Chris Battle, Former Senior Strategist with DHS and DEA, to Lead Practice as Managing Director; U.S. Port Police, DEA Foundation & Others Already on Board

Washington – Adfero Group announced today the formation of a new Homeland Security Public Affairs Practice under the direction of Vice President, Chris Battle.

As a seasoned veteran of public affairs and strategic communications, Battle brings the unique perspective and front-line knowledge necessary to deal with the most pressing issues in homeland security, ranging from supply chain security to worksite enforcement. Both public and private clients can benefit from Adfero’s communications expertise within the increasingly complex and competitive homeland security industry. “No single issue or industry in Washington commands as much attention and resources as homeland security,” said Battle.

“Cargo security, worksite immigration violations, counterfeit goods and intellectual property rights, biometrics — the list of subjects that comprise the homeland security industry is complicated and sprawling. In this kind of environment, you’ve got to have a clear and focused message to be heard. Adfero Group will apply its unique experience in strategic communications within the homeland security environment to assist its clients in promoting their messages.”

Battle joined Adfero in January 2007, bringing a wealth of strategic communications experience from the homeland security and law enforcement communities. He previously served as Chief of Staff for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Department of Homeland Security, as well as that agency’s Director of Public Affairs. Prior to those appointments, he was part of the Administration’s transition team that helped set up the new Department of Homeland Security in 2003. Before joining DHS, Battle served as the Director of Congressional and Public Affairs for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in the Department of Justice. He has also worked as a campaign manager, communications director and chief of staff on Capitol Hill.

“Chris has uniquely broad and deep experience in homeland security messaging, crisis response and strategic communications. He knows how decisions are made in Washington, and what messages are effective in this challenging environment,” said Adfero Managing Director Jeff Mascott.

Public relations services offered by Adfero’s Homeland Security Practice include earned media, coalition and grassroots development, traditional and new media marketing, crisis communications, brand management and interactive services such as netroots and Internet campaigns. Adfero will also offer a resource directory featuring experts on homeland security issues who can act as knowledgeable sources for media inquiries and to speak authoritatively at industry events. A sample of Adfero Homeland Security areas of communications expertise include:

• Worksite Enforcement
• Counterfeit Goods
• Intellectual Property Rights
• Cargo & Supply Chain Security
• Port Security
• Drugs in the Workplace
• Threats to Financial Infrastructure
• Law Enforcement Media Training
• Emergency Response Communications

Several organizations have already signed up for Adfero’s expertise on homeland security. The firm has guided the communications efforts of the Port Security Council, helping to establish its position as the leading advocate for the port security and intermodal transportation security industries. Another client, the DEA Foundation, is benefiting from Battle’s extensive government experience as he helps the organization communicate its anti-drug message to the public, raise funds to support its museum and create a web site featuring interactive content.The U.S. Port Police hired Adfero to expand its membership base and organize its 2007 International Port Security Conference held in Washington in June. Featured speakers included prominent speakers such as Rudy Giuliani, former Mayor of New York; Ralph Basham, Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Kip Hawley, Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration; and Asa Hutchinson, former Undersecretary of Homeland Security, among others. The Corporate Crisis Response Officers Association (CCROA) sought Adfero’s assistance in honing its message and grassroots outreach to build a national network of private sector emergency response officers. A product of the Gilmore Commission, CCROA will train its members to react during the first 72 hours of a crisis until government resources can secure the environment.

Adfero’s Homeland Security Practice will also offer clients the opportunity to form strategic partnerships with specialized homeland security lobbying, law and consulting firms such as of Siff & Cerda, a legal practice specializing in immigration, visa and worksite enforcement issues; the Hutchinson Group, a homeland security consulting firm led by former Undersecretary Asa Hutchinson; SES Resources International Inc., a security and law enforcement consulting company staffed by former executive-level federal investigators; and Capital Communications, a cultural affairs and language translation service providing expertise in more than 40 cultures.

About Adfero Group
Adfero Group is a full service public affairs firm that delivers high-impact communications and coalition building programs for associations, corporations, and government officials. The firm sets itself apart by leading with the latest in online and interactive tools, and integrates those elements with strategic messaging, grassroots, earned media and marketing programs for maximum impact. A sample of clients includes the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, AARP, CTIA, NFIB, PhRMA, and over 150 members of Congress. For more information, please visit, www.adfero.com. To learn more about Adfero’s homeland security and law enforcement expertise, visit the site’s Homeland Security Practice.