PR on Ulitzer

Global public relations firm Porter Novelli announced that it has hired highly regarded Washington, D.C. communications strategist Catherine A. (Kiki) McLean , 46, as partner, global head of public affairs and managing director of the agency's Washington, D.C. office.

McLean most recently has served as a partner of the Dewey Square Group, a public affairs consulting firm, where she lead the communications practice. She appears frequently on national television as a political and current events commentator.

McLean succeeds longtime Porter Novelli executive Carolyn Tieger , who announced her retirement from the agency earlier this year.

Starting in mid-July, McLean will oversee Porter Novelli's public affairs teams across its global network. She will draw from a career of important achievements at the forefront of Washington, D.C. communications to lead the Washington, D.C. office, ensuring delivery of Porter Novelli's philosophy of Intelligent Influence to new and existing clients. Throughout her career, McLean has distinguished herself through her deep insights and understanding of Washington culture, as well as through her passion for teamwork and a laser-like focus on the needs of clients. She will report to Julie Winskie , Porter Novelli Americas president and chief client officer.

"Kiki is a proven leader of top talent and a sage counselor to high-profile clients," said Winskie. "She's committed to collaborating and building integrated teams that put client success at the forefront. These are qualities aligned with our culture and are at a premium in the D.C. marketplace."

"I'm eager to marry my high-level policy and political communications experience with a global agency that provides broad integrated communications solutions for such admired clients," said McLean. "Leveraging Porter Novelli's unique heritage at this point of change in

Washington is a powerful, exciting opportunity."

A highly respected communications professional, McLean brings more than 20 years' experience to Porter Novelli . She served as a senior adviser to the Hillary Clinton for President Campaign and regularly appeared as an on-air surrogate for the Obama for America campaign. In 2004, she helped develop the acclaimed vice presidential announcement strategy for the John Kerry campaign. She served as national press secretary and spokesperson for Vice President Al Gore's presidential campaign, and was spokesperson for Joe Lieberman as the Democratic vice presidential nominee in the 2000 general election.

In the private sector, McLean has served as public relations consultant to the D.C. offices of Ogilvy & Mather Public Affairs, where she gained broad experience with issues of taxation, international trade, labor and the environment. She is a native of San Antonio and received her bachelor's degree in communications from Austin College in Sherman, Texas. She now resides in Washington, D.C.

"With Kiki onboard, we are taking our agency game to the next level at a time when the business of Washington is wielding more influence for all our clients worldwide," said Gary Stockman , chief executive officer of Porter Novelli . "We were founded in Washington, D.C., and Kiki's arrival will mark a new era, at a time when public affairs is high on the list of requirements for so many of the world's leading brands."

Porter Novelli was aided in its search to replace Tieger and its selection of McLean by Pepper Binner at Korn/Ferry International.