Auburn University Public Affairs Pro Brian Keeter Joins APCO Worldwide as Senior Director

Washington – September 8, 2020: Brian Keeter, a communications strategist with more than two decades of experience developing and managing successful public affairs and public relations campaign, joined APCO Worldwide as senior director in the Office of the Executive Chairman, Margery Kraus, founder and executive chairman, announced today.

“Brian has extensive experience in government relations, public affairs, strategic communications and business cultivation, and I am thrilled to welcome him to APCO,” Kraus said. “I look forward to Brian’s counsel—grounded on years of experience advising leaders in the public and private sectors—to help guide APCO to continue to grow and evolve into the future.”

Based in Washington, Keeter will provide expertise and strategic counsel to APCO clients, focusing initially on transportation and infrastructure, higher education and international engagement.

Prior to joining APCO, Keeter served at Auburn University for 14 years as the executive director of public affairs. In this role, he led the university’s communications and marketing efforts, directing national visibility and brand realignment campaigns. His responsibilities also included serving as the spokesperson for the president of the university and being a member of the president’s cabinet, advising the president and senior leadership on critical matters, and establishing and directing the university’s federal government relations program.

“APCO’s reputation for innovation and first in class client service, coupled with an unparalleled group of industry leading professionals, combine for an exciting and rewarding opportunity to help make meaningful, impactful change,” Keeter said. “I’m grateful to Margery and the APCO leadership team.”

Before joining Auburn University, Keeter served as the associate administrator for public affairs at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration. During his tenure, he developed and implemented national communication and public affairs strategies, served as FHWA spokesperson, advised the Administrator on public information and government, media and industry relations, led efforts to raise awareness of key highway policy proposals in a critical surface transportation law, served as a member of the agency’s senior leadership team, and managed public affairs staff and budget.

Keeter has also previously held a senior position at a large public relations agency, directed a statewide campaign for a state court and served as the press secretary for members of the United States Congress. He received his Bachelor of Arts in communications and economics from Auburn University, his Advanced Public Relations Professional Certificate from George Washington University and his Master of Mass Communication from University of South Carolina.