I’m pleased to announce that Kevin Chaffee, veteran journalist and nationally-respected expert on Washington’s political and social power structure, has joined Qorvis as a senior adviser. Chaffee will apply his unique skills and significant connections to help clients navigate the complex and interacting levels of Washington. He will also advise in the development of communications and events strategies.

In bringing Chaffee to Qorvis Michael Petruzzello, the firm’s founder and managing partner, said: “A significant part of what Qorvis does is help our clients navigate Washington. Kevin will add a new dimension to that service, bringing tremendous knowledge and experience with the media and the Washington social/political community.”

Chaffee’s extensive journalistic background includes 17 years as an editor and writer at The Washington Times, where he wrote more than 2,000 articles on the social and arts scenes in the nation’s capital, and three years as senior editor of Washington Life Magazine, where he will remain on the masthead as an editorial consultant.

“I’m thrilled to join Qorvis,” Chaffee said. “Qorvis has a reputation in Washington for its dynamic leadership and impressive list of clients. I look forward to employing the experience and knowledge I gained over the years to Qorvis’ client roster.”

In discussing the new hire, Michael also pointed out that as Qorvis heads into its eleventh year, there has been a significant pattern of growth in bringing aboard new accounts and experienced team members like Chaffee. In addition to adding four new partners earlier this year, we’ve hired more than a dozen new staffers to service clients and keep up with the expanding realms of digital, branding, public affairs, media relations, and online reputation management.

There are many more positions available. If you’re interested in joining our rapidly growing firm, please contact Jessica Bayer at jbayer@qorvis.com.

On Wednesday, Qorvis hosted 15 business students from the University of Arizona to learn more about the integrated communications world. Jessica Bayer led the two-hour conversation focused on the ins and outs of communications, as well as provided advice on getting a job in DC. Chuck Conconi joined the conversation to share some real world examples of his experience with international clients and as a veteran journalist. The students asked a number of smart questions—mostly, as expected, about the job market. As always, we’re pleased to be meeting with great young minds, and we learn as much from their insights about the world as they do from us.

To usher in the week, this morning’s staff meeting featured an amazing performance of by Grace Fenstermaker (on the flute) and Madeleine Jansen (on the violin), who played Vivaldi’s “La Primavera.” They accompanied our announcement of the monthly Letter of Qommendation winners:

• Greg Hudson—for his timely video production work and creative thinking.
• Erica Flint—for her impressive, easy going, can-do attitude.
• Megan Kirkpatrick—for her outstanding job a number of high-profile projects.
• Stefan Nagey—for his leadership making the creative team stronger and more capable.
• Robel Kassa—for his ability to step up last minute and deliver quality work.
• RJ Pittman—for his “mind-blowing” work and ability to meet tight deadlines.

Such musical performances are not rare at Qorvis—as we have an incredibly talented staff; however, Grace and Madeleine certainly have raised the bar for future performers.

For college journalism/communications majors looking toward graduation, this is a confusing, even frightening time. There is much uncertainty out there. That’s why when I spoke yesterday to a group of Miami of Ohio University students at Qorvis, I was impressed with the demeanor, intelligence and seeming unconcern they had about their employment prospects. They are part of an Inside Washington, Miami University of Ohio program that introduces them to the nation’s capital by having them meet and talk with political leaders as well as journalists and communications’ professionals.

They are aware of the tight job market for journalists. From the thoughtful questions they asked, however, they clearly are focusing on the art of effective communications. They are well aware of the rapidly changing information environment and asked about the impact of social media and where technology is going. They want to know what to expect and how to master what exists and what is coming.

I pointed out that at Qorvis, understanding and effectively using every aspect of the Internet and social media world has become one of the most important communications areas of service to our clients. There are specialists on the Qorvis staff that constantly keep up with rapidly advancing technologies. Where all of this world of blogs and social networking will go is anyone’s guess, but I found reassuring that it was premier on the minds of the Miami students.

As a veteran journalist, I felt on more solid ground when I said that one of the key factors in being a good communicator in journalism, public relations, or in any other profession, is the ability to write. I said I am appalled at the number of young college graduates who don’t keep up with the news and who show little interest in writing.

At Qorvis, we are so concerned about writing that we regularly bring in journalists who teach on the college level to lecture and teach effective, clear writing. Even many of the writing veterans on the staff found it refreshing and informative to talk about writing and to brush up on what they can do.

I also mentioned our company’s “Qorvis University“ program in which language, political science, even fun things like wine lectures, are offered to make our employees confident and sophisticated working in a demanding environment like Washington, DC. For that, I explained, they needed to keep up on the news events of the world and that it isn’t keeping up with the news by relying on information from the Colbert Report.

The Miami University group was impressive and asked insightful, informed questions, some I found hard to answer. This is a group that will not have to worry about employment prospects when they go out into the market place.