FTI Consulting Strengthens Public Affairs Capabilities with Two Senior Appointments
Sonja Nesbit and Erica Elliott Richardson Join the Strategic Communications Segment as Managing Directors, Bringing Extensive Experience in Healthcare & Life Sciences and Financial Services
Washington, Oct. 28, 2019 - FTI Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: FCN) today announced the appointments of Sonja Nesbit and Erica Elliott Richardson as Managing Directors in the Strategic Communications segment, further expanding the firm’s Public Affairs & Government Relations offering in the Americas. Both Ms. Nesbit and Dr. Richardson will be based in Washington, D.C.
Ms. Nesbit brings extensive healthcare and life sciences experience, having specialized in counsel and advocacy for organizations across the sector, including hospitals, health systems, device and drug manufacturers, professional medical societies, and patient groups. Dr. Richardson has nearly 20 years of experience in strategic public affairs covering both the public and private sectors, with deep financial services expertise around communications, policy, U.S. Congress and international government relations. The additions of Ms. Nesbit and Dr. Richardson further bolsters the firm’s offerings in public policy advocacy, public affairs support of business strategies and government investigations, among other areas.
"Sonja and Erica bring with them a wealth of experience and deep industry expertise to our Financial Services and Healthcare sector teams in the Americas,” said Brian Kennedy, Head of the Americas for the Strategic Communications segment. “Having served in high-profile roles in both the legislative and executive branches of government, Sonja and Erica will be valuable and trusted advisors to our clients as they navigate today’s increasingly complex and highly regulated business environment."
Ms. Nesbit has extensive experience negotiating legislative issues and building relationships with members of Congress on both sides of the aisle. Most recently, Ms. Nesbit served as Senior Government Relations Director at Arent Fox, a large national law firm. Previously, she served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Legislation in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under President Obama and as a senior member of the Ways and Means Committee staff. During her 14 years in government, Ms. Nesbit developed significant knowledge of congressional procedures and experience working closely with White House officials, federal agencies, and members of Congress to address sensitive issues of national importance, including healthcare policy, infectious disease response and drug pricing.
Commenting on her appointment, Ms. Nesbit said, “As the healthcare industry continues to face increasing pressures from federal regulators, the need for trusted advisors with the right expertise to help them maintain the license to operate has never been greater. I look forward joining the team of experts at FTI Consulting and bringing to bear my experience to help clients meet and exceed their corporate goals."
Most recently, Dr. Richardson served as Director of External Affairs at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), a role appointed by the Executive Office of the President. In her role as agency spokesperson, Dr. Richardson was member of the agency’s senior executive team, working closely with Chairman J. Christopher Giancarlo to foster open, transparent and financially sound markets. She led efforts to inform the CFTC’s understanding of cryptocurrencies and distributed ledger technologies, and she also launched the agency’s inaugural FinTech Forward Conference to facilitate continued dialogue with the industry. Dr. Richardson’s government service includes nearly a decade working for the U.S. Congress, most recently as Communications Director for then-Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy. Throughout the 112th and 113th Congresses, she advised House leadership on communications strategy pertaining to all issues under consideration for passage in the House and Senate. In the private sector, she has advised domestic and international clients on global public policy and communications in the U.S., U.K., European Union and emerging markets.
Commenting on her appointment, Dr. Richardson said, “Lawmakers and businesses alike are working to adapt to rapid change happening at the intersection of technology, financial services and policy. I look forward to joining FTI Consulting’s elite group of consultants to help drive the public affairs agenda for financial services clients amid this complex backdrop."
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