Scott Widmeyer, alumnus and sponsor of the West Virginia University P.I. Reed School of Journalism (SOJ) Widmeyer Communications Professor of Public Relations, will collaborate with New York City’s top leaders on major issues facing the city as a new member of the prestigious David Rockefeller Fellows Program.
Widmeyer, a 1975 graduate of the SOJ and visiting committee member, will have the opportunity to participate in a series of working sessions on strengthening corporate citizenship. Previous sessions have included Mayor Michael Bloomberg, News Corp. Chairman Rupert Murdoch and Time Warner Chairman Richard Parsons.
“I am delighted to have this opportunity to delve into the city’s most important issues and to roll up my sleeves alongside such distinguished individuals,” said Widmeyer, a member of the fellowship’s class of 2007-08. “As someone with a background in issue-driven communications and public affairs, I am especially looking forward to talking about how, as corporate leaders, we can better reach and engage New York citizens on issues that really matter, such as education, the environment, health care and human rights.”
“We’re so proud of Scott for this achievement,” SOJ Dean Maryanne Reed said. “This honor validates his commitment to using his professional expertise to improve the lives of others.”
The fellows program was established in 1989 and is sponsored by the Partnership for New York City. Nearly 190 top executives have completed the program. Executives participate in working sessions with New York’s top corporate, nonprofit and government leaders to discuss city issues and explore opportunities to work in partnership with public and nonprofit organizations to support the city.
“Scott will be a terrific addition to this year’s class of fellows,” said U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, whose uncle, David Rockefeller, is the namesake of the program. “I know that Scott will bring the same thoughtful insight to the program as he did when he was my press secretary years ago.”
Widmeyer, who is originally from Martinsburg, has provided strategic counsel to numerous decisionmakers including presidents, governors, chief executive officers and union leaders for more than 25 years. His work has earned Widmeyer Communications the reputation as a change agent for the public policy issues that matter most to America.
Widmeyer Communications is an independent full-service firm with offices in Washington and New York. It offers public affairs, media relations, corporate communications, research, crisis and risk communications and advertising and design services to corporate, nonprofit and government clients.