![[Photo] John K. Raffetto](images/rhs_staff_raffetto.jpg)
As CEO, John Raffetto is committed to delivering top-shelf client service and beating expectations. A public relations and public affairs expert with 20 years of experience, John is recognized for his ability to broker valuable relationships that deliver game-changing opportunities for his clients and their innovations.
John is personally involved in every account, providing strategic direction, assuring objectives are met, and ensuring the RH team is equipped and on track to deliver big results for the firm's clients.
Prior to RH Strategic, John was a principal at Washington D.C.-based Infotech Strategies, where he established its public relations group and led the firm's technology practice. Under his leadership, the firm won industry awards and expanded its client base. In 2005 he opened Infotech Strategies' Seattle office, marshaling the firm's Northwest presence and influx of new business.
At the D.C.-based government and public relations firm Podesta Associates, founded by brothers Tony Podesta and John Podesta (chair of the Obama Transition Team), John launched several technology enterprises, influenced the policy debates around telecommunications and healthcare reforms, and successfully deflected damaging media coverage for a major food company during its product recall. While at Podesta, he served as executive director of the Interactive Travel Services Association, the premiere trade group for the online travel industry.
John began his post-graduate career in the Washington, D.C., press office of Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska). Later he served as the communications director of the Senate Appropriations Committee, making friends with reporters and editors by helping them navigate debates and decisions regarding billions in annual federal spending.
John earned a B.A. in journalism and public communications from the University of Alaska Anchorage, where he was honored as the journalism school's outstanding graduate. While in school, John co-founded and managed Anchorage public radio station KRUA-FM. He received his Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) in Washington, D.C.
Today John lives in Bellevue, Washington, with his wife and two children and travels frequently between the Northwest and Washington, D.C. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Washington Technology Industry Association, and chairs the organization's Tech Trends Advisory Group. In his free time, John can be found fishing with his kids or racing with his sailing crewmates on the waters of Puget Sound.