Former American Hospital Association Executive Joins APCO as Senior Counselor

Richard Wade to Add to Firm’s Hospital and Health Systems Expertise

Washington, D.C. (January 14, 2010) – Richard Wade, a former senior executive at the American Hospital Association with 30 years of health system experience, joins APCO Worldwide as senior counselor, Robert Schooling, managing director of the firm’s Washington, D.C., office and chair of APCO’s worldwide health care practice, announced today.

“Rick’s insight and expertise will be invaluable to our hospital and health system clients, which face significant changes to their businesses as a result of the heath reform legislation expected to pass Congress this year,” said Schooling. “Our clients will benefit greatly from Rick’s strategic counsel and his expertise and ability to anticipate the changing market dynamics.”

Wade was a principal spokesman at the American Hospital Association until 2009. In addition to serving as AHA’s chief communication strategist, he oversaw “Reality✓,” the association’s pioneering research into public perception. He also led its Community Connections initiative, which focused on helping members build stronger ties of trust with their communities.

“APCO is a prominent leader in public affairs and strategic communication, and their health care team is truly world-class,” said Wade. “I look forward to contributing to the firm and working with APCO clients worldwide.”

Wade was named one of the top 50 corporate health care public relations executives in America by PRWeek in 2000 and was included on Modern Healthcare list of the “100 Most Powerful People in Healthcare” in 2002. He served as vice president of communications at the Maryland Hospital Association from 1979 to 1991.

About APCO Worldwide

Founded in 1984, APCO Worldwide is an award-winning, independently owned global communication consultancy with offices in major cities throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO clients include corporations and governments; industry associations and nonprofit organizations; and seven of the top 10 companies on Fortune’s Global 500. APCO offers services related to business, industry and finance; media, public opinion and society; and government and public policy. The firm is a majority women-owned business. For more information, please visit www.apcoworldwide.com.

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Contact:
Elizabeth Wolf
202.778.1470
ewolf@apcoworldwide.com