Hamilton, Gullett, Davis & Roman Becomes FirstStrategic Communications & Public Affairs Expands Partnership

PHOENIX- Hamilton, Gullett, Davis & Roman (HGD&R), Arizona's premier strategic communications and public affairs firm, announced today it is changing its name to reflect a reorganization and expansion of the six year old firm. Effective today, the firm's operating name will become FirstStrategic, Communications & Public Affairs.
This name was chosen to reflect the firm's core strength - analyzing complex communication and public policy challenges and crafting successful strategies to maximize client success. "We work from the premise that effective communication, public affairs and public relations efforts are predicated on sound strategic planning and implementation," said Founding Partner Steve Roman. "Frankly, we believe our track record clearly demonstrates that our firm is an industry leader in crafting strategies that work."
The firm announced that prominent public affairs practitioners, Bettina Nava and Marcus Dell'Artino are joining FirstStrategic as partners and that Art Hamilton is leaving the firm. "After six great years in helping to build one of the most successful public affairs firms in Arizona, Mr. Hamilton has decided to move in a different direction. We respect his decision, thank him for his partnership and wish him the best in his future endeavors," stated Partner Barry Dill. "Our record of working across political and philosophical divides will continue and our clients will benefit from a commitment to ideas, not political affiliations."
FirstStrategic now consists of the proven talent of Wes Gullett, Kurt Davis, Barry Dill and Steve Roman in addition to Nava and Dell'Artino. All are noted and respected in the community for their strategic and public policy skills as well as their community leadership and involvement.
"No other firm in our market offers the bi-partisan breadth of experience, depth of talent and statewide expertise that is housed in our firm," said Founding Partner Wes Gullett. "We are excited to continue the annual growth of our firm and to offer our clients an even stronger platform of services in strategic communications, public relations, state and federal government relations and campaign services as our firm moves into the New Year."
FirstStrategic is a uniquely bipartisan organization that produces distinctive, workable solutions for the difficult challenges facing the business, non-profit and philanthropic communities. The firm's purpose statement is to help its clients achieve success while also serving the community. The firm's success is based on a well documented track record of transforming ideas into successful policy outcomes.
"With the addition of Bettina Nava and Marcus Dell'Artino as partners, FirstStrategic will continue to expand our footprint at the State Capitol and in the Latino community," remarked Founding Partner Kurt Davis. "Our firm is already uniquely positioned as a true statewide, full service communications and public affairs firm, and with the addition of our new partners and an excellent staff of associates, we will even better serve our clients in a complex and changing marketplace."
First Strategic offers a wide range of client services including: strategic planning and communications, government relations and regulatory consulting, initiative and referendum campaign management, public relations, crisis communications and coalition building.
The firm proudly represents many of Arizona's best known institutions including the Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Association of REALTORS®, Bashas' Supermarkets, CEMEX, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Salt River Project, and Translational Genomics Research Institute. Also the firm most recently directed the winning Yes on 100, Protect Our Homes campaign which amended the Arizona Constitution to prevent the damaging effects of a real estate transfer tax. This initiative passed with nearly 77% voter approval.