AHIP Executive Named Managing Director of APCO's Washington, D.C., Office

Washington, D.C. (May 31, 2012) – Mike Tuffin, executive vice president of America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), the national trade association representing the health insurance industry, will join APCO Worldwide as managing director of the firm's headquarters office in Washington, D.C., Robert Schooling, president, APCO Americas, announced today.

"We are delighted that Mike is returning to APCO in this important leadership role," said Schooling. "APCO's D.C. office is our first and largest – and a major international hub for our business. Mike's experience in working at the intersection of government and business, his proven track record of successfully influencing policy, and his understanding of the national and international marketplace make him a respected leader, and we are fortunate to bring him back to APCO. The D.C. office will continue its successful course under his direction."

"Our Washington team includes some of the most experienced business strategists and communication consultants in our industry," said Margery Kraus, APCO founder and chief executive officer. "I'm pleased to welcome Mike back at an important point for APCO and our field. The world is changing, and so are the needs of clients. Stakeholders are interacting with brands in new and complex ways and significantly raising expectations for companies. We know Mike will continue to drive forward our winning reputation for helping clients create lasting engagement with diverse audiences."

"I am honored to be returning to APCO at such a pivotal time for the business," said Tuffin. "APCO’s reputation is second to none because the firm brings together an integrated global presence and cutting-edge digital capabilities with unsurpassed strategic advisors and a time-honored client-service ethic. I look forward to being part of this outstanding global team."

Tuffin will join APCO on June 25.

Tuffin is an accomplished strategist with extensive experience in public policy, health care and national politics. He joined AHIP in 2005, most recently serving as executive vice president, where he led public affairs strategy for the industry at the center of the national debate on health care reform. His responsibilities also included communication, advertising, media relations, grassroots advocacy and management of AHIP's Center for Policy & Research. He represented the health insurance industry on a wide range of national news programs.

Prior to joining AHIP, Tuffin served as vice president at APCO, where he helped launch a flagship pharmaceutical industry prescription assistance campaign and directed a major retirement security initiative backed by a broad-based coalition of leading national business associations. He also previously served as senior director of strategic communications at the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).

Earlier in his career, Tuffin worked on a wide range of political campaigns, holding key positions on two presidential bids. In 1996, he directed communications for the successful referendum campaign that enabled the NBA's Miami Heat to build the American Airlines Arena. From 1993-1995, he worked on legislative staffs in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, focusing on economic and fiscal issues.

Tuffin will lead APCO’s 200-person Washington, D.C., team. He will replace Schooling, who recently took on a new role as president, Americas. Tuffin will report to Schooling.

Tuffin's appointment is the latest in a series of recent senior hires in APCO's D.C. office. Earlier this year, APCO welcomed Tim Roemer, former U.S. ambassador to India, as a senior vice president; Paul Dyck, former associate White House political director, as senior vice president; and Parita Shah, former public affairs strategist at the U.S. Department of Commerce, as a vice president. The firm also acquired a majority interest in movement-marketing agency StrawberryFrog, pairing APCO's international stakeholder-engagement and business-strategy expertise with StrawberryFrog's skill in creating innovative cultural movements for some of the world's most iconic brands.

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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, Africa and Asia. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO clients include corporations and governments; industry associations and nonprofit organizations; and six of the top 10 companies on the Fortune 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.