Media

July 31, 2023

Contact: Lynne Weil, lynne@citrusstrategies.net

New DC-Based Communications Consultancy, Citrus Strategies, to Launch Tomorrow

Its motto: When life hands you dilemmas, make dilemma-nade

Veteran DC hand and former journalist Lynne Weil is launching a communications and fractional marketing consultancy for the public sector, nonprofits and purpose-driven, socially-minded companies. Citrus Strategies (motto: "When life hands you dilemmas, make dilemma-nade") will offer a range of services, including:

• Mapping outreach to key external audiences

• Planning for internal stakeholder buy-in

• Crafting communications strategy

• Managing reputation/response

• Amplifying clients' message

• Media skills training

• Graphic design

• Storytelling

• Editing

Weil recently left a leadership role with Georgetown University's Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET), where she helped shape the nascent think tank's reputation during its first four-plus years. As Director of External Affairs, she built and trained a team that worked across the organization to raise CSET's profile among key policymakers, media and a variety of stakeholders. 

"It's been stimulating to be part of a startup," Weil said. "And it's been an honor to be associated with Georgetown. But the time has come to focus more on projects that align with my long-held passions." 

Citrus Strategies will initially specialize in public-private partnerships, government affairs, international relations, citizen diplomacy, media freedom and cutting-edge issues involving emerging tech.

Weil spent a dozen years on Capitol Hill – moving from congressional fellow to Senate Foreign Relations Committee Press Secretary to communications director for the House Foreign Affairs Committee – and four years in the Executive Branch as a State Department senior advisor and executive with the U.S. Agency for Global Media.

She teaches policy skills to graduate students as adjunct faculty at American University's School of International Service and The George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs. She is the vice chair of the Pyxera Global board of directors and serves on the board of the Partnership for a Secure America. 

Previously, Weil was a journalist in the United States and Europe for NPR, the BBC, The New York Times and other outlets. More recently, her work has been published in The Hill, The Fletcher Forum of International Affairs and others, including as a ghostwriter for leading figures in the public and private sectors.

"Effective public communications and marketing involve making many choices," Weil said. "From words to messaging to media and more, these choices influence the outcome. Citrus Strategies will help clients evaluate the options and choose the best course for their goals. Especially when tough decisions must be made, Citrus Strategies will be there with reliable advice, over-the-horizon guidance and practical, tactical support."