2008-10-02 02:16:02 -
- Burson-Marsteller has appointed Mike Lake Chair of its U.S. Public Affairs Practice, the firm announced today. Lake will assume responsibility for a practice with nearly 100 professionals working across eight U.S. offices. The practice also includes some the firm's largest clients. Lake is currently Chairman for Burson-Marsteller's U.S. Southwest region and will continue in that post.
He will work closely with Patrick Ford, U.S. President & CEO and Josh Gottheimer, Executive Vice President Worldwide and Global Chair of the Public Affairs Practice, to continue to grow this thriving practice.
"We are thrilled to have Mike at the helm of our U.S. Public Affairs Practice," said Gottheimer. "He brings extensive national political experience and is an expert in
several areas that present the largest challenges and opportunities for our public affairs clients."
For more than two decades, Lake has been engaged in public policy and advocacy advertising campaigns and has also managed some of the agency's most visible crisis communications assignments. He has led successful client programs for public and private companies, industry groups and governments.
"Mike is the perfect fit for our public affairs practice," said Ford. "His outstanding leadership skills and his tremendous passion have always been huge assets to the firm and will continue to serve our clients well in this new role."
During his time as Chairman for the U.S. Southwest region, Lake has overseen the opening of three offices, Austin, Dallas and Houston. Before joining Burson-Marsteller, Lake launched BSMG Worldwide's public affairs practice in the Southwest, U.S. BSMG merged with PR firm Weber Shandwick in 2000. Earlier in his career, Lake served as the Director of Campaign Event Operations for Bush-Quayle in 1988.
Prior to joining the Bush-Quayle campaign, Lake was the Director of Candidate Operations for the "Dole for President" campaign. Lake also served in the White House from 1984 to 1988. As Staff Assistant to President Reagan, he worked as the primary liaison between the White House and organizations ranging from foreign governments to town councils. Prior to his White House experience, Lake served as Assistant Press Secretary to Senator Pete Wilson (R-CA).
"After 10 years at Burson-Marsteller, I am excited about this new challenge," said Lake. "We have a strong public affairs practice and I look forward to working with our team on its continued growth and strong commitment to excellent client service."
Lake holds a bachelor's degree in economics from California State University, Fullerton. He is president of the Advisory Board of the SMU School of Communications and Public Affairs and is a member of the Dallas Press Club, Texas Association of Business, Dallas Friday Group and PRSA.
About Burson-Marsteller
Burson-Marsteller (www.burson-marsteller.com), established in 1953, is a leading global public relations and communications firm. It provides clients with strategic thinking and program execution across a full range of public relations, public affairs, advertising and web-related services. The firm's seamless worldwide network consists of 71 wholly-owned offices and 58 affiliate offices, together operating in 83 countries across six continents. Burson-Marsteller is a part of Young & Rubicam Brands, a subsidiary of WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY), one of the world's leading communications services networks.
Burson-Marsteller
Elizabeth Vicenzino, 212-614-5244
elizabeth.vicenzino@bm.com 
