Widmeyer Welcomes Former Hill Staffer
and Trade Assoc Spokesman
Jim Leutkemeyer
WASHINGTON, DC – Jim Luetkemeyer recently joined Widmeyer Communications as an Assistant Vice President and will serve in the firm’s rapidly growing public affairs practice. Luetkemeyer brings more than 10 years of experience in communications and public affairs, working on and off Capitol Hill. In particular, he has served as a spokesman for a trade association and a Member of Congress, in addition to having managed energy policy issues for a congressional office.
“Jim’s communications experience and background in energy policy will offer our clients invaluable insight and direction,” said Joe Clayton, President and CEO of the independent communications firm with offices in New York and Washington, DC. “He knows firsthand the importance of public perception and what it takes to bring issues to the forefront of the policy debate. He will be a tremendous asset to our team.”
Luetkemeyer, who will be based out of the firm’s DC office, will work on several high profile accounts at the firm including the United States Climate Action Partnership, a group of 32 leading business and environmental organizations seeking legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Luetkemeyer will also work on behalf of Consumers United for Rail Equity (CURE), where his background in energy policy will play an important role. CURE is a coalition of freight rail customers (including electric, utility, chemical and manufacturing companies) seeking changes in federal law and policy that would require railroad companies to provide more competitive and reliable service.
Prior to joining the firm, Luetkemeyer served as Communications Director and Legislative Assistant for Congressman Frank Lucas (R-OK), where he handled the communication strategy and managed energy issues for the congressman, including the rewrite of the energy title of the 2008 Farm Bill.
Prior to working with Congressman Lucas, Luetkemeyer served as the communications director for the ESOP Association, which represents companies with Employee Stock Ownership Plans. He served as a spokesman for the organization and managed the association’s communications strategy. Luetkemeyer also edited the association’s publications and assisted with lobbying efforts.
Luetkemeyer earned his bachelor’s degree in public relations at Oklahoma State University, where he also worked as editor in chief of The Daily O’Collegian, the university’s daily newspaper. He is currently completing his MBA degree from Georgetown University.
