Rich Masters

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT RICH MASTERS

Rich Masters is a senior political strategist and crisis communications leader with more than three decades of experience advising corporations, trade associations, and government leaders at the intersection of policy, media, and public trust. His career spans journalism, national politics, and global public affairs consulting, which gives him a rare perspective on how complex issues are shaped, debated, and resolved in high-pressure environments.Masters began his career in broadcast journalism as an anchor, investigative reporter, and political analyst across multiple Midwest and Southern markets. His investigative work earned national recognition, including an Emmy nomination and designation as a Livingston Award finalist. He transitioned from journalism into national politics, serving as Campaign Manager, Communications Director, and Policy Strategist for U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana. As the Senator’s spokesperson and senior advisor, Masters gained firsthand experience managing complex policy initiatives while navigating political and media pressure.In 2003, Masters joined Qorvis Communications, where he served for sixteen years as Partner and President of Global Public Affairs. In that role, he led North American issues management and crisis communications for the Publicis global network while consistently generating between $1.5 million and $4.8 million in annual client revenue.Masters was recruited in 2019 to serve as Chief Public Affairs and Marketing Officer for the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO). He transformed BIO’s communications strategy into a proactive, content-driven platform designed to build support for science-based innovation among policymakers and the public. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led crisis communications efforts supporting BIO member companies at the forefront of vaccine and treatment development. He also oversaw BIO’s flagship international convention, expanding attendance to record levels following the pandemic.In 2024, Masters returned to Qorvis as Partner and Chief Political Strategist, leading the firm’s Washington, DC operations and overseeing global crisis, biotechnology, and energy portfolios. He focuses extensively on energy and industrial clients navigating regulatory complexity and political risk, particularly in carbon capture and sequestration initiatives. Masters helps organizations communicate clearly and credibly during moments of significant public and political scrutiny, building strategies that protect reputation and support policy objectives