Anat Gerstein Inc. Announces Appointment of
Jeff Simmons
Anat Gerstein Inc. recently announced the appointment of Jeff Simmons as Executive Vice President of the firm, which focuses exclusively on providing the nonprofit sector with strategic communications and public relations services.
Simmons, who currently serves as Senior Vice President for Communications at the Alliance for Downtown New York, the region's largest Business Improvement District, will assume his new position on September 24, 2012.
"Jeff Simmons is a great addition to our team and for our clients, bringing to the table years of experience in the nonprofit, government, political and journalism sectors," said Anat Gerstein, founder and president. "As a former television and print reporter, he truly understands and is responsive to the needs of both clients and the media. And, he also knows how to connect people to causes and engage supporters, two skills that are crucial for nonprofits."
At the Downtown Alliance, Jeff directs a 10-member team of communications and technology professionals and provides strategic communications counseling to promote Lower Manhattan real estate, retail, tourism and residential life. Jeff oversaw the Alliance's comprehensive website redesign and smart phone application launch, and built up the organization's social media presence, in part generating more than10,000 twitter followers.
As Executive Vice President at Anat Gerstein Inc., Simmons will help clients build brand recognition and awareness through high profile media placements and development of strategic communications collateral for various audiences. Clients currently include the Museum of the City of New York, Girl Scouts of Greater New York, Community Healthcare Network, Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, WHEDco, Council of Urban Professionals, New Jersey Community Capital, Fund for the City of New York, South Street Seaport Museum, Coro New York Leadership Center, and Livery Roundtable, among others.
From 2002 to 2009 Simmons served as Communications Director for New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr., overseeing media strategy, news events and social media development. He was Communications Director for David Paterson's 2006 campaign for Lieutenant Governor and Campaign Manager for Thompson's 2005 reelection campaign and a media advisor on Thompson's 2009campaign for New York City Mayor.
Previously, Simmons was an award-winning on-air reporter covering education, breaking news, and investigative stories for New York 1 News, the New York Daily News, New York Post and The (Bergen) Record, his hometown newspaper.
Born and raised in northern New Jersey, Simmons was graduated from New York University with a degree in journalism. He regularly speaks at forums on media and public relations, and had developed a reputation as a go-to source for media in New York City. He also owns two Brussels Griffons, one of which recently was featured in The New Yorker and The New York Times.
About Anat Gerstein Inc.
The firm, founded in 2010 by 15-year communications and public relations veteran Anat Gerstein, focuses exclusively on serving the nonprofit sector. Anat Gerstein Inc. specializes in helping nonprofits engage stakeholders, connect people to causes, and build brand recognition and reputation.
Clients include the Museum of the City of New York, Girl Scouts of Greater New York, Community Healthcare Network, Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, WHEDco, Council of Urban Professionals, New Jersey Community Capital, Fund for the City of New York, South Street Seaport Museum, Coro New York Leadership Center, Livery Roundtable, and others. For more information, visit www.anatgerstein.com