Phoenix-based RIESTER has launched RIESTER Public Affairs, a Washington, D.C.- based advocacy communications firm.  The office, located in Arlington, VA, is RIESTER’s fifth location nationwide.

The new women majority-owned firm is co-owned and led by RIESTER Principal and Chief Strategic Officer Mirja Riester, and Summer Johnson and Robert Johnson. According to a release, the new office “will develop and provide expert advocacy communications, media relations, crisis management, executive positioning, mobile journalism, and podcast services to nationally-focused clients in Washington, D.C., and across the United States.”

The release added that “RIESTER Public Affairs clients will benefit from top-tier strategic communications counsel and access to RIESTER’s award-winning digital marketing services. Now in its 31st year, RIESTER employs over 120 research, creative, digital, and public relations professionals working in offices in Los Angeles, New York City, Phoenix and Park City, Utah.”

“RIESTER is launching a new arm with veteran communicators who happen to have the competitiveness of professional athletes,” Tim Riester, RIESTER founder and CEO, said. “Already, we are finding clients eager to tap into that energy and expertise.”

According to the agency:

“Summer Johnson was a long-time Republican spokesperson and strategist with experience on Capitol Hill, the Republican National Committee (RNC), and numerous advocacy groups.

PHOTO: RIESTER’S Phoenix headquarters building