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Rational 360 Adds Senior Republican Strategists Ed Patru & Riley Bechdel to Leadership Team

Press Release • September 26, 2024

Washington, D.C. (September 26, 2024) – Rational 360, a leading full-service strategic communications and digital advocacy company, announced today the additions of seasoned Republican strategists Ed Patru and Riley Bechdel to its senior leadership team. Ed joins the team as a Senior Vice President and Riley joins as a Vice President, Digital. 

“Ed Patru and Riley Bechdel bring significant GOP-insider knowledge and connections to our deep-bench of bipartisan talent, which boasts over two decades of Administration, Capitol Hill, and political campaign experience,” said Patrick Dorton, CEO and Managing Partner at Rational 360. “As we head into an uncertain political environment in 2025, Ed and Riley will provide unique, experience-based perspectives to clients who need a clear-eyed view of how to move the needle on their priorities in a new Washington.”

“We’re thrilled to continue expanding our senior team with leaders from both sides of the political aisle. These additions bolster Rational 360’s continued commitment to delivering results to our clients, such as PIF and other global firms that are investing in U.S. jobs and driving innovation, regardless of whether Democrats or Republicans take power next year,” added Joe Lockhart, Managing Director at Rational 360.

Ed Patru has more than 25 years of experience as a veteran GOP communications strategist managing must-win media and public affairs campaigns at the highest rungs of business and Republican politics. He served for six years as a national spokesman and strategist for the House GOP and has also worked for the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) and the House Republican Conference. The Washington Post once described Ed as “the message chief for House Republicans.” 

In his most recent role as the founder of Direct Communications Company, a strategic communications advisory firm, Ed specialized in narrative development, reputation and issues management, and crisis mitigation for high-profile clients. He also led corporate communications as Executive Vice President of Seekr Technologies, a generative AI startup that was recognized by Fast Company as one of 2024’s Most Innovative Companies.

Prior to launching Direct Communications Company, Ed was Vice President at DCI Group, one of the nation’s largest privately held public affairs firms. During that time, he earned a reputation as a highly effective communications practitioner and a trusted consultant to executive leaders in a variety of sectors including energy, technology, transportation, and education.

“When it comes to providing unparalleled bipartisan perspective to clients, Rational 360 stands out in its ability to navigate the Washington political climate,” said Patru. “I look forward to contributing to the team with my years of experience in GOP strategy.”

Riley Bechdel was the first female and new equity partner in over a decade at Engage, one of the first GOP digital strategy firms of its kind in Washington D.C. that was acquired by Forbes Tate Partners in 2022. At Engage, Riley led digital strategy, paid advertising, and project management teams for clients across a wide array of industries – including healthcare, technology, and energy. 

Previously, Riley managed social media channels, event planning, and advertising partnerships at Independent Journal Review, a conservative news and opinion website based in Alexandria, Virginia, and served as the video team director at the conservative research and communications firm America Rising. 

Riley currently serves as co-chair of Women in Government Relation’s Telecom, Technology, and IP Task Force.  

“Rational 360 brings an impressive combination of skill among digital grassroots, advocacy, and digital influence strategies,” said Bechdel. “I’m thrilled to use my digital expertise to offer innovative solutions to our clients.”

Rational 360 is a leading full-service strategic communications and digital agency, with offices and staff located across the country. We recognize that communications and public affairs rarely take place in a vacuum, and our work is always crafted using the best data analysis to support organization-wide strategic objectives for our clients.

From public relations and public affairs to crisis communications and new media strategy, our experienced team takes an innovative, active approach to advancing your mission-critical goals. We understand the unique opportunities and challenges of the 21st century media landscape and operate as an extension of your own communications and leadership teams.

Learn more at Rational360.com.

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