Former Podesta Group CEO launches new firm

By THEODORIC MEYER

11/16/2017 05:13 PM EST

Kimberley Fritts, the Podesta Group’s longtime chief executive, has launched a new lobbying shop, she said on Thursday.

Tony Podesta stepped down as the Podesta Group’s chairman last month and tapped Fritts as his successor. But negotiations with Podesta to turn over control of the firm broke down, and Fritts quit last week, saying she’d start a new firm instead.

Many of the Podesta Group’s top lobbyists are following Fritts to the new firm, Cogent Strategies, along with at least 15 clients, according to a person familiar with the firm’s plans. Fritts is still looking for office space for the firm.

“Cogent Strategies will bring together an incomparable group of strategists who will continue grow and innovate to enhance advocacy efforts,” Fritts said in a statement. “I’m excited to assemble and grow a team that will deliver winning results for clients.”

More:

https://www.politico.com/story/2017/11/16/podesta-group-ceo-kimberley-fritts-new-lobbying-firm-245557

Now we need to find out why he was in HK

Snowden's Embattled Investigator Hires DC Firm

Tue., Dec. 3, 2013

By Kevin McCauley

U.S. Investigations Services, the background check operation that vetted former Booz Allen & Hamilton whistleblower Edward Snowden, has hired Podesta Group to handle oversight and legislation related to government security clearance processes.

USIS, which handles about two-thirds of federal checks, is fighting to remain on Uncle Sam’s payroll.

A federal grand jury is probing whether it rushed background checks without the proper investigation, while the Justice Dept. has joined in a separate whistleblower case in which the company is charged with cutting corners. Congressional Republicans and Democrats have called for investigations into the Snowden mess.

USIS claims it has overhauled management and heightened security measures following the allegations. The federal Office of Personnel Management, which has oversight of the federal security clearance system, had given USIS a clean bill of health.

Well-connected Democrat Tony Podesta heads Team ISIS, which includes David Marin, ex-press secretary for Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA); Josh Holly, former communications director for the House Armed Services Committee; Andrew Kauders, ex-senior advisor to Sen. Bobby Menendez (D-NJ); Lauren Maddox, deputy secretary for former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, and Michael Quaranta, ex-chief of staff to Rep. Michael Castle (D-DE).

Sard Verbinnen & Co is advising USIS on the PR front.

https://www.odwyerpr.com/story/public/1530/2013-12-03/snowdens-embattled-investigator-hires-dc-firm.html