Shrita Sterlin has worked in public relations for fifteen years. She has counseled elected officials, corporate executives, nonprofit CEOs, board members, small business owners, clergymen as well as Native American tribal leaders.

As the Chief Executive and Brand Officer of Penn Strategies, Shrita oversees marketing, advertising, design, public relations and client service. She specializes in brand and issues management. Whether guiding an organization through a media firestorm or positioning a new business or product in the marketplace, Shrita advances each client's issue(s) and brand. Shrita's brand-centric approach to communications is informed by her distinct body of work. Her portfolio includes successful campaigns in community affairs, political communications, marketing, advertising and corporate public relations. Her career has positioned her in New York, Florida, South Carolina, Michigan and in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Shrita's creativity and background in managing high-profile issues ensure success for Penn Strategies clients. Her expertise is in building strong brands through strategic marketing communications and robust publicity programs. Her principals and clients have been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, Associated Press, Reuters, New York Daily News, Politico, Buffalo News, Miami Herald, Fox Business, CNN, Essence.com, BET.com, on various television and radio programs as well as in an assortment of ethnic, trade and industry periodicals.

Prior to launching Penn Strategies, Shrita worked in the corporate and public affairs practice at a top crisis communications firm in Washington, D.C., where she crafted strategies for corporate and tribal clients. Among her achievements at the firm, Shrita devised a statewide television advertising campaign that aired on major networks in New York markets and drafted crisis communications plans for multinational firms.

Shrita previously served as a senior advisor to U.S. Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-NY), the former chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Shrita counseled Rep. Towns at a critical time, with his committee investigating major economic, health and consumer issues. She also secured placements in top media outlets, cultivated relationships with scores of journalists, produced a weekly cable television broadcast and implemented communications plans as the committee investigated some of the most pressing, high-profile issues confronting the nation, including Johnson and Johnson’s drug marketing tactics and the Treasury Department’s foreclosure prevention program.

Shrita transitioned to Capitol Hill from New York State politics, where she worked on several election campaigns and served as the Chief of Staff to New York Assembly Member Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes of Buffalo. In that role, Shrita managed a diverse legislative portfolio on issues ranging from health care to commerce.

Prior to that, Shrita worked in non-profit advocacy organizations directing community-based programs and public relations campaigns on environmental justice, economic development, education, crime prevention and health.

Shrita graduated from American University with a Master's of Arts degree in Communication. She also holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management.

Connect with Shrita on Twitter: @shritasterlin.