 2019 will be announced. RSVP here or email Emily Weiland to be added to the press list.

Press contact:
Emily Weiland, Director of Operations
SVA Masters in Branding Program
[email protected]
1 (803) 840-1843

ABOUT THE UNITED STATES OFFICE OF SPECIAL COUNSEL
The Special Counsel's Office, currently led by Robert Mueller, is a permanent independent federal investigative and prosecutorial agency whose basic authorities come from four federal statutes: the Civil Service Reform Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act, the Hatch Act, and the Uniformed Services Employment & Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). The OSC protects federal employees from prohibited personnel practices, especially reprisal for whistleblowing, and investigates allegations of prohibited activities.

ABOUT DEBBIE MILLMAN
Named "one of the most creative people working in business" by Fast Company, Debbie Millman is an author, educator, brand strategist, and host of the podcast, Design Matters. For 20 years, she was President of the design division at Sterling Brands, where she worked with over 200 of the world's largest brands. In 2009, she cofounded the world's first graduate program in branding at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. 

ABOUT THE SVA MASTERS IN BRANDING PROGRAM
The Master of Professional Studies in Branding, the first of its kind, is a one-year graduate degree program that examines the relationship between design and strategy, and the power of design thinking as a way to combine creative skills with the problem-solving and decision-making processes of design and business.

SOURCE School of Visual Arts