Whitney Van Wyk joins Environics Communications as Account Executive in Washington, DC, office

Washington – July 27, 2009 – Environics Communications, Inc today announced that Whitney Van Wyk has joined the agency as an account executive in the Washington, D.C., office.

In addition to a strong background in traditional media relations, Van Wyk brings to Environics valuable experience in social media engagement, community outreach, event planning and support, and publications management. At Environics, she will be servicing clients in the healthcare, consumer, non-profit and technology sectors.

Before joining Environics, Van Wyk served as managing director at iCommunity, a business networking organization with 900 member companies in the Washington, D.C. area. At iCommunity she planned and executed in-person networking events and seminars and facilitated online networking opportunities for members. She was responsible for the organization's ongoing public relations, and marketing programs, including social media outreach.

Prior to iCommunity, Van Wyk served as public relations coordinator for Washington Sports & Entertainment, the management firm for the Washington Wizards NBA basketball team. Van Wyk acted as a liaison between the Washington Wizards and local, national, and international media, wrote and edited press releases and team publications, managed post-game press conferences, and coordinated player and staff interviews.

"Whitney has an impressive skill set that includes developing creative ways for organizations to build relationships with their audiences," said Environics-US General Manager Dave Groobert. "Her experience with both business-to-business and consumer PR, using traditional and social media, will be a great asset to our clients."

Van Wyk is a member of Washington Women in Public Relations, and is also a volunteer with Homestretch, a comprehensive program that helps homeless families in Fairfax County, Virginia find the resources they need to rebuild their lives. She currently serves as the media and public relations chair for their 20th Anniversary Gala Committee. Van Wyk is a graduate of American University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in International Marketing.