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Bio:

Richard S. Levick, Esq., the President and CEO of Levick Strategic Communications, is a pioneer in crisis and litigation communications.
 
Under his leadership, the firm has set new standards in global communications and brand protection for countries, corporations, and major institutions. On a daily basis, Mr. Levick’s prestigious team of professionals spearheads many of the world’s highest-profile campaigns – including the recent spinach, pet food, and toy recalls; the merger of global financial markets; bet-the-company financial matters and regulatory actions; and a number of the most important public affairs matters arising out of the Middle East.
 
Mr. Levick is also one of the communications industry’s most important thought leaders. In countless articles, prime time national and international television interviews, personal presentations, university commencement addresses, and books, he has powerfully underscored the strategic initiatives that companies and countries must take in today’s increasingly perilous environment.
 
Mr. Levick and his firm have published acclaimed books, including Stop the Presses: The Crisis and Litigation PR Desk Reference (now in its second edition); Inside/Outside: How Businesses Buy Legal Services; and 365 Marketing Meditations. He regularly addresses corporate boards as well as industry and government leaders around the world on their most pressing communications and reputation management challenges. To date, he has delivered keynote speeches and major addresses in more than 20 countries and throughout North America.
 
In addition, Levick Strategic Communications has represented more than half of the 100 largest law firms in America and over one-third of the 100 largest in the world -- building and implementing professional marketing campaigns as well as working alongside attorneys on the most sensitive cases for their highest-profile clients. Levick was the acknowledged change agent in the legal profession, transforming how law firms publicly talk about themselves and their high profile litigation. In recognition of this achievement, he was made a Fellow of the College of Law Practice Management, one of only roughly 200 members admitted worldwide.
 
In 2006, Mr. Levick was named Public Relations Professional of the Year for U.S. Agencies and inducted into the PR News Hall of Fame for lifetime achievement, joining a select rank of communications professionals who have permanently changed their industry.
 
He and his firm have been honored with multiple professional awards, including Crisis Agency of the Year by the Holmes Report; Top Crisis Management Firm by PRNews; Top Litigation Communications Firm by PRNews; Top Firm to Watch by PR Week; and top Food & Beverage Crisis Communications Firm by O’Dwyer’s Newsletter.
 
To foster the development of future industry leaders, Mr. Levick sponsors numerous educational programs and resources, including scholarship programs at two universities. A past Director of American University's School of Public Affairs Leadership Program, Mr. Levick currently teaches a graduate course in crisis communications at Georgetown University in Washington, DC.
 
Mr. Levick holds a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies from the University of Maryland, a Masters of Science in Environmental Advocacy (Communications) from the University of Michigan, and a Juris Doctor degree from American University's Washington College of Law.
 
An avid lacrosse and soccer fan who enjoys reading history and biographies, Mr. Levick resides in suburban Washington, DC, with his wife and two children.