SU being advised by PR consultant on handling of Fine allegations
CLARIFICATION: Initial media reports stated Paul Verbinnen was hired by Syracuse University. Verbinnen will be serving as counsel, but has not been hired.
In light of the recent child molestation allegations against Bernie Fine, associate head coach for men’s basketball, the Syracuse University administration will be receiving advice from a public relations consultant.
Paul Verbinnen, president and co-founder of Sard Verbinnen & Co. and also a 1979 SU alumnus, is offering the university advice, said Kevin Quinn, senior vice president for public affairs at SU. The university reaches out to Verbinnen ‘from time to time and he has been helpful to us over the years, including on this matter,’ Quinn said.
Quinn said he will still be handling all media requests and inquiries.
Verbinnen is currently president of Sard Verbinnen and advises clients on areas including defensive planning, special situations and crises. Previous clients of Sard Verbinnen include former New York Governors Eliot Spitzer and David Paterson and the firm was also recently hired by News Corp.
Published on November 21, 2011 at 12:00 pm
Contact Dara: dkmcbrid@syr.edu | @daramcbride
