HAWTHORN GROUP PROMOTES SCOTT BARKER TO SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Hawthorn Group Chairman and CEO John Ashford today announced that Hawthorn Vice President Scott Barker has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Communications. Barker’s more than 20 years of experience includes political campaign, government, corporate and agency work.

Barker was one of the first innovators in the use of digital media and is recognized for designing communications and grassroots programs that effectively integrate web-based tactics with traditional communications.

“During his time at Hawthorn, Scott has done a tremendous job helping our clients achieve their goals through the design and implementation of award-winning grassroots programs,” Ashford said. “In addition, his work has helped keep Hawthorn and its clients on the cutting edge in the area of social media and digital communications.”

Barker joined the Hawthorn Group in 2007. Previously, he worked for nine years as a strategist for Triad Communication, a communication agency specializing in digital solutions.

He also served in various communications positions for the Republican National Committee (RNC), including field advisor to GOP state parties, assistant press secretary and speechwriter to the chair and co-chair of the RNC. During his time at the RNC, he pioneered an electronic bulletin board for use by the state parties.

He also served in the George H.W. Bush administration as communications specialist to the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, creating campaigns to promote the department’s initiatives through earned and paid media.  Following his time at HHS, Barker went to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida where he created and managed a grassroots network that successfully advocated on health care issues at the state and national level.

Barker’s programs have won awards from the Public Affairs Council and National Conference of Political Involvement Professionals.

Founded in 1992, the Hawthorn Group is an international public affairs company specializing in heavily regulated industries including beverage, electric utility, energy, finance and security.

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