The Scutari and Cieslak Story

Chip Scutari is a former Arizona Republic scribe who got hooked on politics after watching Ronald Reagan's inaugural speech from his grandmother's couch. He is a loud and proud Friar fanatic after four wonderful years at Providence College.

Diehard Democrat Dave Cieslak worked as the Arizona communications director for Barack Obama's presidential campaign after covering crime for The Republic. Dave bleeds Los Angeles Dodger Blue and still gets chills about Kirk Gibson's game-winning home run in the 1988 World Series.

The unlikely duo launched the bi-partisan Scutari and Cieslak Public Relations in 2010 with a simple mission: Work with good people and tell good stories. So far, they've had the privilege of partnering with clients including Korean Air, Salt River Project, the Hualapai Indian Tribe and the City of Tucson.

Below is a little more about us.

Chip Scutari

Chip brings a deep expertise of politics and a reporter's instinct to the public relations and communications coaching world. For 15 years, he worked on the journalistic frontlines covering Arizona's most powerful politicians and influential business leaders. He then took on a hybrid role at one of Phoenix's largest advertising agencies, providing a combination of public relations expertise and business development. He's coached politicians, business leaders and non-profit organizations. His web of connections and understanding of the intersection between policy, politics and business helps position clients in a wide array of environments.

Chip is a regular guest on Channel 12′s popular "Sunday Square Off," KJZZ's "Here and Now" and a frequent contributor to Phoenix Magazine. He also moderates a variety of political debates and business panel discussions for companies and non-profit groups, such as the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Valley Citizens League. He has a B.A. from Providence College in Business Administration and a Master's degree in journalism from Syracuse University.

DAVE CIESLAK

Formerly an award-winning reporter for the Arizona Republic and Tucson Citizen, Dave has brought his journalism skills and in-depth political knowledge to the public relations field. Dave's coverage of our state's biggest stories filled his BlackBerry with contacts in politics, business, justice and education — and clients say his connections inside national and Arizona media outlets are invaluable. Dave began his PR career as the spokesman for the City of Scottsdale Fire Department. He most recently served as the Arizona communications director for Barack Obama's presidential campaign, and was senior manager of public relations at a downtown Phoenix advertising agency.

Dave is a regular contributor to Phoenix Magazine, a panelist on Channel 12's "Sunday Square Off" and a guest lecturer at Arizona State University and the Freedom Forum Diversity Institute at Vanderbilt University. He has a B.A. in journalism from the University of Arizona.