WASHINGTON, DC—Corporate communications, crisis management and public affairs specialist Levick has launched a new lobbying group, led by senior vice president Rick Kessler (pictured) and based out of the firm's Washington, DC, headquarters.

Kessler, who has more than 20 years of experience in government and electoral politics, most recently as president of the government strategies division of Dow Lohnes Government Strategies, a full-service government relations practice in Washington, DC.

He was also chief of staff to former House Energy & Commerce Committee chairman John Dingell (D-Mich.) and as professional staff for the committee, advising on issues such as cogeneration, renewables, efficiency, hydro-power, public lands, oil, gas, coal, pipeline safety, and energy tax policy. Previously, he also served as director of the State of New Jersey's Washington, DC.

According to Levick president Mark Irion, “Levick's vision is to marry the direct communications of lobbying with our expertise in informing and shaping public sentiment. Communications supported lobbying is what's next to effectively build public consensus and bolster political will."

Kessler is joined by a core team that includes Michael Scrivner, who served 15 years as a staff member in the US House of Representatives; Jessica Lenard, former senior policy advisor to the Senate Assistant Majority Leader; and Pete Leon, who has two decades of government relations experience, including a leadership role at a major telecommunications trade organization.