A former WEEI and Encore casino executive has joined a Boston public relations agency, according to the firm.
Regan Communications Group has hired Joseph Zarbano, who spent 14 years at the Boston sports radio station. Zarbano is joining the communications firm as its senior VP/strategic partnerships.
He served as the chief programming executive at WEEI, overseeing the Boston Red Sox Radio Network and coverage of New England’s sports teams.
“I’m honored to join this great team of professionals who have a laser focus on getting results for our clients and partners,” Zarbano said in a statement.
“For four decades Regan has been the region’s strategic communications leader,” he added. “I’m thrilled for this opportunity to help strengthen and grow the Regan brand even further, build exciting new partnerships, and help our clients best convey their message and tell their story.”
For seven years at WEEI, Zarbano’s efforts directing the annual WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio Telethon helped raise more than $25 million to advance adult and pediatric cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
In 2021, Zarbano left WEEI after its ratings took a nosedive and he joined Encore Boston Harbor — where he led sponsorship marketing, the retail launch of sports betting and helped in the resort’s government and community relations efforts. He helped secure partnerships with the Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins, Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, Pan Mass Challenge, and Martin Richard Foundation.
“Joe’s many accomplishments have captured the notice, and earned the respect, of numerous leaders and decision-makers within the media and business sectors in Massachusetts and beyond,” said Regan Chief Operating Officer Mark Lund. “Joe’s experience at forging partnerships and enhancing value for clients help position our company for even greater future success.”
The seventh largest privately-held strategic communications firm in the U.S., Regan Communications Group was founded in 1984 by George K. Regan Jr.
Headquartered in Boston, the firm also operates offices on Cape Cod and in Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Washington D.C., Charleston, S.C., and Florida.