ColdSpark, the award-winning Pittsburgh-based marketing, advertising and consulting firm, has expanded its business portfolio with the addition of a public relations department designed to serve business and non-profit clients with a full range of communications services including media relations, strategic planning, crisis communications, reputation management and community relations.
“While campaigns and elections remain a vital component of our business model, our expertise is an inherent fit for non-political clients as well,” said founding partner Mark Harris. “Both current and prospective clients have shown an interest in public relations services, and we are eager to further develop our offerings to better suit their needs.”
The firm debuts its public relations department with the addition of Darice Nagy, an experienced public relations professional whose background includes work at major public relations firms and editorial experience with Hearst Publishing. Most recently, Nagy opened her own, successful one-woman PR shop before joining ColdSpark.
“Darice has an impressive record of success in the public relations field, and her list of contacts and industry experience is deeply impressive,” said Mike DeVanney, co-founder of ColdSpark. “Her ability to craft a persuasive narrative, engage with both local and national media, and her experience with clients in a variety of industries adds a significant amount of fresh expertise that will benefit our clients.”
Nagy previously served on the board of PRSA Pittsburgh as the Programming Director at Largeas well as the Public Relations Chair of Pittsburgh Young Professionals. She is a founding member and served three consecutive terms as President of Ad2 Pittsburgh– the Pittsburgh chapter of the young professional organization of the American Advertising Federation. She currently sits on the board of the Pittsburgh Advertising Federation as its communications chair.
In addition, the firm announced the hire of Ryan Reynolds to its political consulting team as vice president. Reynolds will be based in ColdSpark’s Washington, D.C. office.
“Ryan brings an impressive array of experience in politics and advocacy, having managed many high-level races for U.S. Senate, House, and critical state-level campaigns around the country,” said Harris. “We are extremely lucky to have him on our team, and look forward to the continued growth of our D.C. office via Ryan’s extensive knowledge and background.”
Most recently, Reynolds served as campaign manager for Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, winning his U.S. Senate primary election during a highly competitive, six-way, nationally followed race. Through his experience leading tough campaigns, he has built a unique skill set for organizing political and advocacy operations that lead to victory.
Prior to serving on the Morrisey campaign, he was vice president at WPAi research, where he oversaw campaigns across the country—including races in his home state of Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Nevada, New Jersey, Kansas, Washington state, and Colorado.
