PC Public Affairs, a top-ranked public relations and public affairs firm serving the Capital Region, has added two communications professionals with more than 50 years of combined experience to its growing staff, naming Andrew Rush as an Associate Partner and Michael Bucci as its Director of Public Relations and Public Affairs.
The additions of Rush and Bucci will allow the firm to meet the needs of its expanding client roster and both will be integral to efforts to grow the firm in 2020 and beyond.
Andre Claridge, Managing Partner of PC Public Affairs, said, “I have known both Andrew and Mike for many years and I’m excited to add two people to our firm who have the exceptional ability to drill down to the heart of any issue, and communicate the most complex matters in a way that anyone could understand. Over the years I have frequently said that if I was ever in a position to bring either of them onto my team, I would. Thanks to strong client growth, that opportunity is here, and we are thrilled to bring both Andrew and Michael on board.”
Rush was most recently the Director of Public Affairs at Mower and brings more than 20 years of communications experience to PC Public Affairs. As a seasoned strategist, Andrew understands not only how and when to execute communication tactics, but he expertly designs strategic platforms that reach the right audiences at the right time to position our clients with the greatest opportunity for success.
Andrew has deep experience energy communications, leading public outreach and communication strategies for solar and wind farms, natural gas pipelines, energy trade associations, and overhead and buried electric transmission projects. He also brings deep experience in crisis communications, media training, and frequently presents to groups, associations, and businesses regarding crisis communications planning.
Formerly, Andrew served as the Director of Communications at the Life Insurance Council of New York, Director of Media Services and Public Affairs at the New York Bar Association, and as a Deputy Press Secretary to Governor George E. Pataki. He is a graduate of the State University of New York at Albany.
Michael brings nearly three decades of communications, governmental administration, organizational management and marketing experience to PC Public Affairs. In his role, Michael will be responsible for developing innovative and targeted communications strategies to further the public policy and organizational interests of a wide variety of clients across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors.
“I’m excited to be working with Andre and the PC Public Affairs team again,” said Michael. “Over the years, I’ve worked with nearly everyone in the organization at one time or another. The firm truly has a family feel, it is a small shop with high caliber assets that punch above their weight class. Andre has assembled a team that compliments one another in experience, talent, and personality – a winning combination. I knew when the position was offered that I had to join the team on their journey.”
Mr. Bucci served in a number of senior management positions in the healthcare, communications, and retail industries – including Time Warner Cable and Fidelis Care – where he directed public relations and community outreach programs. Mr. Bucci also served as the Deputy Communications Director of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.
