Topaz Partners Continues Expansion With Addition of Six PR Staffers

WOBURN, MA - March 8, 2007 - Topaz Partners, a leader in the evolving world of technology public relations, continues its expansion with the addition of six new PR professionals, including three senior-level team members. The new staff include Ann Dalrymple, Paul Hughes and Wendie Larkin – all of whom have held senior corporate or agency PR positions — as well as Robert Capra, Katie Canavan, and Meghan Mills.

Dalrymple brings to Topaz more than 20 years of experience managing corporate communications programs for technology, financial-services and not-for-profit organizations. She has held PR and communications management positions at CommVault Systems, GlassHouse Technologies and a number of technology start-ups.

Hughes joins Topaz from Catalyst, a business-to-business brand consultancy where he worked as a public relations director, overseeing all aspects of the client work. His more than 15 years experience includes managing PR activities for technology companies at Harpell and BBL. Hughes also led public affairs activities for the United States Army at Fort Lewis, WA, and as part of Operation Restore Hope in Somalia.

Larkin brings more than 15 years experience to Topaz. A specialist in corporate PR and industry analyst relations, Larkin most recently worked at Network World, where she established the public relations program. She also held PR and marketing positions with Cognex and Yankee Group, and has extensive experience in the development of comprehensive customer relationship programs, event marketing, sharpening brand identity, and lead generation programs.

Capra, who has more than 10 years experience in journalism and public relations, joins Topaz from The Mishra Group, where he secured coverage for some of the region’s leading technology, commercial real estate and financial companies.

Canavan brings to Topaz a background in public relations and marketing communications, including management of a community relations program for a residential property management firm.

Mills, a recent communications graduate of Bryant University, joins the Topaz team after completing a six-month internship with the agency. Previously, she worked at McMahon Strategic Communications and also as an event planner for the Bryant Communications Society, where she organized the university’s speaker series and fundraising activities.

“We attribute our growth and success to a continued focus on delivering innovative and effective services to our clients, and the members of our team are key to this,” said Paula Slotkin, co-founder and principal partner of Topaz Partners. “The addition of these new staff members – including senior PR professionals with a long history of creative thinking and proven execution —we are positioning Topaz to able to provide even more valuable counsel and service to our clients.”

“Topaz continues to grow its base of clients across all areas of technology, and the addition of these six PR professionals will help us better meet the needs of new and existing clients,” said Tony Sapienza, Topaz co-founder and principal partner. “These new team members bring a combined 50-plus years of experience to Topaz, along with the energy and creativity that has become a hallmark of our agency.”

About Topaz Partners
Topaz Partners is an emerging leader in the evolving world of technology public relations, integrating both mainstream media and consumer-generated media strategies. The agency’s senior team of professionals draws on experience with leading PR firms and in-house corporate marketing organizations to provide counsel and hands-on support in media and analyst relations, and online communications, PR strategy and message development, the creation of editorial and marketing materials, and other areas of strategic business communications. Topaz serves a growing base of clients across a broad range of technology segments—as well as business-to-business and consumer markets—in regions around the world. Established in 2002, Topaz has quickly emerged as a PR leader and is ranked among “Boston Business Journal’s Top 25 Largest PR Firms in Boston.” For more information, visit Topaz on the Web at www.topazpartners.com or call (781) 404-2400.

Media Contact:
Brooke Blew
Topaz Partners
781-404-2424
bblew@topazpartners.com