Three New Managing Directors Among 20 New Hires in Recent Weeks

ARLINGTON, VA—PLUS Communications, a leading public affairs, media, and digital firm, today announced the hiring of three new experienced professionals to join the senior ranks of its award-winning team. They are among 20 new staff members to join the PLUS team across its public affairs, digital and research departments over the last several months, further strengthening the company’s ability to deliver innovative, high-impact solutions for its diverse client base.

PLUS was acquired in September 2023 by Omnicom PR Group (OPRG), which boasts the world’s largest global network of communications and consulting agencies. The Arlington-based firm employs more than 200 professionals, including 20 partners with unrivaled experience representing multinational corporations, trade associations, and non-profit organizations across various industries. PLUS also has regional offices in Richmond, Virginia, Austin, Texas, and Helena, Montana.

Joining the PLUS team as managing directors are:

• Leigh Claffey: Before joining PLUS, Leigh was a lead on the North American government and public affairs team at Shopify, a leading global e-commerce infrastructure platform. She was also previously a senior director of media relations and public affairs at the nation’s leading biofuels association, Growth Energy, and spent seven years on Capitol Hill for several members of Congress, including as Press Secretary for U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA). 

• Beth Cubriel: Before joining PLUS, Beth spent the last nine years as a principal at Michael Best Strategies, where she helped lead the firm’s public affairs and government relations work in Texas. She also previously served as Executive Director of the Republican Party of Texas and State Field Director for U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX). Beth will be based in PLUS’ growing Austin office. 

• Ben Marter: Before joining PLUS, Ben founded a consulting business, served as Vice President of Public Affairs at the American Petroleum Institute (API), and spent 10 years on Capitol Hill working in senior communications positions for several members of Congress, including Communications Director for U.S. Senator Dick Durbin in the Office of the Democratic Whip.  

“We are thrilled to welcome these talented individuals to our award-winning public affairs team,” said Terry Nelson, a founding and managing partner at PLUS Communications. “Their wealth of experience and unique perspectives will be invaluable as we continue to provide our clients with best-in-class strategic counsel and creative campaign execution.”

About PLUS Communications
PLUS Communications is a Beltway-based consulting firm specializing in campaign management, media relations, coalition building, award-winning advertising, cutting-edge digital engagement, crisis communications, litigation support and message development.  Distinguished for its campaign-style approach, the firm employs more than 200 professionals, including more than one dozen partners with unrivaled experience advising Fortune-500 companies, trade associations and non-profit organizations across a host of industries.  PLUS Communications has received many of the highest accolades in the communications industry, including PRWeek’s Best in Public Affairs, Best in Crisis, and Best for a Cause awards, in addition to being named a finalist for “Outstanding Midsize Agency.”  To learn more about PLUS Communications, PlusPR.com. 

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