Gary E. Fendler brings years of high-profile government, political, and corporate communications and media experience to ViaNovo. Formerly associated with the StratCom Group, which merged into the newly created ViaNovo in May 2005, Gary has long focused on 
developing and executing high-stakes strategic communications campaigns.
While at Aetna Health Plans (AHP), Gary developed and executed a national communications strategy to support the company's healthcare reform goals, earning the coveted "Chairman's Award" for excellence for his efforts.
Gary served in former President George H.W. Bush's administration, as Deputy Director of Presidential Advance and Director of the White House Press Advance Office. He also served as Director of Communications for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Associate Commissioner for Public Affairs with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Most recently, Gary completed a project as an independent communications consultant in Afghanistan for The Rendon Group (TRG), a consulting firm specializing in conflict-zone communications. He led a team of communications professionals tasked with supporting the Government of Afghanistan in its initial efforts to eliminate the drug industry from its country. His first assignments with TRG came in shortly after September 11, 2001, when he supported information operation campaigns for the U.S. Department of Defense in America's efforts in the global war on terrorism.
Earlier in his career, Gary worked with Public Strategies, Inc., and he held various positions in the private sector, including: executive vice president of FundsXpress; vice president of business development at Logical Design Solutions; and head of strategic communications at Aetna Health Plans.
Originally a newspaper reporter, Gary earned his Bachelor of Journalism at the University of Texas at Austin, where he was also the elected editor of the student newspaper, The Daily Texan. He is a member of the Transatlantic Dialogue on Broadcasting and the Information Society, (TADOBATIS) an international organization examining information and media issues between Europe and the United States.