Portland expands strategic expertise to U.S operation

Portland expands strategic expertise to U.S operation

Portland has expanded its strategic communications counsel and media expertise in its Washington and New York offices with the additions of Noah Black and Eric Schultz

Portland strengthens their existing strategic communications and reputation work with the addition of Black who joins Portland’s Washington office as Director. Black will counsel clients on communications strategies to support advocacy efforts, regulatory and legislative goals, brand positioning, stakeholder engagement and reputation programs. He is an experienced strategic communications counselor and has led integrated campaigns for a range of international entities and companies.

Black joins Portland from the Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities (APSCU), where he served as Vice President of Public Affairs and advised the Association’s leadership and board of directors. He previously served as communications counselor and lead digital strategist at The Harbour Group where he  ran communications and reputational campaigns for venture capital funded start-ups, trade associations, established companies, and international governments. Black has a Dual Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Interdisciplinary Studies from The American University. He will report to David MacKay, Partner and General Manager, Portland U.S., based in Washington, DC.

Schultz joins the New York office as Portland’s Senior U.S. Media Strategist and Associate Director. An experienced broadcast journalist, Schultz will advise Portland’s clients on communications strategy and media outreach.  He will leverage his extensive national broadcast network to advance client agendas through direct outreach to key decision-makers at international, national and local media outlets.  Schultz will work with Portland’s clients on framing their narrative for national media engagement, as well as provide them with specialized media training.

Schultz produced live broadcasts including MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” CNBC’s “Halftime Report,” Bloomberg’s “The Pulse,” and WNYW’s “Good Day New York” during his 13 year career in television.  He is a graduate of the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.  Schultz will report to Sebastian Schwark, Director, based in New York City.

The additions of Black and Schultz further solidifies Portland U.S.’s credentials and experience at a time when clients in multiple countries are looking for communications counsel that transcends borders.

Managing Director, Tim Allan said on the appointments:

“Noah brings another proven thought leader in the communications world to Portland.  His experience working with diverse range of clients will provide the firm with an innovative presence to provide strategic counsel and strategy. His ambition for taking on complex challenges and developing comprehensive communications solutions will help Portland continue its already impressive growth trajectory in the U.S.”

“Eric’s editorial experience shaping live news coverage and working with world leaders, sports stars, and national newsmakers makes him a great fit to our team. Our clients will benefit from his expertise and engagement with media at all levels.”

David MacKay said on the appointments:

“Our strong U.S. team is growing to meet the needs of corporate clients, coalitions, NGOs, foreign governments, non-profits and foundations. Our Washington office and our clients will benefit from Noah’s insights as an experienced communicator who understands how to envision, build and implement innovative communications programs that support brand building agendas for any entity.”

“Eric’s experience in the newsroom provides an invaluable perspective to Portland.  He’s been in middle of high level decision making at several broadcast networks, and now he’ll be able to take those experiences straight to our U.S. and international clients.  His insight and connections will give them an inside track on media focus, strategy and timing.  This will give our clients a leg up on their competitors as they compete not just for media visibility, but the right kind of media coverage.”

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