ST. LOUIS, June 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Former U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison has joined the International Advisory Board (IAB) at FleishmanHillard, the firm announced today.

"For years I have known FleishmanHillard as the standard-bearer in the communications industry, leading its clients into a new era of global communications," Hutchison said. "In joining the FleishmanHillard IAB, I stand ready to engage with world-class clients served by the very best counselors in the business."

Hutchison joins FleishmanHillard's IAB following a distinguished career with more than 27 years in public service. She rose to be the most senior Republican woman in the U.S. Senate and the fourth-highest ranking Republican overall as Policy Chair for the Republican Caucus. She is also a published author, having written three acclaimed history books, the most recent being Unflinching Courage: Pioneering Women Who Shaped Texas.

"Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison is an extraordinary leader, and we are honored to have her on our IAB," said Dave Senay, FleishmanHillard president and CEO. "During her more than two decades in office, Sen. Hutchison has been front and center amid pressing political, policy and societal debates. The experience she has gained over a lifelong commitment to public service will allow her to provide keen insights to our firm and our clients."

Hutchison served most recently in the U.S. Senate, representing the state of Texas for nearly 20 years between 1993 and 2013. As the first -- and only -- female senator from Texas, she sat on the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Rules and Administration, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, where she served as the ranking member. She also served as Chairman of the Board of Visitors of West Point until January 2013.

"Sen. Hutchison has dedicated herself to causes and issues that affect our nation's interests globally, and she has deep knowledge of the intersection between business and government," Senay continued. "Like others on our board, she enjoys the respect of policymakers across the political spectrum, a remarkable achievement in this very partisan era."

Before joining the U.S. Senate, Hutchison was first elected to statewide office in 1990 as the Texas state treasurer. Her entry into politics began when she was elected as a representative to the Texas State House in 1972, where she served until 1976.

Since leaving the U.S. Senate, Hutchison has been appointed to Bank of America's Global Advisory Council, the Center for Strategic and International Studies Advisory Council, and the Campaign to Fix the Debt Congressional Fiscal Leadership Council. She is also senior counsel with Bracewell & Giuliani and a contributor to the CNBC TV network.

FleishmanHillard's IAB is made up of respected leaders from government and business. Unlike other industry boards, the IAB provides direct counsel on a wide range of issues that are important to clients.

Hutchison will join other distinguished IAB members Leon Panetta, Andy Card, Gen. Barry McCaffrey, Dr. David Kessler, Mickey Kantor, Janet Robinson, Adm. Vern Clark, John Onoda, Keki Dadiseth, Shoichiro Irimajiri, Guenter Verheugen and Anna Chennault.

She will work closely with the firm's leadership to advise clients on a wide variety of issues impacting global business today.

About FleishmanHillard

FleishmanHillard is the world's most complete global communications firm, specializing in public relations, public affairs, marketing, paid media, and transmedia and social content. FleishmanHillard delivers on The Power of True, reflecting the firm's high values, and unique ability to guide clients through a world demanding unprecedented authenticity and transparency. FleishmanHillard was named "Standout Agency" on Advertising Age's 2013 A-List; NAFE's "Top 50 Companies for Executive Women" for 2010-2013; Advertising Age's 2012 "Best Places to Work"; and The Holmes Report's 2012 Global "Public Affairs Agency of the Year." The firm's award-winning work is widely heralded, including at the Cannes International Festival of Creativity. FleishmanHillard is part of Diversified Agency Services, a division of Omnicom Group Inc., and has more than 80 offices in 29 countries, plus affiliates in 42 countries. Visit us at www.fleishmanhillard.com.

About Diversified Agency Services

Diversified Agency Services (DAS), a division of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com), manages Omnicom's holdings in a variety of marketing communications disciplines. DAS includes over 200 companies, which operate through a combination of networks and regional organizations, serving international and local clients through more than 700 offices in 71 countries.

SOURCE FleishmanHillard