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Ed Downes

Dr. Edward J. Downes

Associate Professor of Public Relations

PhD, Syracuse University;
MPA, George Mason University;
BA, St. Bonaventure University.

Dr. Downes, prior to joining academia full-time, worked professionally for ten years for communications programs throughout metropolitan Washington, D.C. He held positions as a marketing representative, personnel specialist, campaign organizer, special events producer and performer, resource development manager, research associate, and public relations director.

He worked for CapitalCare (a subsidiary of Blue Cross/Shield), the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Organization (an international trade association), the Wonder Company (a special events firm), the Child Welfare League or America (a national advocacy organization), D&S Whyte (a marketing firm), and the United States Congress (in the offices of Congressman George Wortley and the Clerk of the House).

In the last year his peer-reviewed work has been accepted for publication in The Encyclopedia of Social Interaction Technologies, the Journal of Mental Health Counseling, and Government Public Relations: A Reader. He is continuing study of Capitol Hill’s press secretaries, the topic of his doctoral dissertation, and is writing a book with the working title, Messages from the Hill: A Conceptual Framework for Understanding the Congressional Press Secretary. Additionally he is exploring communication between the Massachusetts Legislature and the state's media outlets; the relationship between ecoterrorism and public relations; and "power" and its influence on mediated, organizational and interpersonal communications.

He serves as a speaker and workshop presenter where he discusses public relations in the private, nonprofit and governmental sectors, and has authored/co-authored several peer-reviewed articles and papers. Dr. Downes was the recipient of the College of Communication's 2005 "Lyndon Baines Johnson Advisor of the Year" award.

Contact Professor Downes.