Communications and Government Relations Veteran Connie Partoyan Joins Direct Impact

Direct Impact, a leading national grassroots public affairs, public education and corporate reputation firm and a wholly owned subsidiary of Burson-Marsteller, announced the addition of Connie Partoyan as Executive Vice President. Partoyan previously served as Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and has held positions for a wide variety of corporate and government organizations. As Executive Vice President, she will serve as a senior leader on the company’s new business development team and will provide campaign strategy for its existing clientele.

Partoyan has extensive experience in managing communications campaigns, building grassroots coalitions and providing counsel for senior executives and Members of Congress. She has served as Chief of Staff to Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers, as well as to Congressman Rick White, and as Counselor and Senior Advisor for the Department of Commerce/Technology Administration, where she promoted the Administration’s technology agenda.

Her work in the private sector includes positions as Government Affairs Counselor for Preston Gates Ellis & Rouvelas Meeds, where she worked on healthcare, technology, nanotech, telecom and defense industry issues; as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for TechNet, where she developed long-term political, policy and growth strategy for the organization; and as Director of Communications for the Information Technology Industry Council, where she worked to enhance the public policy agenda of the technology trade association representing 28 of the largest IT companies.

“Connie will be a tremendous asset to DI, from both an operational and strategic standpoint,” said Dave DenHerder, CEO of Direct Impact. “Her vast experience in the public affairs and political arenas will add depth and expertise to our already strong team.”