Rick Rountree Bio
As founder and president of Rick Rountree Communications, Inc., Rick Rountree brings a wealth of communications experience and expertise to the small public relations firm.
A graduate of the Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communications at the University of Georgia, Rick began his communications career as a reporter for newspapers in Augusta and Atlanta and as a bureau chief in Macon, Ga. After nearly eight years as a journalist, he transitioned into corporate communications and specialized in media relations. His work in crisis communications led him to a position as Director of Public Affairs with Rhone-Poulenc's agricultural division in Research Triangle Park for 12 years.
While at French-based Rhone Poulenc, he received several awards for his work in crisis communications, including two Prix d'Excellence Orchidees and a Trophe, Communication de Crise. Rick holds certificates of completion from the MIT-Harvard Public Disputes Program and the Managing Individual Organizational Change program at the University of Virginia Darden Graduate School of Business. He also participated in the Building Consensus Through Executive Influence program at the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government.
After accumulating more than 25 years of professional experience with corporations, communications firms and the news media, Rick launched his own public relations firm in April 2000. A product of his motivation to provide a unique and effective approach to communications, Rick Rountree Communications now serves a variety of clients, ranging from research-based companies to real estate development businesses and the restaurant and food service industry. The firm - which relies on principles of small business such as personal oversight and accountability - specializes in media relations, public affairs, reputation management and crisis communications.
Since its inception, Rick Rountree Communications has mentored a number of interns, teaching them the professional skills they need to succeed in a career in public relations. Interns at Rick Rountree Communications have gone on to work for or gain internships at Howard, Merrell & Partners, Progress Energy, Fox Network, Manning Savage & Lee, About.com, Glen Raven, Atlantic BT and the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Rick currently resides in Raleigh, N.C., with his wife, Susan, and has two grown children. In addition to his work in the professional realm, Rick strives to give back to his community and has served in a variety of leadership roles. He served on the Vestry and as Senior Warden for St. Michael's Episcopal Church and was a volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America.
