D.C.-based strategic communications and stakeholder engagement firm Reingold LINK adds Charlie Brotman as senior adviser to the firm and its clients. At Reingold LINK, Brotman will provide direct support and guidance to the firm’s work in DC and around the country.
Brotman, a native Washingtonian, is a public relations and sports management legend whose career in and around D.C. includes serving as the “President’s Announcer” at every Presidential Inaugural Parade since 1957. Brotman also was the “voice” of the Washington Senators from 1956 to 1971, when the team moved to Texas, and he returned for Opening Day 2005 as the “voice” of the Washington Nationals. For 46 years, Brotman was the voice of the Washington tennis tournament, now known as the Citi Open, until his retirement from this role in 2014. As a sports PR professional, Brotman counted Sugar Ray Leonard and numerous other personalities and organizations among his clients and friends.
His work expands far beyond sports: In 1949, President Truman needed a broadcaster for the first-ever televised presidential parade, and then-broadcast student Brotman stepped up. In 1956, President Eisenhower was so impressed by Brotman’s work with the Senators that he invited him to announce the 1957 parade. The White House has invited him back for every parade since, including President Barack Obama’s in 2008 and 2012. In all, Brotman has announced a remarkable 15 inaugural parades, with 10 different presidents.
Brotman started his own firm in 1969, growing the business into a PR powerhouse in his “spare time.” In his nearly seven-decade career, Brotman has built strong working relationships and friendships with presidents, kings, entertainers, athletes, and numerous Washington business and political leaders, all while establishing a true rapport with the everyday people who make this city what it is.
Brotman has been inducted into 11 different Halls of Fame during his more than 50 years in public relations and announcing, including the Washington Hall of Fame, the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, Jock’s Hall of Fame, the Public Relations Society of America Hall of Fame, the Advertising Club of Washington Hall of Fame, and the Greater Washington Fastpitch Softball Hall of Fame. His most recent induction took place at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts for the Washington Tennis and Education Foundation Hall of Fame.
My dear Charlie
Thank you for your years of service. We are all proud
Of having you in our lives. May God continue to bless you and all you love.
Love and Blessingsupport
Carole jean Traynham and family