Focus Media Nets Townsend As New C.O.O.

Jay Townsend

Conngrats to Josh Sommers on his new hire, it's disappointing to see that Josh will no longer be working on political campaigns. I had the opportunity to get to know and work with Josh and he is one of the best in the business here locally. I recommend Focus media to anyone or buisness looking to get their message out. Below is the story from the Record.

MONTICELLO — Focus Media, the public relations and marketing firm that has made a reputation with campaigns getting Democrats elected to office, has hired Republican strategist Jay Townsend.

Townsend will become the company's chief operating officer on Dec. 1, said Focus Media President and CEO Josh Sommers.

"He brings a world of experience to our firm, and he's going to be able to open a lot of doors," Sommers said.

For the past few years, Sommers has redirected his firm's focus away from politics and onto building a portfolio of corporate clients such as Real Estate Solutions, Walden Savings Bank and Monticello Gaming & Raceway.

Firm taking on national clients

Townsend, a Cornwall-on-Hudson resident who owns the political strategy firm The Townsend Group, helped engineer major campaign victories for Republicans. He's credited with helping Patrick Buchanan win the New Hampshire presidential primary.

Sommers said Townsend's political savvy will translate well as the firm takes on larger, national clients.

"There is a methodology to political work" that will translate well to corporate clients, Townsend said. "You start with a certain market share, and your job at the get-go is to secure your base and then invade the base and turf of the other candidate."

Townsend said the economic downturn means corporate America will see "a tremendous period of upheaval," with many weaker companies not surviving. He added that companies that don't advertise to protect their market share might not survive the downturn.

Focus Media is opening an office in Goshen. Townsend will oversee business operations at that office and its existing office in Monticello. The firm employs eight people, up from three less than two years ago.

With the exception of one outstanding commitment, Focus Media will no longer accept political clients. Townsend said he will operate his strategy firm separately from Focus Media.