WASHINGTON DC — Ruder Finn has expanded its senior leadership team and office space in Washington as part of the agency’s drive to strengthen its policy and public affairs practice in the market.

Executive VP Monica Marshall, global lead of the agency’s purpose and policy offering, is relocating to Washington to head the DC operation. Marshall joined Ruder Finn in June to lead RF Relate, a division dedicated to social impact, sustainability, advocacy and public affairs.

Meredith Isola (pictured), who has spent the last decade in federal government roles, is joining the Washington office as a senior VP focused on government relations, policy and advocacy. She comes most recently from the FDA, where she was director of communications. Earlier in her career, she worked for the Department of Homeland Security as a public affairs specialist.

Marshall and Isola will be based in the agency’s new Washington office, located near the White House.

"Adding Monica and Meredith to our DC offering strengthens our ability to help clients navigate a dynamic policy environment where advocacy, policy and social issues have growing impact on public opinion and behavior,” said CEO Kathy Bloomgarden.

"Consumer activism is a force to be reckoned with and is providing clients with intelligence on where public sentiment is moving, as well as guidance on communicating with the policy and advocacy audiences that are moving it, are critical for shaping the broader conversation," she added.

Ruder Finn this week also announced new leadership in Greater China, Singapore and Malaysia, includeing the hire of Winnie Lai as Hong Kong GM and Brian Witte's promotion to deputy GM in Singapore.