Chicago, Ill. -- Chicago strategic communications firm Res Publica Group has named former political and investigative journalist and foremost communication strategist Steve Patterson to its team as Vice President. With more than two decades of experience, Patterson spent years as a top political reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times, where he covered government and the court system triggering new laws and federal investigations.

Most recently, Patterson served as Communications Director for Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart’s Office and worked on high profile issues including foreclosure evictions, shutting down human trafficking on Craigslist, and the Burr Oak Cemetery investigation. Patterson cast the Sherriff’s Office into the national media spotlight landing scores of news stories with outlets including 60 minutes, CNN, Time Magazine, the Oprah Winfrey Network, Fox News, MSNBC and the Discovery Channel.

An exceptional writer, Patterson began his career at the Chicago Tribune and then worked for nearly a decade as an investigative reporter for the Gary Post-Tribune where his efforts earned him recognition as one of the 50 Most Influential People in Indiana Politics.

Patterson joins a talented team of professionals at Res Publica Group, which was founded nearly 10 years ago and is now regarded as one of the top strategic communications firms in the Midwest. Res Publica Group specializes in media strategy and execution, crisis and issues management, government and community relations and grassroots advocacy. The firm works for private companies, non-profit organizations, government agencies and advocacy associations in a variety of industries, including healthcare, transportation, education and tourism.

In late 2010, the firm launched its interactive web division 36i, offering web design and development, print design, branding and digital strategies to accompany and advance its public affairs approaches.

Patterson, 38, will begin transitioning immediately and will start with Res Publica Group in mid-October.