WASHINGTON, DC—Paul Dyck, former associate White House political director and deputy assistant secretary for Europe and Eurasia at the US Department of Commerce, is joining APCO Worldwide as a senior vice president in the firm's government relations practice.

Dyck has been serving as a senior counselor for APCO Worldwide, where he represented clients on a number of international and domestic policy issues.

In addition, Parita Shah, a former public affairs strategist at the US Department of Commerce, joins as a vice president. Shah will lead on building APCO’s competencies in international trade policy and intellectual property issues.

Previously, Dyck served as deputy assistant secretary for Europe and Eurasia at the Department of Commerce. He played a role in facilitating the bilateral commercial relationship with 52 countries throughout Europe and Asia, including Russia, Turkey and the Caucasus, ensuring fair treatment and open markets for American exporters. He also worked with foreign government officials to resolve commercial disputes.

Prior to joining the Department of Commerce, Dyck was a senior advisor to former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Most recently, Shah served as senior advisor to newly appointed US Ambassador to China Gary Locke, where she led the ambassador’s transition process. She was previously deputy director of public affairs and press secretary for the Department of Commerce.