Charles Ryan Associates Names Patrick Gallagher New President and CEO

October 5, 2007 | 10:43 am

RICHMOND, Va., Oct. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Richmond integrated communications firm Charles Ryan Associates (CRA) today announced that Patrick M. Gallagher has been named its new president and CEO. CRA was acquired earlier this week from founder Charles Ryan by a group of investors led by Henry Harmon, president and CEO of Triana Energy.

"Securing Pat Gallagher as our chief executive is an important step in moving CRA forward. Gallagher will manage the daily operation of the company and implement an aggressive strategy to build on the firm's outstanding reputation and market presence," Harmon explained.

Commenting on his appointment as CEO, Gallagher said, "The growth of CRA's Richmond office and the firm's presence throughout the Mid-Atlantic region are truly remarkable. I look forward to working with the group of communications professionals at CRA to enhance the firm's accomplishments while continuing the excellent services provided to clients."

"Gallagher's experience will help strengthen CRA's position in the Virginia market and complement what we do every day in our Richmond operation," said Caryn Durham, CRA senior vice president, Richmond. "His high- profile work in global crisis situations and litigation communications brings to our clients something we believe is unmatched in the Richmond market. In addition to his work internationally, he has deep roots in client work in northern Virginia."

With clients including General Motors, Dow Chemical, 3M and American Electric Power, Gallagher is a 30-year communications veteran who has worked nearly 20 years as a public relations/advertising firm executive. He has represented clients in high-profile situations in more than 30 states and several foreign countries.

CRA is an integrated marketing communications firm with specialties in advertising, public relations, interactive technology and government relations. Some of the firm's clients include the Nevada Commission on Tourism, Affinion Loyalty Group, Virginians for Better Transportation, West Virginia Lottery and the Associated General Contractors of Virginia. CRA has offices in Richmond, Va.; Charleston, W.Va.; and Morgantown, W.Va.