Osborn & Barr has created a public affairs division led in part by Missouri’s just-past Director of Agriculture.
The new group will allow O&B, North America’s largest agency focused on agricultural and rural markets, help its current and future clients manage critical public policy priorities.
Specifically, the public affairs group will monitor key issues as they relate to agriculture, alternative energy and other rural priorities. It will provide strategic guidance for its clients as they manage particular issues, including grassroots communications efforts and community support. The group will do this while working closely with O&B’s public relations discipline in order to maximize all outreach opportunities and deliver the greatest value for its clients.
Co-leading the public affairs efforts for the practice will be Katie Smith, who most recently served as the Director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Smith’s strong background in agricultural and energy issues is a natural fit for O&B.
Smith will co-lead the new public affairs group with Neil Caskey, who currently oversees O&B’s growing government client roster. Caskey, who joined O&B almost two years ago, previously served as an association executive and legislative assistant.