Dezenhall Resources Adds Starbucks’ Sam Jefferies as Senior Vice President, Leveraging Deep Corporate Crisis Expertise

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, D.C. — February 9, 2026 — Dezenhall Resources, a leading crisis management and
strategic communications firm, announced the the hiring of Sam Jefferies, who rejoins the firm as
Senior Vice President after years leading crisis communicatons and brand reputation for the
Starbucks Coffee Company from their SeaMle headquarters.

“Welcoming Sam Jefferies back to Dezenhall elevates our corporate affairs capabilities at a time
when they are mission-critcal for our clients,” said Anne Marie Malecha, CEO of Dezenhall
Resources. “His deep experience in shaping litigation outcomes, complex labor negotiations,
policy fights from Seattle to Shanghai, and change management will bolster the strategic
counsel our clients need to compete and win.”

“Blending past Dezenhall experience with years of experience protecting and enhancing the
reputation of one of America’s most well-known brands , Sam is an important addition to our
growing team,” said Josh Culling, President of Dezenhall Resources. “From guiding companies
through intense scrutiny and navigating the nuances of today’s misinformation-driven media
environment, Sam’s return enhances our ability to solve high-stakes challenges for our growing
client roster.

Jefferies brings valuable expertise in defending and protecting the reputation of globally
recognized brands. In his time at Starbucks, amidst three CEO transitions, he counseled
corporate leaders through political boycotts union organizing campaigns, the founder’s U.S.
Senate testimony, and more. He returns to the firm with a unique and tested skillset counseling
major companies through the modern crisis environment.

Prior to Starbucks, Jefferies managed public affairs campaigns and provided crisis
communications counsel for companies and industries facing acute issues and chronic problems
in the legislative, regulatory, and litigation spaces. He successfully advocated for the passage of
federal legislation as a registered lobbyist and previously served Dezenhall as a Vice President.

Jefferies is based in his hometown of Seattle, Washington, sharing the city with the now two-
time Superbowl champion Seattle Seahawks, and is a proud graduate of the University of
Wisconsin-Madison.