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February 27, 2013

Dix & Eaton Names Chas Withers President and Chief Operating Officer

CLEVELAND – Dix & Eaton announced today that Chas Withers, president of the firm and a member of its board of directors, has assumed additional responsibilities as chief operating officer.

Withers, 47, has been with Dix & Eaton a total of 15 years and was twice a client of the firm.  In his broadened role, he will be responsible for day-to-day operations, client service, staff management and development, practice development and marketing.

“The steady expansion of Chas’ leadership responsibilities reflects the vital role he plays in the continued success of Dix & Eaton,” said Scott Chaikin, chairman and chief executive officer.  “He’s a talented professional and great leader, and he and I enjoy a strong partnership and complement one another extremely well.”

In addition to his firm leadership responsibilities, Withers provides strategic consulting, external relations, crisis communications, marketing and branding counsel to public companies, private and non-profit organizations and start-up entities in industry sectors including manufacturing, consumer products, advanced materials, bioscience, professional services, financial services and information technology, among others.

“I am extremely energized by the momentum of opportunities we have to do what we do best – deliver outstanding service to our clients, especially in high-impact, high-stakes situations,” said Withers.  “In doing so, we are continually building on legacy and example that John Dix and Henry Eaton established more than 60 years ago.”

Before returning to Dix & Eaton in 2000, Withers was managing director for strategic marketing and communications for Answerthink Inc., a Miami-based international consulting firm specializing in front-to-back best-practice solutions for Fortune 1000 firms. In various roles at Answerthink Inc., he supported the company’s initial public offering and oversaw the strategic communications initiatives of several operating divisions and more than 1,500 employees.

Withers was a senior account executive in Dix & Eaton’s media relations practice between 1995 and 1997. He also served as director of media relations at Case Western Reserve University and held corporate communications positions with Malone Public Relations and Children’s Hospital Medical Center of Akron.

A graduate of Kent State University, Withers holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism, and he has twice been a member of teams selected as recipients of the Silver Anvil Award from the Public Relations Society of America. He serves as a board member or advisor to The Ohio Tuition Trust Authority (OTTA), OneCommunity, The Great Lakes Science Center, the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, Business Volunteers Unlimited (BVU) and The Lakewood Community Services Center.

Dix & Eaton is an integrated communications consultancy specializing in public relations, investor relations, crisis communications and customer communications.  Working as partners, we bring deep experience, foresight and creativity to every relationship and help clients realize the full power of communication to drive results.  Founded in 1952, Dix & Eaton has twice been named the nation’s best midsized firm.  For more information, visit www.dix-eaton.com.

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