Waggener Edstrom Worldwide (WE) has added Suzanne Zurn as VP/digital advocacy in the D.C., office, effective July 9. The role has a public affairs focus, and Zurn will report directly to Nadina Guglielmetti, WE’s VP/digital consulting.
Zurn brings a wealth of experience spanning traditional and digital communications, grassroots campaigns, agency accounts, fundraising, public affairs, and business development. Over a 15-year career, she has become a trusted advisor on using digital strategies to inform, educate and engage the public on public policy issues.
“Suzanne is a vibrant, visible personality whose vast depth and breadth of experience make her a perfect fit for our practice. She shares our expertise and passion for influence, and we anticipate she will quickly make a huge impact for our clients,” Guglielmetti said.
Zurn most recently worked at Washington, D.C.-based Xenophon Strategies, where she was responsible for leading the agency’s expansion of social media offerings and Web services, and directed online initiatives for public affairs campaigns. Previously she served in leadership positions at political communication firms, as communications director at The George Washington University, and on the campaign staffs of Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., and Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan.
Her consulting experience includes developing strategic plans and managing campaigns to influence policymakers, the media and the public. Notable clients have included ExxonMobil Corp., Southwest Airlines Corp., Anheuser-Busch Companies Inc., Air Transport Association of America Inc., Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, American Academy of Family Physicians, Associated General Contractors of New York State and AOL Inc.
Her work has been recognized with awards from the Public Relations Society of America (including the Silver Anvil for best PA campaign in 2009), the American Association of Political Consultants, the Public Affairs Council, and the National Conference for Political Involvement Professionals. She is a member of several boards and organizations, including currently serving on the board of directors for Women in Government Relations. She is also a prominent and active speaker at industry conferences; most recently, she shared her insights on using social media in issue campaigns at this year’s American Association of Political Consultants conference.
Zurn is an alumna of The George Washington University (master of arts, political management), The American University (Campaign Management Institute), and Washburn University (bachelor of arts, cum laude, communication studies and political science). She lives in Virginia with her husband and son.