"We are genuinely thrilled that Cindy will join forces with our firm on select projects that will utilize the best of her knowledge, ability and contacts while retaining her independence," said Ron Sachs.

Ron Sachs Communications Announces Cindy O'Connell
Will Affiliate with Firm

Veteran PR consultant will collaborate on sustainable energy, higher education and other projects

December 22, 2009

TALLAHASSEE - Ron Sachs Communications today announced that veteran PR professional Cindy O'Connell will enter into a strategic alliance with the firm, focused on energy, higher education and other priority areas.

An accomplished communications professional, Cindy O'Connell, CEO of O'Connell Consulting, has served as Senior Vice President/General Manager for Hill & Knowlton's Tallahassee office, which she opened for the firm five years ago. Previously, she was general manager for Weber Shandwick Tallahassee. Among her career highlights, O'Connell launched the first statewide ATM network in Florida, served on the executive start-up team for the Florida Lottery, and promoted Florida in three Olympic Games: the 1996 Centennial Games in Atlanta, the 1998 Nagano Winter Games in Japan, and the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney, Australia.

"We are genuinely thrilled that Cindy will join forces with our firm on select projects that will utilize the best of her knowledge, ability and contacts while retaining her independence," said Ron Sachs, president of Ron Sachs Communications. "Cindy brings with her a wealth of professional and life experience and a sincere commitment to the causes she has tirelessly championed over the years."

Cindy O'Connell led efforts to support and sustain Florida Blue Key (FBK), the University of Florida's nationally renowned student leadership honorary organization. She was instrumental in the development of the Stephen C. O'Connell Supreme Court Reading Room, a facility at the heart of the newly expanded Lawton Chiles Information Center at the UF Levin College of Law. O'Connell is a 2001 inaugural member of the UF Board of Trustees. She also serves on the Boards of the Florida Economics Club, Florida Tax Watch, the O'Connell Society and on the executive committee of The Florida House, Florida's Embassy in Washington, D.C. and is a graduate of Leadership Florida.

While at H&K, O'Connell worked to restore the luster to two private colleges, Loyola in New Orleans and Dillard University after their campuses were ravaged by Hurricane Katrina. She provided crisis communication support and rolled out a revitalized brand image to strengthen student enrollment numbers.

"I have had wonderful experiences and have built a network of relationships that I cherish," O'Connell said. "It's exciting to have this new opportunity to work with such a notable firm that shares so many of my beliefs and interests."

O'Connell also farms her 139 acre ranch in Leon County, using sustainable agricultural practices, and is a senior advisor to CCP Energy LLC, a renewable energy development company with research ties to several national universities, congressional districts and conservatories. O'Connell is advising CCP Energy with its Clean Community Partnership and Clean Community Sustainability Institute Programs, which focus on creating public private partnerships that foster the growth of green jobs and clean energy development.

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Ron Sachs Communications is Florida's leading public affairs communications firm, building public and opinion leader support for issues of local, state and regional importance. Ron Sachs Communications is based in Tallahassee with offices in Central Florida. For more information, please visit www.ronsachs.com. Cindy O'Connell can also be reached at cindyoc@oconnellconsulting.com.