Burson-Marsteller's Jessica Smith Named to PRWeek's 2014 "40 Under 40" List

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Burson-Marsteller, a leading global public relations and communications firm, announced today that Jessica Smith, Managing Director, U.S. Public Affairs and Crisis Practice, has been named to PRWeek's annual “40 Under 40” list. The list profiles the young professionals whose innovative thinking and foresight are powering the future of the industry.

“Jess truly stands out among her peers in the industry and is a shining example of the talent we want to define Burson-Marsteller,” said Michael Law, Burson-Marsteller U.S. President, who will assume the role of U.S. CEO as of Sept. 1. “She has brought extensive political experience to our clients and is deeply committed to their success along with that of her colleagues and the agency.”

Smith serves as the day-to-day lead for Burson-Marsteller's Ford Motor Company F-150 account and recently supported the 2015 Ford F-150 launch. In addition, she develops and manages thought leadership and crisis communications strategies for Burson-Marsteller's top clients.

Before joining Burson-Marsteller, Smith served in the Obama Administration as the Director of External Affairs for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. There, she managed an office of more than 130 full-time employees and served as lead crisis communicator for the federal government to media during disasters including Superstorm Sandy. In addition, Smith has worked as Senior Spokesperson for the Department of Justice and Communications Director for Senator Jim Webb. Smith also edited Senator Webb's The New York Times bestseller “A Time to Fight: Reclaiming a Fair and Just America.”

“Jess embodies what our clients expect and deserve – deep expertise, creative thinking and a make-it-happen attitude,” added Ann Davison, U.S. Public Affairs and Crisis Practice Chair, to whom Smith reports. “Additionally, she's a terrific colleague and mentor to her co-workers at all levels of the firm, contributing to the culture of collaboration we strive to embody at Burson-Marsteller.”

Smith also volunteers extensively in the community. She is a reading mentor with Everybody Wins!, a non-profit devoted to promoting children's literacy and love of learning through shared reading experiences with caring individuals. She also volunteers with Horton's Kids, a non-profit that educates and empowers the children of Washington, D.C.'s Ward 8 by providing comprehensive, wrap-around services to improve their quality of life and ability to succeed. In addition, Smith serves as a mentor and regular presenter to the Public Relations Student Society of America in the District of Columbia area.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts in government affairs from Cornell University.

About Burson-Marsteller

Burson-Marsteller, 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, reputation and crisis management, advertising and digital strategies. The firm's seamless worldwide network consists of 73 offices and 85 affiliate offices, together operating in 110 countries across six continents. Burson-Marsteller is a part of Young & Rubicam Group, a subsidiary of WPP WPPGY, the world's leading communications services network. For more information, please visit bm.com.