35+ year-old Public Relations/Public Affairs Firm
Aims to Grow Government Affairs Practice

DALLAS (March 27, 2019) – Building on the firm’s expanding Government Affairs practice, recently retired Mary Kay Inc. executive Kerry Tassopoulos is joining Sunwest Communications as Of Counsel effective April 1, 2019.

A 35-year veteran of public affairs last working with renowned, Dallas-based cosmetics company Mary Kay, Tassopoulos led public affairs and government relations efforts at the state, federal and international levels as vice president. He also served as regulatory attorney, providing legal counsel for the company in various endeavors and throughout its robust international expansion. Prior to his 25-year tenure at Mary Kay, Tassopoulos served as Director, Government Affairs at Excel Communications and was the first General Counsel of Jani King International, an international franchise company.

“I’m excited about being part of the Sunwest team and this next chapter,” said Tassopoulos. “Joining Sunwest will allow me to continue helping brands and individuals develop relationships with elected officials and regulators while building on the deep experience at Sunwest and working with an amazing team of seasoned professionals.”

In his new role at Sunwest, Tassopoulos will work directly with the firm’s current Government Affairs team to grow and broaden the services provided to clients navigating government relations – a growing need recognized by leaders worldwide.

“Having worked closely with Kerry for 12 years at Mary Kay, I’ve witnessed his expertise and tailored approach to government relations,” said Crayton Webb, owner and CEO of Sunwest Communications. “Now more than ever, establishing and maintaining strong relationships with elected officials during the good times is a top priority for the most successful companies. We are confident Kerry’s experience will be indispensable not only to our team, but to each of our clients, and I couldn’t be more excited about him joining the Sunwest family.”

Tassopoulos received his B.A. from Emory University in 1979 and his J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1985. He has been active in leadership of the Direct Selling Association, the Direct Selling Education Foundation and the Personal Care Products Counsel. He also serves on  the board of the Public Affairs Council, the Dallas Committee on Foreign Relations and the Advisory Board for the UT Dallas Center for International Business.

Sunwest clients vary from international oil and gas corporations to real estate, finance, direct selling, technology, education, family foundations and numerous consumer products companies. The firm’s strategic services include brand and marketing communications, community relations, corporate communications, corporate philanthropy/CSR, creative services, crisis communications, employee communications, financial communications, media relations, public affairs, social media strategy, special event planning and spokesperson training.

About Sunwest Communications: Founded in Dallas in 1982, Sunwest Communications helps companies and brands build trust, increase visibility and reach business goals through strategic marketing and public relations initiatives. One of Texas’ leading public relations and public affairs firms, Sunwest develops tailored, strategic solutions that drive audience behavior for clients spanning industries and geography. For more information, visit sunwestpr.com.