Veteran Strategist Bill Burton Joins SKDKnickerbocker, Leads Expansion into California

January 28, 2015 – Washington, D.C. – SKDKnickerbocker, a leading strategic communications, public relations, political consulting and advertising firm, announced today the hiring of Bill Burton and the opening of a new California office.

Burton, a veteran Democratic strategist, will be joining the firm as a managing director in SKDKnickerbocker Los Angeles.  He was among the first hires on President Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign, working as the national press secretary and then serving as White House deputy press secretary during Obama’s first term.  Burton then co-founded and served as senior strategist for Priorities USA Action, a super PAC dedicated to re-electing Obama that raised more than $90 million.  Most recently, he has served as an adviser to and strategist for corporations, Fortune 500 companies and nonprofits.

“As Santa Barbaran Katy Perry says, ‘nothing comes close to the golden coast,’ which is why I am proud to open SKDKnickerbocker’s California office,” said Burton, who has already relocated to California. “SKDKnickerbocker is a dynamic firm with the deepest understanding for public relations, media and changing political landscapes.  I look forward to expanding our presence in California.”

“Bill is a smart and savvy strategist who has considerable experience working in the highest levels of government, media and political campaigns,” said Anita Dunn, managing director of SKDKnickerbocker. “He will be a tremendous asset in serving our clients and launching our new California practice. We couldn’t be happier that he is joining SKDKnickerbocker.”

SKDKnickerbocker executives have a range of experience in California politics and the entertainment and technology industries.  The firm has worked with large entertainment companies including HBO, The Walt Disney Company and the Motion Picture Association of America, startups such as Cuyana, and tech leaders such as Palantir.  Managing director Hilary Rosen spent 17 years working in the entertainment industry as chairman and CEO of the Recording Industry Association of America and later worked with clients such as Live Nation, Facebook and Yahoo.  Managing director Karen Olick was chief of staff to Sen. Barbara Boxer for more than a decade.

“We are excited to be expanding our firm and growing our team with a new office in California,” said Josh Isay, managing director of SKDKnickerbocker.  “Bill has been in California frequently for the past decade and since moving there two years ago has broadened his extensive political, corporate and community relationships in the state.  Bill will extend our presence in California by bringing SKDKnickerbocker’s unprecedented capabilities and experience managing a crisis, protecting a brand, advocating an issue and winning elections.”