Hill & Knowlton Adds Public Affairs Strength in Sacramento Through New Alliance with Terri Thomas and Thomas Advocacy

SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 3, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Hill & Knowlton today announced a strategic alliance with public affairs veteran Terri V. Thomas to make her Sacramento-based firm, Thomas Advocacy, Inc., available to provide top-flight government affairs counsel and support in California's capital city for H&K's varied client base.

"With Terri Thomas and Thomas Advocacy, H&K offers our clients access to someone who brings more than 30 years of experience working in both California government and as an advocate in the private sector," said Hope Boonshaft, an executive vice president for H&K and general manager of the Los Angeles office. "Terri helps us extend our public affairs capabilities in California on subject areas as wide-ranging as entertainment and healthcare, energy and Internet services, while adding another asset in our expanding national public affairs practice from Sacramento to Washington, D.C."

In October 2007, H&K announced a similar alliance with Sugerman Communications Group, a Los Angeles-based agency headed by Steve Sugerman that specializes in public affairs and issues management in Southern California.

"I've long admired the results H&K has delivered to its clients and the creativity the agency incorporates into its award-winning public relations campaigns," Thomas said. "I look forward to working with H&K and offering its clients the perspective, support and access Thomas Advocacy has provided in Sacramento."

Thomas opened Thomas Advocacy in December 2003 after 20 years as a principal and founding partner of Neff/Thomas Inc., a firm she co-founded in 1983. Previously, Thomas served as Chief Deputy Legislative Secretary to former Governor Jerry Brown from 1979-1983 advising on a wide range of legislative issues.

Thomas combines her expertise in legislative advocacy, strategy development, issues management and public testimony before legislative and regulatory bodies. Her firm offers a wide range of services, including legislative bill monitoring, technical assistance in the development of legislative proposals, author selection, advocacy, strategy development and coordination, political contribution management and consultation on a variety of issues.

About Hill & Knowlton

Hill & Knowlton is a leading international communications consultancy, providing services to local, multinational and global clients. The firm is based in New York with 72 offices in 41 countries, as well as an extensive associate network. The agency is part of WPP NASDAQ: WPPGY, one of the world's largest communications services groups.