Ubben Named Partner At Sachs Communications, Wark and Banfill Become Vice Presidents

December 11, 2006

TALLAHASSEE - Michelle Ubben, longtime executive vice president at Ron Sachs Communications, one of Florida's top-ranked public relations firms and one of the top 100 firms in the country, today was named Partner and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the 11-year-old firm based in Florida's capital.

"Michelle is a brilliant communicator, strategist and manager who has taken the lead in guiding the development of our great staff and the continued growth of our firm," said Ron Sachs, president. "Her unparalleled leadership skills are integral to our success - and she both inspires and awes all of us who feel privileged to work with her and to call her 'friend.' She has earned a reputation as the best in our field - and I am proud to have her as my partner."

Ubben, a graduate of the University of Central Florida and Florida State University, joined the firm in 1998 as a consultant and quickly rose to the rank of vice president, and then executive vice president. Her eight years of public relations agency management experience and 14 years of senior-level service for state government agencies provided the background for her to flourish at Sachs Communications. Before joining the firm, Ubben directed communications for the Department of Children and Families, Health and Rehabilitative Services, Agriculture and Consumer Services, Insurance and the Florida Senate. She also was a reporter for the Orlando Sentinel and has taught speechwriting at Florida State University. Earlier this year, she was a national finalist for PR Agency Executive of the Year.

John Wark and Ryan Banfill, both senior account managers, have been named vice presidents. Wark, who joined the firm in 2000, was a longtime reporter for the Orlando Sentinel, served as the Tampa Tribune's Capital Bureau Chief and was a Pulitzer Prize finalist. As vice president, he will be actively involved in new business development and strategic planning. Banfill, who joined the firm in 2005, previously served as staff director of the Florida Senate Minority Office and press secretary and speechwriter for Gov. Lawton Chiles. He also has been promoted to vice president, with major responsibility for public relations team management.

"John and Ryan have demonstrated dynamic leadership skills that help to distinguish us with the strongest management team anywhere in the Florida public relations world," said Sachs. "They will be directly involved in our continued growth and a commitment to excellence for all of our clients."

With offices in Orlando, Jacksonville and South Florida, Ron Sachs Communications is Florida's top issues and corporate marketing firm and the leading independent producer of public purpose television programming and public initiatives. As one of Florida's fastest growing communications firms, Sachs Communications offers integrated public relations services including media relations, video and multi-media production, public affairs support, advertising and design development, public education initiatives and marketing.

To find out more about Ron Sachs Communications, please visit www.ronsachs.com or call (850) 222-1996.