WASHINGTON: Hill & Knowlton has hired Joshua Lamel as SVP and head of its DC technology practice, a new role at the firm.
Lamel will oversee the DC office's strategies for technology clients and focus on building the agency's business presence in the area. He will report to Hadley Wilkins, director of the US technology practice, and Duncan Burns, GM of the Washington office.
Lamel, whose first day at the firm was Monday, said technology will play many core roles in the 2012 election.
“The obvious answer is the role it plays as a tool for communication and organizing, from managing [get out the vote] to the use of social networking tools to cultivate grasstops and grassroots,” he said. “A less obvious answer, but an equally important one, is on the messaging side. Companies in the technology sector will play a key role in growing our economy and creating jobs, and the candidate that harnesses this message and creates the best policies around this will be more successful.”
Lamel has joined H&K from J2 Public Strategies, a firm he founded that specializes in consulting, government relations, and lobbying. He's also worked at TechAmerica as SVP of commercial policy and government affairs.Lamel has also served as chief of staff for former US Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-FL) and legislative counsel to Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR).
