Press and Media

Former senior Capitol Hill aide will advise clients across firm’s international practice areas 

April 14, 2021, Washington, DC – Doug Campbell was named Managing Director at Blue Star Strategies, LLC where he will work on a variety of client issues. Mr. Campbell joins the firm from the United States Congress, where he served as deputy staff director of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. 

Campbell has had an outstanding 27-year career as a foreign policy and legislative affairs professional on Capitol Hill, including 12 years with the House Foreign Affairs Committee. In that capacity, he advised the chairman and members of Congress on a wide range of foreign policy, national security, and international economic issues. He developed and executed strategies to achieve key policy priorities on a bipartisan basis and developed close working relationships with diverse stakeholders in Executive Branch agencies, private sector, foreign governments, think tanks, and the NGO community. 

Campbell’s past positions include serving as an international trade analyst at the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

“Doug joins us at just the right time – as we expand our legislative advocacy practice and offer new capabilities for our clients,” said Karen Tramontano, CEO of Blue Star Strategies.“His decades of Capitol Hill experience and sharp political and policy acumen will add tremendous value to the work we are doing with global companies and organizations in the U.S. and around the world.”

Campbell received his Master’s in International Relations from Yale University and his B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley.

About Blue Star Strategies, LLC 

Blue Star Strategies, LLC is an international, interdisciplinary strategic consulting, public affairs, and government relations firm based in Washington, DC with offices in Europe and Latin America. The firm works across sectors and represents global corporations, sovereign governments and leaders, and international organizations to solve their public policy, regulatory, and business investment challenges in the United States, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and emerging markets around the world. The firm is comprised of experienced professionals with backgrounds in government, business, and multilateral and nonprofit organizations. 

Online at www.bluestarstrategies.com. 

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September 18, 2019, Washington, DC — Blue Star Strategies, LLC today announced that Sally A. Painter has joined the International Advisory Board of GLOBSEC, a global think-tank based in Bratislava, Slovak Republic committed to enhancing security, prosperity, and sustainability in Europe and throughout the world. Her appointment takes immediate effect.

Ms. Painter is Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Blue Star Strategies, LLC, where she provides corporate, institutional, and public sector clients with foreign and security policy guidance and global business development strategies.

“I am truly honored to join the International Advisory Board of GLOBSEC, an organization at the forefront of many of the most pressing issues facing our world,” said Ms. Painter. “I look forward to partnering with the GLOBSEC team to advance its goal of providing a better understanding of global trends and their consequences for society, the global economy, and international security.”

“We are delighted to have Sally join our International Advisory Board, comprised of former prime ministers and senior government officials, distinguished policy influencers, and business leaders,” said GLOBSEC President Róbert Vass. “Her deep and long-standing commitment to transatlantic relations and Central Europe will be a tremendous asset in helping GLOBSEC implement our mission of shaping global debate through research activities and connecting key experts on foreign and security policy.”

Ms. Painter is a distinguished leader and trusted advisor in the European space, representing global businesses and governments on their most important market entry, investment, and foreign policy issues, including NATO, EU, and OECD accession.

From 1993-1995, Ms. Painter was a senior advisor in the Clinton Administration, providing strategic advice and advocacy to U.S companies bidding on overseas contracts. She has also served as director of international at a Fortune 500 company and was instrumental in the creation and management of the Trans-Atlantic Business Dialogue and the French American Business Council. Ms. Painter serves on the Board of Directors of the Atlantic Council and as a Senior Advisor to its Future Europe Initiative.

About Blue Star Strategies, LLC

Blue Star Strategies, LLC is an international, interdisciplinary strategic consulting, public affairs, and government relations firm based in Washington, DC with offices in Europe and Latin America. The firm works across sectors and represents global corporations, sovereign governments and leaders, and international organizations to solve their public policy, regulatory, and business investment challenges in the United States, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and emerging markets around the world. The firm is comprised of experienced professionals with backgrounds in government, business, and multilateral and nonprofit organizations.

“We are delighted to have Jes join our Board of Directors, composed of distinguished individuals with an interest in US-Swedish relationships,” said SACC-DC Chairman Christer Bergman. “Blue Star Strategies has been a valued member and partner of SACC-DC and Jes will be a tremendous asset supporting our mission to advance business, policy, and cultural opportunities for U.S. and Swedish collaboration. We look forward to Jes' participation on the board.”

New presence will serve clients in Paris and Brussels, act as Transatlantic bridge

January 18, 2018, Washington, DC – Blue Star Strategies, LLC is launching a new office in Europe—Blue Star Strategies SAS—serving clients in Paris, France and Brussels, Belgium with its partners Mathilde Defarges and Étienne Bodard. Ms. Defarges, who has served as a senior advisor to the firm, will become President of Blue Star Strategies SAS, expanding the firm’s government and public affairs presence in the heart of Europe.

Blue Star Strategies SAS provides corporate, government, and public affairs counsel and multi-stakeholder engagement strategies for public and private sector clients specifically with issues in Paris and in Brussels at the European Union. The office builds partnerships with senior policy and political decision-makers and helps global clients leverage a diverse range of stakeholders, including international multilateral organizations, civil society, and the media.

Serving as a Transatlantic bridge, Blue Star Strategies SAS also supports European clients seeking policy engagement and market access strategies in the United States and across Latin America and the Caribbean, leveraging the firm’s current footprint in both regions.

“We are thrilled to expand the firm’s Transatlantic capabilities in Europe and to deepen our partnership with Mathilde, whose experience and reputation for excellent client representation mirrors Blue Star Strategies’ long-standing commitment to providing outstanding strategies and solutions to clients,” said Karen Tramontano, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Star Strategies.

“The opportunity to launch Blue Star Strategies in Paris and Brussels comes at a critical time for Transatlantic relations and investment across the European common market,” said Mathilde Defarges. “I am excited to be joining with my new colleagues in this endeavor and to build on the firm’s exceptional reputation on both sides of the Atlantic.”

“I have had the opportunity to work close with the exceptional professionals on both sides of the Blue Star Strategies Transatlantic team,” said Heidi L. Wagner, Senior Vice President of Global Government Affairs at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. “This new alliance is an exciting partnership, and will no doubt be of tremendous value to global companies looking to do business in the United States and Europe.”

About Blue Star Strategies, LLC

Blue Star Strategies, LLC is an international, interdisciplinary strategic consulting, public affairs, and government relations firm based in Washington, DC with offices in Europe and Latin America. The firm works across sectors and represents global corporations, sovereign governments and leaders, and international organizations to solve their public policy, regulatory, and business investment challenges in the United States, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and emerging markets around the world. The firm is comprised of experienced professionals with backgrounds in government, business, and multilateral and nonprofit organizations.

About Blue Star Strategies SAS

Blue Star Strategies SAS provides corporate, government, and public affairs counsel and multi-stakeholder engagement strategies for public and private sector clients specifically with issues in Paris, France and Brussels, Belgium. The office also supports European clients seeking policy engagement and market access strategies in the United States and across Latin America and the Caribbean, leveraging the firm’s footprint in both regions. The Blue Star Strategies SAS office is located at 44 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France.

Online at www.bluestarstrategies.com

Contact: Jeremiah Baronberg, +1 202 833 1281

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October 19, 2017

Blue Star Strategies joined the Washington DC Chapter of the French-American Chamber of Commerce (FACC-WDC), whose mission is to support strong economic relations between France and the United States.

The FACC is the country's premiere organization for French-American business.

Former White House Special Advisor will lead Latin America practice

July 10, 2017, Washington, DC – Daniel P. Erikson was named Managing Director at Blue Star Strategies, LLC, where he will lead the firm’s Latin America practice representing U.S. corporations across Latin America and the Caribbean and Latin American businesses with interests in the United States.

Erikson has had an outstanding career as a diplomat in the U.S. State Department and the White House, where he served as special advisor for Western Hemisphere Affairs to Vice President Joseph Biden on national security and economic matters related to Mexico, Canada, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. In that capacity, Erikson was a key architect of the U.S.-Mexico High Level Economic Dialogue, U.S.-Caribbean-Central America Energy Summit, and the U.S. strategy for the Northern Triangle of Central America. Before leaving his position in the White House, Erikson assisted in transitioning the new administration and advised Vice President Mike Pence on matters related to Central and South America.

Erikson’s past positions in the U.S. State Department include serving as senior advisor for Western Hemisphere Affairs and senior advisor for Congressional and Inter-Governmental Affairs. In that capacity, he devised and implemented legislative strategies on priority topics related to U.S. policy towards Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and Venezuela, engaged with the U.S. Congress on the annual budget and appropriations process, and served as a member of the State Department's negotiating team that reestablished U.S.-Cuba diplomatic relations. Erikson also organized multiple rounds of the U.S.-China Dialogue on Latin America under the rubric of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue. In addition to his U.S. government experience, Erikson previously served as director of Caribbean Programs and senior associate for U.S. policy at the Inter-American Dialogue, the leading Washington, DC-based think-tank focused on Western Hemisphere affairs.

“Dan joins us at just the right time – as we expand our Latin America practice and offer new capabilities for our clients based in, or with interests in the region,” said Karen Tramontano, CEO of Blue Star Strategies. “His deep policy acumen and the partnerships he has built with public and private sector leaders will add tremendous value to the work we are doing with global companies in the U.S. and across Latin America and the Caribbean."

Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Arturo Valenzuela said, “Dan is one of the foremost experts on Latin America in Washington and is respected across the region and on both sides of the political aisle. His new position at Blue Star Strategies will enable him to make a valuable contribution by identifying new opportunities for cooperation that will benefit both the public and private sectors of the Americas.”

Erikson received his Masters in Public Policy with a focus on International Security and Political Economy Studies from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government where he was a Dean’s Fellow. He was a Fulbright Scholar focusing on binational business at the Monterrey Technological Institute in Monterrey, Mexico and he received his B.A. in International Relations from Brown University. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a widely published scholar and author whose 2008 book “The Cuba Wars” won Foreword Magazine’s Gold Prize for Political Science.

Erikson will begin his work at the firm in September.

About Blue Star Strategies, LLC

Blue Star Strategies, LLC is an international strategic consulting, public affairs, and government relations firm, based in Washington, DC with offices in Europe and Latin America serving global clients. Its professionals work across diverse industry sectors representing global corporations, sovereign governments and political leaders, and international organizations to solve their political, public policy, regulatory, investment, and resource challenges in the United States and in emerging markets around the world.

Online at www.bluestarstrategies.com.

Contact:
Gabriella Ippolito
gabriella.ippolito@bluestarstrategies.com
+1 202 833 1281

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June 21, 2017, Washington, DC — Blue Star Strategies, LLC announced that Mathilde Defarges, Partner at Arcturus Group, will serve as strategic advisor for France and Brussels to the firm.

Ms. Defarges will work with Blue Star Strategies to drive Transatlantic policy and investment by supporting European clients with interests in the United States and North American clients with interests in France and Brussels. She will continue to serve as partner at Arcturus Group from her Paris and Brussels offices.

“We are delighted to have Mathilde serve as strategic advisor in France and Brussels to our firm,” said Sally Painter, Chief Operating Officer of Blue Star Strategies. “With our long-standing work in Europe and deep commitment to Transatlantic relations and investment, we look forward to working with Arcturus Group to help European clients enter, navigate, and succeed in the complex U.S. marketplace and public policy arena.”

“I am thrilled that we are teaming up with such a renowned and respected U.S. firm as Blue Star Strategies,” said Mathilde Defarges, Partner at Arcturus Group. “Their political and policy acumen in the U.S. at the highest levels combined with their results-oriented approach comes at just the right time to be supporting Transatlantic business and will be an immediate asset for U.S. oriented clients based in France and Europe.”

“As the United States and European Union meet new strategic challenges, it’s the right time to develop such an alliance” said Gilles Teisseyre, Founder and Executive-President of ARCTURUS Group. “Our shared value and expertise in public affairs will facilitate and develop new transatlantic prospects for our clients.”

About ARCTURUS GROUP

ARCTURUS GROUP is a public affairs firm operating in five European offices—Brussels, Paris, Marseille, Berlin, and Warsaw. The consultancy represents its clients’ interests to the European and national public authorities and allows its clients to expand into new markets by identifying strategic institutional levers.

Online at http://www.arcturus-group.com/en/.

About Blue Star Strategies, LLC

Blue Star Strategies, LLC is an international strategic consulting, public affairs, and government relations firm, based in Washington, DC and serving global clients. Its professionals work across diverse industry sectors representing global corporations, governments, and multilateral organizations to solve their political, public policy, regulatory, investment, and resource challenges in the United States and in emerging markets around the world.

In the United States, the firm helps public and private sector clients navigate, impact, and leverage a complex array of policy, decision, and influence makers—ranging from federal and state government, legislative, and regulatory bodies to nongovernmental advocates, public policy institutions and think tanks, private sector, and the media. The firm offers a comprehensive suite of strategic planning, external and public affairs, policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, issue advocacy, business development, and government relations services.

Online at http://www.bluestarstrategies.com/.

“We are delighted to have Sally join our Board of Directors, comprised of distinguished policy-influencers and business leaders,” said Atlantic Council President and CEO Frederick Kempe. “Her deep and long-standing commitment to transatlantic relations and U.S. global engagement will be a tremendous asset to helping the Council implement its mission of promoting constructive leadership in international affairs. I have known Sally for years – her thought leadership and strategic insight are well-known and deeply valued in the U.S. and abroad. She has been a valued partner of ours and we look forward to deepening our work together based on the central role of the Atlantic Community in meeting global challenges.”

January 18, 2017, Washington, DC — Jeremiah J. Baronberg was named Senior Director for Marketing and Communications at Blue Star Strategies, LLC, where he will head the firm’s external relations, publications, and media portfolio.

Previously, Mr. Baronberg served in a variety of government affairs, strategic planning, marketing, and corporate social responsibility arenas. His government, private sector, and nonprofit experience includes Capitol Hill, international law and government relations firms, and nongovernmental organizations.

“We are delighted to have Jeremiah join our growing firm,” said Sally Painter, COO of Blue Star Strategies. “Jeremiah brings a diverse background and will be an immediate asset to our clients and to our firm as we expand our business in new directions.”

“I have known Jeremiah for years – he is smart and strategic and his writing and communications skills will complement the work we are doing with global companies and governments around the world,” said Karen Tramontano, CEO of Blue Star Strategies.

Mr. Baronberg began his career in Washington in Congress at the U.S. Helsinki Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, focusing on the promotion of human rights, democracy, and economic, environmental, and military cooperation across the 57-nation OSCE region. In 2006, he joined the bipartisan firm Dutko Worldwide, before moving to McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP (now Dentons).

Mr. Baronberg serves on the board of directors of the American Jewish Committee, which focuses on global human rights, diplomacy, and inter-cultural bridge building. He received his B.A. in International Affairs and Middle East Studies from the University of Colorado at Boulder and later a Master of Public Policy in Globalization Studies from The George Washington University.

About Blue Star Strategies, LLC

Blue Star Strategies, LLC is an international strategic consulting, public affairs, and government relations firm, based in Washington, DC with offices in Europe and Latin America. We work across sectors representing foreign governments, political parties, and global corporations to help solve their business and policy challenges in the United States and in emerging markets around the world. Our team is comprised of experienced professionals with backgrounds in government, business, and multilateral and nonprofit organizations.

Please visit us online at www.bluestarstrategies.com.

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August 2015

Blue Star Strategies joined the European American Chamber of Commerce (EACC), which works to stimulate business development and facilitate networking and relationships between European and American businesses & professional organizations.

The EACC provides members with "access to transatlantic business opportunities as well as timely and relevant information, resources and support on matters affecting business activities between Europe and the U.S."

Blue Star's Jes Lindgren will serve on the chamber's Event Committee.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Amy Weiss 
September 11, 2014
Amy@WeissPublicAffairs.com

Washington, DC — Jeffrey Gedmin was named Senior Advisor at Blue Star Strategies, LLC, and will work on a variety of client issues including matters in Europe and the Middle East.

Currently, Mr. Gedmin is Co-Director of the Transatlantic Renewal Project at the World Affairs Institute and Journal in Washington, DC and a senior fellow at Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. From 2011 – 2014 Mr. Gedmin was President and CEO of the London-based Legatum Institute where he was responsible for the Institute’s strategic direction, budget, board relations and development. 

“We are thrilled to have Jeff join our growing firm,” stated Karen Tramontano, CEO of Blue Star Strategies. “Jeff’s knowledge and experience on foreign policy matters and his strategic approach to problem solving will be of great value to our clients.”

“I have had the privilege of knowing and working with Jeff for many years beginning with our work to expand NATO to include the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland. Jeff is smart, strategic and both his previous and current work will not only compliment the work we are doing but also bring greater depth to our ability to achieve our clients’ goals” said Sally Painter, COO of Blue Star Strategies.

Mr. Gedmin served as the President and CEO of Radio Free Europe/Liberty and served as the President and CEO of the Aspen Institute in Berlin. Prior to that Mr. Gedmin was a Resident Scholar at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) and Executive Director of the New Atlantic Initiative.

He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations (New York), a member of the National Endowment for Democracy’s Research Council (Washington, DC), a member of the Board of Directors for Turkish Policy Quarterly (Istanbul) and a member of the editorial board of the World Affairs Journal. 

About Blue Star Strategies, LLC

Blue Star Strategies, LLC is an international strategic consulting, public affairs, and government relations firm, based in Washington, DC with offices in Europe and Latin America. We work across sectors representing foreign governments, political parties, and global corporations to help solve their business and policy challenges in the United States and in emerging markets around the world. Our team is comprised of experienced professionals with backgrounds in government, business, and multilateral and nonprofit organizations.

Blue Star Strategies Goes Global

Network Expansion in Brussels, Hanoi, London, and Rome

(April 15, 2014- Washington, DC) - Blue Star Strategies, LLC today announced the inauguration of a global network with four global firms which will strengthen their presence in key international markets – Brussels, Hanoi, London and Rome. Given the complementary and interconnected work of the participating firms, Blue Star Strategies, LLC has tapped Strategis Communications in Brussels, Bay Global Strategies in Hanoi, Insight Public Affairs in London and Cattaneo Zanetto & Co. in Rome to join their network.

“With the firm’s growth over the years and our ability to have smart people on the ground in select countries, this is a win for our clients and potential clients,” said Karen Tramontano, CEO of Blue Star Strategies.

“We are delighted to bring these top notch firms into our network. Their strengths and contacts will enhance our work in these regions,” said Blue Star’s COO Sally Painter.

Strategis Communications based in Brussels, Belgium has been providing a range of globally renowned clients with strategic political, government and public affairs counsel and support services designed to promote and protect their business interests in the European Union and globally since 2006. Nick Blow of Strategis Communications has 20 years experience in European affairs from both in and outside the EU institutions.

"Working with Sally and Karen and their colleagues at Blue Star Strategies is always a great pleasure. Their level of professionalism, commitment and experience are second to none. In government relations, it just doesn't get any better or more fulfilling," said Nick Blow.

He advises clients on broad EU affairs strategy, legislative lobbying campaigns and political aspects of corporate communications. Before entering consultancy, Nick worked at the European Parliament as political advisor to a UK MEP and as a campaign strategist for social and human rights NGOs.

Bay Global Strategies based in Hanoi, Vietnam provides advisory services to help their clients understand and navigate the full business and government environment in Vietnam and beyond. Virginia B. Foote founded Bay Global Strategies, LLC with the goal to provide clients with critical knowledge and strategic planning for doing business in and with Vietnam. With over 20 years of experience in Vietnam and commendations including the President of Vietnam's Medal of Friendship (2007), Ms. Foote provides clients with top notch on-the-ground strategic advisory services, stakeholder engagement, and government relations.

“This is a great opportunity for Bay Global Strategies to be working directly with Blue Star. We have the same goals, passion for the issues and have worked together on several projects. I am looking forward to collaborating with the team on a regular basis, “said Foote.

Insight Public Affairs, named PR Week UK’s Specialist Consultancy of the year is a full service agency in London, England. Core services include: regulation and legislation, reputation management, market access and procurement, media, campaigning, and training and education. The agency was established in 2006, and advises a number of leading companies and organizations in the transport and infrastructure, gaming, life sciences, social care, and financial services sectors on their public affairs and communications strategies. Insight was launched in 2006 by John Lehal, having gained extensive experience running UK and international strategic communications programs. His clients include Betfair, Emirates, International SOS, and Pfizer, and John provides pro bono support to several charities.

“The work of Insight and BSS could not be more complimentary. In Karen and Sally we have found the best in class and the Insight team looks forward to further collaboration with the Blue Star team to further assist our mutual clients as well as ones we have yet to work with,” said John Lehal.

Cattaneo Zanetto & Co. is a lobbying firm based in Rome, Italy that specializes in government relations, regulatory and public affairs with branches in Rome, Milan and Brussels. The firm focuses mostly on multinational companies and international investors. Paolo Zanettoheads the Government Relations and Business Diplomacy practices at Cattaneo Zanetto & Co. Before joining the Public affairs industry, Paolo was in the Italian government service for 10 years, as a policy adviser on many topics, both in Italian and European institutions, and later on as ministerial aide in the Italian cabinet. Paolo is a regular contributor of national newspapers in Italy. He has published a handbook on political marketing (“(E)lezioni di successo”, Rizzoli-Etas, 2003). He has also published a book on the Microsoft antitrust case in the European Union (“Il caso Microsoft e il futuro della concorrenza in Europa”, Rubbettino, 2005). Recently he published a handbook on lobbying and public affairs (“Fare lobby”, Rizzoli-Etas, 2007) together with Alberto Cattaneo.

"Blue Star Strategies' insight and expertise in international affairs and business is extraordinary and it is a great honor working with one of the best strategic planning firms in DC," said Zanetto.

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About Blue Star Strategies, LLC

Blue Star Strategies, LLC is an international strategic consulting, public affairs, and government relations firm, based in Washington, DC with offices in Europe and Latin America. We work across sectors representing foreign governments, political parties, and global corporations to help solve their business and policy challenges in the United States and in emerging markets around the world. Our team is comprised of experienced professionals with backgrounds in government, business, and multilateral and nonprofit organizations.

Contact: Amy Weiss, Amy@WeissPublicAffairs.com