NEW ORLEANS, LA – Deveney Communication, an award-winning, internationally-renowned public relations firm, has added three qualified college students from around the country to its Associates Program. This experienced group brings a variety of skills to assist the firm’s many clients.

The associates will advance their knowledge of the public relations field by gaining hands-on experience that challenges and educates them in a professional setting to complement their classroom training. They also have the opportunity to earn college credit.

“Deveney always strives to be at the forefront of the communication industry, and we are currently experiencing a period of high growth,” said John Deveney APC, APR, president and CEO of Deveney Communication. “Our new team of associates adds energy and fresh ideas to our office and helps us think creatively, while allowing the associates to gain real-world experience”

The summer associate class of 2008 is the largest in Deveney Communication’s history, marked by the qualifications and skills of the three new associates.

Jessica Anderson of Oak Ridge, Tenn., is a rising senior at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill earning her Bachelor of Arts in journalism with a concentration in public relations and a minor in history.

Jessica has extensive experience in

news-writing and graphic design and held a previous internship with the Carolina Union Activities Board.

“This experience is a great opportunity to gain valuable PR experience and make a difference in the city of New Orleans,” Anderson said. “Deveney Communication gives us the opportunity to work with a wide array of clients allowing us to target our specific interests.”

Christina Maruna of Hinsdale, Ill., is a rising junior at Tulane University in New Orleans double- majoring in communications and Spanish. Christina has event planning experience from a previous internship at Tales of the Cocktail—a non-profit event for the New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society.

“I am really excited to have the opportunity to work as a Deveney associate,” Maruna said. “Every team member is extremely encouraging, and the experience has expanded my knowledge of the public relations field, which will help me both in school and in future professional endeavors.”

Maria Merchan of Harahan, La., is a senior at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala. Maria brings fresh, new graphic ideas to Deveney Communication and will expand on her prior experience of designing logos and other pieces for her school and various activities in which she participated.

“I am very grateful to be interning at Deveney,” Merchan said. “I am learning many useful skills and, most importantly, gaining hands-on experience. It has been a great summer so far, and the whole team has really made me feel welcome.”

Deveney Communication is excited to welcome this diverse group of associates and hopes to aid in the growth of these already qualified students to help fulfill their future aspirations.

About Deveney Communication

Leading communication expert John Deveney, ABC, APR, founded the award-winning public relations firm Deveney Communication (www.deveney.com), in 1996. Deveney Communication is an internationally recognized public relations firm that uses integrated marketing to make its international, national and local clients more successful. Named one of the top five boutique public relations firms in America by PRWeek in 2004, the firm has been recognized worldwide by the industry for excellence in developing and implementing strategies using media relations, Internet marketing, community relations and crisis management for nonprofit, public, corporate and dot.com leaders.