Louisville, KY -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/25/2010 -- Peritus, a full-service communications firm based in Louisville, Ky., is proud to announce the opening of a new office in Birmingham, Ala. Jim Bakken, a seasoned marketing, public relations and public affairs professional and former University of Alabama basketball player, has been named Senior Director of the firm’s sixth regional office.

Bakken has provided communications support to a diverse group of organizations including the Dallas Cowboys, U.S. Department of Labor, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufactures of America (PhRMA), American Airlines, National HealthCare Corporation, Vanderbilt University and the University of Alabama. Jim’s broad communications campaign experience and dedication to customer service brings instant added value to Peritus and its clients.

“I am pleased to join a tremendous firm and excited to bring the unique combination of talents Peritus offers clients in four other states to Alabama,” Bakken said. “Whether a client needs us to simply revamp their website or to launch a fully integrated communications campaign that organizes community support around a legislative issue or expands their consumer base, Peritus offers winning results that I look forward to delivering across the state.”

The expansion into Alabama signifies Peritus’ ongoing commitment to offer unparalleled service to current and future clients while developing the firm’s presence in the South.“Peritus brings a unique and unmatched quality of service and experience to its clientele that is unsurpassed by its competitors, said CEO of Peritus, Tim Mulloy. “We owe our growth to our client service approach. We fight for our clients and don’t quit until the job is done. I am both proud and humbled by the growth of Peritus and am eager to bring the skills of our talented staff to Alabama.”

Peritus’ staff has more than a century of combined experience leading communications efforts for organizations like Pepsi, Marriott, Gap Inc., Clear Channel Communications, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and The White House. The agency is known for creating and executing programs that influence public opinion promote regulatory and legislative initiatives, position litigation and manage issues.

Established in 1998, Peritus quickly distinguished itself as a leader in alliance development, tourism, marketing, corporate communications, media relations, brand-building and influencing public policy. The agency operates with high-intensity, a fighting spirit and a focus on winning – an approach that has great appeal to clients. In 2009, O’Dwyers ranked Peritus the nation’s 61st largest PR and public affairs firm, with six offices in Louisville, Ky., Nashville, Tenn., Lexington, Ky., Indianapolis, Ind., Columbus, Ohio and now Birmingham, Ala.