Roger Nyhus is the founder and chief executive officer of Nyhus, one of Seattle’s leading communications and public affairs firms.

Roger is a trusted adviser, professional communicator, strategist and problem solver who advises CEOs, elected officials and civic leaders on their most challenging issues and important business priorities. Roger also is a skilled crisis communications expert.

Since founding his firm in 1994, Roger has counseled regional, national and international leaders in health care and global health, energy and sustainability, travel and tourism, technology and innovation, international trade, real estate development, and arts and culture. Roger and his team pride themselves on their passion, candid counsel, integrity and on-target results.

Roger firmly believes that effective communications can change the world, and Nyhus is at the center of many of the most important and impactful conversations driving transformation in our community, nation and world.

Roger has a proven ability to anticipate changing business or political conditions, make a rapid and accurate assessment of opportunities and threats, and respond with creative communications solutions. He is an expert at managing crisis communications with an exceptional ability to proactively reach diverse and complex audiences. Roger thrives in high-pressure, dynamic situations.

Roger’s career spans senior leadership roles in both business and government. He was the longest-serving communications director for Washington Gov. Gary Locke, the nation’s first Chinese American governor. Roger developed the successful branding, public relations and advocacy campaign supporting the state’s winning bid for development of Boeing’s newest airplane, the 787. Prior to the Governor’s Office, Roger advised Seattle Mayor Paul Schell during his final six months in office.

Roger gravitates toward high-profile, complex issues, and he has advised several cutting-edge technology startup companies. He was a member of the executive team and director of corporate communications at Teledesic, a visionary technology startup founded by telecommunications pioneer Craig McCaw and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. Roger was responsible for Teledesic’s global communications program, with a focus on Europe, Asia and Africa.

Roger began his public relations career working in financial communications for major banks and global investment firms, including Frank Russell Company, now Russell Investments. Prior to his PR career, Roger was a general assignment and political reporter for The Associated Press in Seattle; Olympia, Wash.; and Juneau, Alaska.

Roger has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Washington State University’s Edward R. Murrow College of Communication. He is a board member of the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Seattle Association; an advisory council member at the Henry Art Museum; and an affiliate member of the professional advisory board of Washington State University’s Edward R. Murrow College of Communication. He previously chaired the Seattle Chamber’s Community Development Roundtable and served as a member of the board of governors for the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBTQ civil rights organization.

Roger is a proud member of the Chinook Indian Nation.