Beckerman Announces New Hire

Rob Manfredo Joins Fast-Growing PR Firm

HACKENSACK, N.J. -- Nov. 2 - Beckerman, one of the largest independent public relations firms in the industry, has announced that Rob Manfredo of New York, N.Y., has joined the firm.

Manfredo joins Beckerman in the position of director, and will be leading and growing Beckerman's communications practices group. In his 10-year career in public relations, Manfredo has specialized in high technology clients, relying on traditional media as well as social and digital media public relations campaigns.

"What attracted me to Beckerman was its growth trajectory," he said. "During a time when the downturn in the economy has led to layoffs at other professional services firms, Beckerman is growing in size and scope and is continuing to reinvest in its operations. This is an exciting time to be joining the firm."

Beckerman is the one of largest independent public relations agencies in the industry. The firm employs more than 40 public relations professionals and represents over 100 clients in a wide range of industry sectors, including real estate, legal services, financial services, renewable energy, technology, health care and consumer products.

The firm has offices in New Jersey and New York. Additionally, Beckerman has been busy on the acquisitions front, having recently closed on the purchase of two public relations firms, both with specialties in social and digital media.

"This new position is a reflection of our continued expansion," said Keith Zakheim, president. "Beckerman's recent acquisitions and the launch of a satellite office in Manhattan have paid off in terms of new business growth. We are delighted to welcome this talented new member to the rapidly expanding Beckerman team."

Manfredo adds to Beckerman's digital credentials with his background in technology. He was most recently employed as director of new media at New York City-based KCSA Strategic Communications, where he also serviced financial services and technology clients, and did public affairs and crisis communications work.

Manfredo's client roster at Beckerman focuses on high technology, with clients including MetroStar Systems, a leader in full-service IT and strategies for new media and social networks, and JGI, a managed service provider offering cost-effective solutions to integrate people, processes and technology.

In addition, he represents Vzillion, a publicly traded creator of personal 3-D Internet experiences that provides opportunities for individuals, businesses, education providers, entrepreneurs and others to develop a virtual presence on the Internet.

Prior to KCSA, Manfredo worked in the technology area in the New York offices of two California-based public relations firms, the Horn Group, based in San Francisco, where he was very involved in social and digital media campaigns and the Wilson McHenry Co., based in Foster City, in the heart of Silicon Valley.

In addition, Manfredo has worked as a free-lance marketing communications specialist, a conference coordinator and for JPMorgan Chase. A lifelong New Yorker, Manfredo lives in lower Manhattan. He holds a bachelor's degree in communications studies from the State University of New York at Cortland in Cortland, N.Y.

About Beckerman

Beckerman is one of the largest independent full-service public relations firms in the industry. Founded in 1989, Beckerman's staff of more than 40 experienced media professionals represents a distinguished roster of over 100 clients from diverse industry sectors including real estate, environmental, financial, health care, technology, consumer products, public affairs and corporate political reputation. The firm has offices in Hackensack, N.J., and New York City. To learn more please call 201-465-8000 or visit www.beckermanpr.com.