FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  Renate Geerlings
rgeerlings@qorvis.com
202-255-2744

QORVIS ANNOUNCES NEW HIRES TO COMPLEMENT GROWTH
Qorvis Rises To Sixth-Largest Independent Public Relations Firm in U.S.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 31, 2008 – Qorvis Communications, one of the largest and fastest growing independent communications firms in the United States, announced today a series of new hires in recent months to complement new business growth. In addition, on March 10, Qorvis rose to sixth largest independent public relations firm in the United States as ranked by O’Dwyer’s. 

“Qorvis was built on three pillars—public affairs, marketing and financial communications; so we have a strong foundation to pursue growth regardless of the business climate,” said Managing Partner Michael Petruzzello. “With consistent expansion in advertising, new media and crisis communications, among other areas, we’re proud to add our new talent to the Qorvis family—and there’s more to come.”

The 14 new positions include:

Rick Silipigni, Managing Director, was hired to manage Qorvis’ growing new business development. He was most recently the founding director of sales and business development for Red Zebra Broadcasting, a fully-integrated multi-media marketing platform for the Washington Redskins.

Laura Wooster Baldwin, Senior Director, lends her extensive experience in media relations, branding and messaging, customer and member programs and marketing to technology-focused companies and associations. Previously, she filled in-house communications roles at Appian, Cybertrust and AMS.

Jessica Ferko and Shane Colella, both Directors, were hired to work on Qorvis’ expanding creative services roster, which includes Smithsonian Folk Life, Kennedy Krieger, Rosslyn Business Improvement District and The Bozzuto Group.

The public relations ranking publisher O’Dwyer Company moved Qorvis up on its Top-10 independent public relations firms list to the sixth spot, reflecting the more than 20 percent growth Qorvis experienced in 2007. Major new clients in 2007 included Keep America Beautiful, the Virginia Lottery, the Digital Media Association, VisualCV and MedImmune. In 2008, Qorvis has won several contracts including the American Cable Association, Wireless Innovation Alliance and Career College Association.

Joining Qorvis on the senior associate level are Seth Erves, Jennifer Wood, David Mayorga, and Katie Young. New associates in recent months include Emily Mathis, Zeinab Mohtadi, Joshua Hillebrand, Sarabeth Patch and Kathleen Barr. Jennifer Orlick has also joined as a new billing accountant.

About Qorvis
Qorvis Communications is one of the nation’s largest independent communications firms.  Formed in August 2000, Qorvis has offices in Washington, DC and McLean, VA. Qorvis provides its clients with expertise in the areas of advertising, public and media relations, marketing communications, Internet campaigns, investor and financial relations, public affairs, grassroots and research and opinion surveys. For more information, visit www.qorvis.com.