FORMER CLINTON CAMPAIGN MEDIA DIRECTOR JOINS THE RLJ COMPANIES

BETHESDA, MD// SEPTEMBER 9, 2008  Traci Otey Blunt, a veteran media, political and public affairs specialist, has joined The RLJ Companies as vice president of communications and public affairs.

Blunt, who was a deputy communications director for Senator Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, has more than 15-years experience working on political campaigns and leading public relations efforts for major corporate and non-profit organizations.   

"We are excited to have Traci join The RLJ Companies because she brings a wealth of communications and public affairs experience that cut across many of the sectors within the company,” said Lisa Pickrum, Chief Operating Officer. “Given Traci’s background in communications, strategic planning and public affairs, she will be a tremendous asset to RLJ.”

Blunt has counseled local, state, and federal political candidates and elected officials in Tennessee and the District of Columbia. Prior to joining the Clinton campaign, Blunt served as a vice president and deputy director for the multicultural practice at Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide in DC.  She is a graduate of Tennessee State University.

“I’m looking forward to experiencing new challenges at The RLJ Companies,” Blunt said. “We are in an extraordinary information age in which multiple communications vehicles are available around the clock.  We will utilize a broad range of tools to further strengthen The RLJ Companies brand and deliver important messages to key audiences.  I’m proud to join this exceptional team and distinguished organization that Mr. Johnson has built.”

The RLJ Companies, founded by Robert L. Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television, is a diverse portfolio of companies in the financial services, asset management, real estate, hospitality, professional sports, film production, and gaming industries.  An innovative business network, The RLJ Companies seeks to target undiscovered or underserved markets; then exercise solid management to achieve results.  The RLJ Companies is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, with operations in Charlotte, Los Angeles, Florida, and Puerto Rico.

For more information please email: press@rljcompanies.com