Power Lists
The 2024 Political PR Power 75
Communications pros engaging with New Yorkers
City & State presents the 2024 Political PR Power 75. Actum; GSG; SKDK
A promising legislative proposal that’s not garnering much media buzz. A major project that needs to generate local buy-in. A bombshell corruption or abuse allegation.
Public officials invariably encounter these scenarios from time to time – and there are countless public relations and communications professionals in the world of New York politics and government who know exactly how to sell a story, craft a compelling narrative or navigate a crisis.
City & State’s Political PR Power 75 recognizes and ranks the leading firms and professionals in this field. The list, which has expanded from 50 in 2023, is based on such factors as a firm’s size, reputation and impact in New York’s public sphere over the past year. We asked firms to identify several key executives, highlight a handful of key clients and share their recent accomplishments. The list ranges from scrappy one-person shops to global behemoths with armies of employees. Some focus solely on communications, while others also provide related services such as campaign consulting, government relations or advertising and marketing. What unites them is that they all are consummate PR pros.
1. SKDK
Other key employees: Loren Riegelhaupt; Stephanie Reichin; Morgan Hook; Devon Puglia
Notable clients: Mount Sinai, Columbia Business School, LinkNYC, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Good Shepherd Services
Political heavyweight SKDK played a key role in the passage of a landmark New York City housing law last year, working with Win on the communications plan to repeal the 90-day rule for city housing vouchers. The firm also teamed up with Talkspace to launch its partnership with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to provide free therapy to city teens and with LinkNYC on expanding free public Wi-Fi. SKDK made several key personnel changes, with Michael Frazier, Maxwell Nunes and Brian Lesswing joining the firm in key senior roles, and Jack Sterne and Jason Novak being promoted to senior vice president.
2. BerlinRosen
Other key employees: Isaac Goldberg, Chester Soria, Jen Shykula, Nichola Page, Helen Cowdrey, Nathaniel Goehring
Notable clients: New York Immigration Coalition, Cornell University, SL Green, Lincoln Center, Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corp.
The powerhouse PR firm BerlinRosen has expanded to seven more cities through acquisitions and bolstered its ranks with some top-flight Democratic campaign talent. Loren Amor, who was a top adviser for state Senate Democrats, now leads the firm’s Albany public affairs portfolio, while Karen Defilippi, a Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and Emily’s List veteran, is now co-leader of the campaign services practice. The firm helped secure funding for immigrant legal services and higher wages for delivery workers. Among its new clients are Protect Our Care, the New York Film and Television Union Coalition, the Brooklyn Academy of Music and the YMCA of Greater New York.
3. Rubenstein
Other key employees: Alice McGillion, Iva Benson, Gary Lewi, Bud Perrone, Wiley Norvell
Notable clients: Center for Reproductive Rights, “Saturday Night Live,” New York Yankees, Jerry Seinfeld, MoMA, Whitney Museum, Metropolitan Opera, The Partnership for New York City, Citizens Budget Commission, New York-Presbyterian, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Tishman Speyer, Vornado, Uber
One of the most venerable public relations firms in New York City, Rubenstein represents some of the city’s best-known institutions and key projects, including helping the High Line to open the Moynihan Station Connector. President Steven Rubenstein also chairs the Association for a Better New York, a role in which he partners with City Hall on matters like reducing car theft and has hosted the mayor and governor for a discussion on New York’s future. New clients include the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, Yeshiva University, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and the National Kitchen & Bath Association.
4. Global Strategy Group
Other key employees: Jerrel Harvey, Rob Lee, Sam Reinhardt, Tim Roberts, Corinne Roller, John Schiumo, Emily Williams, Dana Yeganian
Notable clients: MGM Resorts International, National Grid, RXR, Google, Enterprise Community Partners
Global Strategy Group is shaping public policy in New York and beyond. The firm, which won the 2023 Public Affairs Agency of the Year award from PRovoke Media, welcomed Jerrel Harvey after his stints leading communications for Gov. Kathy Hochul’s 2022 campaign and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy’s 2021 reelection. On the policy front, the firm secured over $134 million in funding for free school meals with the New York State Health Foundation, advanced congestion pricing and secured funding for safety net hospitals in New York, along with working to pass Ohio’s ballot initiative to protect abortion rights.
5. Metropolitan Public Strategies
Notable clients: Ørsted, Resorts World, Go Partners, Real Estate Board of New York, Maimonides Health
Metropolitan Public Strategies is perennially at the center of New York’s biggest policy and political fights. Lately, the firm has been in the middle of a groundbreaking offshore wind expansion, representing Ørsted, the world’s largest offshore wind developer, and keeping the state’s clean energy agenda on track. The firm also brought on new real estate clients, including Haussman Development and Go Partners, the largest buyer of residential real estate in Manhattan. The firm recently hired Jonah Allon, who will bring his background in managing press strategy at City Hall to the firm’s campaigns.
6. Pythia Public
Other key employees: Becky Stern, Ana Hall, Marissa Solomon, Noah Richter, Susan Adeyeye
Notable clients: Earthjustice, New Yorkers for a Better Penn Plan, New York City Football Club/Related Companies, Association for Energy Affordability/Better Buildings New York, Waymo
Pythia Public worked with a consortium led by Stony Brook University to develop a $700 million climate research and jobs center on Governors Island. The firm also celebrated passage of a version of the state’s All-Electric Buildings Act, the defeat of a plan to build office towers around Penn Station and the implementation of the Adult Survivors Act, which paved the way for E. Jean Carroll’s successful lawsuit against former President Donald Trump. Pythia added staffers Noah Richter and Susan Adeyeye along with new clients Delta Air Lines, BlocPower and Cayuga Lake Environmental Action Now.
7. Marino
Notable clients: New York City Hospitality Alliance, American Chemistry Council, McDonald’s, New Rochelle, LISC NY, Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York
Other key employees: Tom Corsillo, Freeman Klopott
Marino led the New York City Hospitality Alliance’s successful media campaign to make outdoor dining permanent. The firm, led by the father-and-son duo of Frank and John Marino, has long specialized real estate, including working on approvals in 2022 for three major rezonings. Marino’s public affairs team brought on Freeman Klopott, previously communications director at the state Office of Cannabis Management, as a vice president. The firm also added the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, Simone Development and the Community Preservation Corp. as clients.
8. Risa Heller Communications
Other key employees: James Yolles, Linden Zakula, Jennifer Burner Barden, Gwen Rocco, Carly Holden, Risa Heller
Notable clients: CLEAR, Champlain Hudson Power Express, Deloitte, Museum of Chinese in America, Simons Foundation
Risa Heller Communications is at the forefront of efforts to address the news desert crisis, assisting the Knight Foundation’s launch of a $500 million initiative to combat the decline in local news. A go-to firm for New York City clients focused on real estate and civic issues, the firm has expanded with startups and technology companies, including Airbnb, DoorDash and Match Group, with a focus on generative AI, cryptocurrency and the metaverse. Key new hires include Hazel Crampton-Hays, the former press secretary for Gov. Kathy Hochul, and Matt Taylor, a veteran of sports media relations, both as vice presidents.
9. DKC
Other key employees: Chris Pigott, Kate Brickman, Anna Feiner, Jordan Lawrence, Mike Giardina
Notable clients: Airbnb, RXR, PBS, Citi, Citymeals on Wheels
DKC spent 2023 spearheading strategic campaigns to bring about impactful coverage for clients. The firm highlighted the positive impact Airbnb has on rural communities and RXR’s commercial real estate endeavors, and managed the Five Boro Bike Tour for Bike New York. Sean Cassidy’s firm also handled promotional and policy engagement for “The American Buffalo,” Ken Burns’ new film. New clients include the Museum of Jewish Heritage, Union Station Redevelopment Corp., City Parks Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Sara Klein joined the firm and Mike Giardina was promoted to senior vice president.
10. Actum
Other key employees: Chapin Fay, Andrew Kirtzman, Terence Cullen, Paul Persaud, Brent Petrone, Savannah Farrell
Notable clients: The Rev. Al Sharpton and the National Action Network, Conference of National Black Churches, Jennifer Jones Austin and FPWA, Hard Rock, 5 Borough Housing Movement
Led by Michael McKeon, Racher Noerdlinger and John Tomlin – along with co-Chair Ruben Diaz Jr. – Actum’s New York office is establishing itself in the media strategy, DEI and coalition-building space for a number of clients across the political, nonprofit and corporate worlds. Recent hires include Kimberly Kriger as senior managing director and Kimberly Spell as senior vice president. Spell was chief communication officer at NYC & Company, New York City’s tourism agency, in the Bloomberg administration. Actum also led communications for the 60th March on Washington, coordinating more than 200 civil rights organizations.
11. Mercury
Other key employees: Eric Bloom, Jake Dilemani, Greg Drilling, Michael Hardaway, Eric Hersey, Olivia DeLuca, William Miller, Michael Nitzky, Kuae Noel Kelch, Carolyn Riggs
Notable clients: Rebuild New York Now, Tax Equity Now New York, African American Mayors Association, Justice Action Network, World Jewish Congress
Mercury is on the rise, communicating carefully crafted messages for clients in a number of issue areas, including education, health care, criminal justice reform, public safety, financial services, the environment, transportation and land use. Led by CEO Kieran Mahoney, a Pataki campaign veteran, the firm has used its expertise to support nonprofit organizations, corporate leaders and candidates who are supporters of Israel as well as the security and safety of Jewish people in New York. The firm over the past year promoted Jon Reinish, Karen Mustiga and Olivia DeLuca, and hired Tony Sclafani.
12. Marathon Strategies
Notable clients: Crown Castle, Micron, New York State Association for Affordable Housing, New York State Bar Association, Volunteers of America-Greater New York
With in-depth expertise on a number of key policy issues and industries in New York, including cannabis, clean energy, casinos, health care, housing, semiconductors and social services, Phil Singer’s Marathon Strategies has a track record of garnering news coverage and generating public support for its clients and their objectives. Veteran Albany journalist Matt Hamilton has joined the firm as a vice president this year. New clients include Churchill Downs, Compassion & Choices, Concern Housing, National Grid and the New York Immigration Coalition.
13. Stu Loeser & Co.
Other key employees: Will Chabot, Jeane MacIntosh, Grace Smoker, Sara Marcus, Madeline Saunders
Notable clients: Google, Tech:NYC, James for New York, Uber, Hiveclass
Stu Loeser & Co. – known for its tech, academic and high net worth clients – has brought on several top-tier staffers in the last year. Tyrone Stevens, formerly communications director for the New York City comptroller and press secretary for Scott Stringer’s mayoral campaign, came on as vice president. Alex Coopersmith, a veteran of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee as well as Beto O’Rourke’s and Mike Bloomberg’s presidential campaigns, and Kinami Wexler, who worked for Applecart and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, have also joined the firm. Grace Smoker has been promoted to the role of senior strategist.
14. Mower
Other key employees: Doug Bean, Doug Kamp, Chris Steenstra, Rick Lyke, Erinn Steffen, Mary Gendron, John Lacey, Ashley Montanaro, Patricia Nugent, Brad Rye, John O’Hara, Stephen Sementilli, Matt Parry, Jill Konopka, Austin Philleo, Sofia Minudri
Notable clients: NYSEG/RG&E, Arthritis Foundation, FedEx, Westchester County, The Business Council of New York State
Last year, Eric Mower transitioned to a new role as executive chair and Stephanie Crockett took over as president and CEO. The firm also took on Empower Federal Credit Union, the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency, Hart Lyman and the Business Council of New York State as clients. The Syracuse-based firm, which also has offices in New York City, Chicago and Boston, won several awards, including the PRWeek Best Places to Work, the Ragan Communications Silver Award, 10 Global Drum Awards and 36 ADDY Awards.
15. Tusk Strategies
As Bradley Tusk has branched out as a venture capitalist, philanthropist and novelist, Partner and CEO Chris Coffey has maintained Tusk Strategies’ status as a top-tier political consulting firm. The full-service operation, which handles communications, advocacy and lobbying, has been run since 2021 by Coffey. Eric Soufer has guided the firm’s cryptocurrency practice through a rocky stretch for the industry. Other key employees include Shontell Smith, the former chief of staff and chief counsel for the state Senate Democrats, as well as Alex Sommer, Jake Sporn, Erika Tannor and Matt Munsil.
16. Kivvit
Communications veteran Tom Meara heads up the New York office of Kivvit, the strategic communications, government relations and digital advertising firm that merged with Washington-based Subject Matter last May. Following the merger, which put total staffing levels at over 200, former Kivvit CEO Eric Sedler transitioned to the role of managing partner, along with existing Subject Matter managing partners Steven Elmendorf, Paul Frick, Dan Sallick and Jimmy Ryan, while Subject Matter CEO Nicole Cornish now leads the merged firm. Another key player in Kivvit’s New York office is Rachel Roseneck, who deals with energy, infrastructure, and social justice matters.
17. The Parkside Group
Notable clients: Sports Betting Alliance, New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers, U.S. Energy Foundation, SCO Family of Services, Housing Solutions of New York
The Parkside Group – a highly rated political consulting and lobbying firm – also handles communications work. The firm recently partnered with the Rockland County Health Department to run a culturally sensitive multichannel media campaign aimed at raising childhood immunization rates. This included using digital advertising to reach parents at medical offices and day care facilities. The campaign focused on utilizing respected public health officials to combat misinformation about childhood immunizations.
18. Red Horse Strategies
Other key employees: Michael DeLoach, Ryan Coker
Notable clients: Americans for Contraception, Labor Strong Coalition (AFSCME, DC37, HTC, Unite Here, 32BJ SEIU, CWA, NYSNA), Medgar & Myrlie Evers Institute, The Nature Conservancy
Red Horse Strategies isn’t just a top-rated political consulting firm – it’s also driving messaging on some of the nation’s biggest political issues. Chris Fleming co-founded Americans for Contraception and helped introduce the Right to Contraception Act in six states while working on pending introductions of the measure in 14 states and in Congress. The firm also created and implemented a campaign to honor the 90th birthday of civil rights icon Myrlie Evers and the 60th commemoration of the life of her late husband, Medgar Evers. The Brooklyn-based firm added Olivia James and Ryan Coker to expand its presence in Washington, D.C.
19. Anat
Other key employees: Zac Roy, Lynsey Billet, Karin Venegas
Notable clients: Girl Scouts, AARP New York, The Museum of Jewish Heritage, Brooklyn Org, Project Renewal, JCCA, Citizens Union
A leading firm dedicated to handling communications and messaging for nonprofits, Anat reported revenue rising by 27% last year and a big move into a new 7,000-square-foot office in midtown Manhattan. Anat Gerstein’s eponymous firm launched an education and youth development practice and began presenting nationally about how to encourage press coverage using asset framing to advance racial equity. New clients include the Center for an Urban Future, the Municipal Art Society of New York, Brooklyn Conservatory of Music and the Bronx Economic Development Corp.
20. Edelman
Notable clients: NewYork-Presbyterian, United Nations, Human Rights Campaign, Unilever
The global communications firm Edelman has been at the forefront of one of the most talked about branding campaigns in New York. Led by de Blasio administration alum Andrea Hagelgans and Edelman veteran Lisa Kovitz, the firm worked with the Partnership for New York City on the WE ❤️ NYC communications campaign, raising awareness of the new branding. The campaign won a Shorty Award, was shortlisted for a Cannes Award and had 2.2 billion people abuzz about it, according to Edelman research. Margot Edelman in 2023 was named general manager of Edelman New York, the firm’s largest office.
21. The Martin Group
Other key employees: Matt Davison, John Mackowiak, Chris Colton, Kate Measer
Notable clients: New York State Restaurant Association, Homeowners for an Affordable New York, PaintCare, National Fuel, Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York
The Martin Group continues to play a role in the biggest issues facing New York, including housing, economic development, health and cannabis. The firm helped to defeat “good cause” eviction legislation in Albany, advocated for direct pay legislation and delved into issues relating to food insecurity. Many of the firm’s complementary communications offerings, including media training, spokesperson preparation, crisis planning and message development, are being utilized by their clients.
22. Effective Media Strategies
Lupe Todd-Medina has spent just over a decade leading her public relations and crisis management firm, Effective Media Strategies. Todd-Medina is widely known as a savvy political and campaign adviser, having worked over the years with such clients as Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and Assembly Member Grace Lee. The consultant was also among the advisers who propelled Gov. Kathy Hochul to a full term in 2022.
Editor’s note: Lupe Todd-Medina is a member of City & State’s advisory board.
23. The Berman Group
Other key employees: Paul Dunn, Karyn Houde, Emily Hawkins
Notable clients: Empire State Development Corp., New York City Economic Development Corp., City University of New York, Brookfield, Tishman Speyer
The Berman Group has been an integral player in economic development activities in New York, with a focus on cultivating minority- and women-owned businesses. The firm ran MWBE forums for Gov. Kathy Hochul, the New York Power Authority and the City University of New York, and recently won a public relations contract from the New York City Economic Development Corp. to promote two new developments along the Brooklyn waterfront. The firm has taken on promoting several new private sector real estate projects and brought on a new creative director, Ashley Baker, and public relations director, Katherine Likaont.
24. Bolton-St. Johns
Bolton-St. Johns is a public affairs and government relations firm that provides an array of services in order to deliver solution-focused and research-driven strategies. The firm, which is a top-five lobbying shop in New York City and in Albany, crafts strategic plans that often include a communications component for its more than 200 clients at the city and state level. Partner Juanita Scarlett brings invaluable communications experience working for the likes of Andrew Cuomo, Eliot Spitzer and state Sen. John Liu. Vanessa Figueroa came on as a vice president last year.
Editor’s note: Juanita Scarlett is a member of City & State’s advisory board.
25. CMW Strategies
Michael Woloz is the longtime leader of CMW Strategies, a New York City political consulting firm that provides an array of services, including public relations, government affairs, coalition building and community engagement. Another key executive at CMW Strategies is Danna DeBlasio, who has served as managing director at the firm since the start of 2022. One notable victory last year was passing the outdoor dining bill, a priority of the New York State Latino Restaurant and Bar Association.
26. Moonshot Strategies
Since its launch in the fall of 2021, Moonshot Strategies has shot up the state lobbying rankings, thanks to the deep experience and connections of its founders, Jenny Sedlis and Jason Ortiz. The firm provides an array of services to clients augmenting its government relations work, including communications, paid media, developing strategy and organizing. Other key members of the communications team are Mitch Schwartz, a veteran of the de Blasio administration, and Emily Anne Epstein, a digital media expert and former journalist.
27. Nicholas & Lence Communications
Other key employees: Shin-Jung Hong, Joshua Knoller, Wendell Jamieson, Nick Nicholas
Notable clients: City Experiences by Hornblower, Times Square Alliance, Long Island City Partnership, Fordham Road BID, Belmont BID, Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts, SBH Health System, Vaughn College
New York’s tourism, hospitality and entertainment sectors keep Nicholas & Lence Communications on speed dial for their media and communication needs. The PR and lobbying firm, which also represents a number of business improvement districts, has a knack for positioning clients as thought leaders. Firm CEO Cristyne Nicholas hosts a weekly radio show on Fridays focused on New York’s recovery, and President George Lence chairs the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce policy committee as well as the government action council for the Business Council of Westchester.
28. Bluejacket Strategies
Other key employees: Maggie Truax
Notable clients: North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, CVS Health, Delgado for NY
Bluejacket Strategies is making strides on the campaign front and notching wins on the policy front. On the policy communications side, the firm helped the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters pass one of the nation’s toughest wage theft laws. Jessie Andrews, the former chief of staff to Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado, joined the firm’s campaign management team, along with Derek Perkinson, who was state field director for the National Action Network. The firm is led by the seasoned political and policy pro Peter Kauffmann.
29. New Deal Strategies
The deal at New Deal Strategies is about electing Democrats – but not just any Democrats. The women-owned political consulting and communications firm has a mission to elect candidates it believes in, such as U.S. Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, state Sen. Gustavo Rivera and New York City Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez. The firm has also been a key player on advocacy campaigns, including the push to raise taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers, backing wage increases for low-wage workers and building support for the elimination of fossil fuels in New York City.
30. Hiltzik Strategies
Other key employees: Breanna Butler, Chloe Gatta, Meghan Miele, Tiffany Siegel
Notable clients: Eric Schmidt, U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team coach Gregg Berhalter, private equity firms, state universities, New York Jets, Marissa Mayer, Sean Parker, Kelly Ripa, Brad Pitt
The strategic communications and consulting firm Hiltzik Strategies marked its 15th anniversary last year. One of the firm’s pro bono projects is representing the Neutra family, whose son, Omer, was kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7, along with the families of other hostages and working on projects to combat antisemitism. The firm also launched a new AI offering and is integrating its growing research and content capabilities into the firm’s various practice areas. Founder Matthew Hiltzik serves as a board member of the New York City Economic Development Corp.
31. Corning Place Communications
Other key employees: Nicole Stachnick, Samantha Torrey, Anthony Kownack, Bridgette Alesci
Notable clients: New York State Conference of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans, Association of Private Colleges, New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association, Northeast Dairy Producers Association, New York State Police Investigators Association
Corning Place Communications developed a comprehensive public affairs campaign to advocate for the 4201 Schools Association as they fended off a $2 million proposed reduction in the state budget. The association includes 11 member schools across the state that serve students who are blind, deaf and severely physically disabled. The campaign generated press coverage and social media video engagement with lawmakers and resulted in the cut being reversed and an additional $6 million being added. Samantha Torrey, Anthony Kownack and Bridgette Alesci joined the firm this year.
32. Butler Associates
Other key employee: Michelle Loeb
Notable clients: Carver Federal Savings Bank, Siebert Williams Shank & Co., Building Trades Employers’ Association, FDNY EMS Local 2507, Barasch & McGarry
Handling communications for clients in government, real estate, labor, financial services and emergency response, Butler Associates enjoyed another strong year in 2023. Tom Butler’s firm raised awareness about the state’s 9/11 Notice Act, which provides notice to lower Manhattan residents of eligibility for health programs related to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The firm also drew attention to the financial services sector’s infrastructure work and crafted messaging for New York City’s medical first responders.
33. J Strategies Inc.
Other key employees: Jaime Venditti, Carly Andersen, Tess Morrissey, Erin Hern, Peter Monaco
Notable clients: PhRMA, GRAIL, Google, Unchained At Last
J Strategies has been at the forefront of legislative efforts to address a number of pressing issues. The Albany firm, which also has a presence in New Jersey and Massachusetts, pushed to enact legislation to protect the rights of Medicaid patients, drove key communications efforts related to inclusiveness and affordability in environmental justice and worked across multiple states to ban child marriage. J Strategies also expanded its technology practice to cover the digital platform sector, wireless infrastructure and applications for blockchain.
34. Seneca Strategies
Notable clients: The Fiscal Policy Institute, New York City Council Progressive Caucus, New York Caring Majority, New York Birth Control Access Project, Urban Youth Collaborative
Seneca Strategies is a progressive political consulting firm that has been driving fiscal and health policy across the city and state. Monica Klein’s firm in recent years has helped secure $7.7 billion in new state funding for home care workers. Klein also worked on a coalition communications strategy behind new taxes for millionaires and corporations, bringing in $4 billion in new revenue for the state, and has spearheaded campaigns with the left-leaning Fiscal Policy Institute and to allow pharmacists to prescribe birth control.
35. Downfield
Notable clients: Yusef Salaam for New York City Council, Battleground New York, Met Council, Early Starters International, American Federation of Musicians
Downfield scored one of the biggest victories in this year’s New York City Council elections, handling communications for Yusef Salaam, who defeated two Assembly members in his victory to capture a seat in Harlem. Outside of Salaam’s race, Downfield’s Eric Koch is working on plans to win back Republican-held congressional seats in New York, a key part of Democratic plans to take back control of the House of Representatives. He is also working on pro-democracy movements and with Democratic members of Congress nationally.
36. Relentless Awareness LLC
Other key employees: Sabrina Flores, Nerissa Peralta, Ethan Travis
Notable clients: Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities in New York, New York Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials, Coalition for Asian American Children and Families, Remarkable Liquids, Deloitte, Discover Albany
Relentless Awareness has sought to transform nursing education in New York. The firm communicated the goals of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities in New York by successfully advocating for legislation that allows for a third of nursing students’ clinical work to be in a high-tech simulation environment. The firm is investing in artificial intelligence tools for marketing and media buying for its clients. Melissa Kees and Mike Allen were promoted to vice president and Adrienne Bonilla joined the firm as a senior vice president, a role in which she’ll oversee the licensing and regulatory affairs practice.
37. The Hayes Initiative
Other key employees: Cecilia Rodriguez, Anna Coffer
Notable clients: NYCFC, BLADE, Google, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Montefiore Health System
The Hayes Initiative was part of the team behind New York City FC’s soccer stadium project, which is advancing alongside a major affordable housing development in Queens. Anthony Hayes’ firm also took on BronxNet, Citymeals on Wheels, Tech Coalition and Texas Freedom Network as clients, while managing public affairs for BLADE’s first eVTOL flight in the region and basking in a royal glow working with Bloomberg Philanthropies on media for the Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit with the Prince of Wales. Jeffry Pennock was promoted to senior vice president for public affairs and Anna Coffer joined the firm as an account executive.
38. One Strategy Group
Veteran communications professional Brian Ellner has taken his talents to the corporate strategy firm One Strategy Group, formerly Day One. Ellner, who previously worked at WPP and BCW as well as Edelman and MacAndrews & Forbes, made a name for himself in New York in the successful push for same-sex marriage while at the Human Rights Campaign. Ellner’s colleague, CEO David Meadvin, represents former City Hall chief of staff Frank Carone, announcing the launch of Carone’s Oaktree Solutions and defending Carone’s post-government business dealings.
39. The LAKPR Group
The LAKPR Group, led by Washington, D.C.-based Hannah Arnold and New York-based Lisa Linden, has a long track record of guiding clients through unexpected crises. The duo once handled press for then-state Sen. Roy Goodman and have since spent decades at LAK Public Relations and, since 2020, The LAKPR Group. The firm’s services include strategic communications, crisis communications and media relations. Linden is also a co-vice chair of the New York League of Conservation Voters and a member of the executive board of NYC Tourism + Conventions.
40. Gerstman PLLC
Notable clients: New York School Bus Contractors Association, Uniformed Fire Officers Association, Hempstead school district, Empire Commercial Services, Tiegerman
The government relations firm Gerstman PLLC has been focused on projects centered on the fight for a quality education for the special needs community in New York. The firm worked with the New York City Council and the Adams administration to open a new preschool that now serves 100 children with disabilities in Far Rockaway, Queens. The firm’s clients also include the New York School Bus Contractors Association and the Hempstead school district on Long Island.
41. Gotham Government Relations
Notable clients: AARP, Red Apple Group, New York City Organization of Public Service Retirees, New York Association of Wholesalers and Distributors, People United to Protect Pet Integrity
Gotham Government Relations expanded in 2023 and continues its partnership with the Law Offices of Aidala, Bertuna & Kamins PC, a litigation firm. Among the main team members are David Schwartz, Gotham's founder and president, Arthur Aidala as chair, Denny Salas as senior vice president and Imran Ansari as vice president and legal counsel. Gotham provides avenues to advocate on behalf of clients, whether it’s in a court of law, lobbying elected officials or shaping public opinion. Other recognizable names on the team include Shai Franklin, Corey Pegues, Lauren Fix, and former Rep. Gary Ackerman.
42. George Arzt Communications
George Arzt knows as well as anyone how New York City politics actually works, having served as spokesperson for Mayor Ed Koch and as a veteran journalist at the New York Post before launching his PR firm nearly three decades ago. Arzt remains a sought-after political consultant and has long handled communications for the Brooklyn Democratic Party. Bob Liff, who has been at the firm for over two decades, helps drive its campaign work.
43. Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis
Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis is known for its work in the entertainment industry, such as handling communications for the Golden Globes and representing such movie stars as Salma Hayek and Natalie Portman. But the firm also has connections in New York’s political sphere, which originate in founder Ken Sunshine’s stint as an aide in the Dinkins administration and have continued with Sunshine’s ties to politicians like former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Last year, the firm moved to a new, 16,000-square-foot headquarters in NoMad, Manhattan.
44. The TASC Group
Other key employees: Jennifer Lawrence, Lisa Burkert
Notable clients: Asbestos litigation firms, New York City public schools, Destination Tomorrow, Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, OceanX
A year ago, Rida Bint Fozi was elevated to lead The TASC Group, with founder Larry Kopp becoming chair of the firm. Bint Fozi, who has worked with United Way of New York City and The Eagle Academy Foundation, has overseen an expansion of the firm’s work with asbestos litigation firms, representing thousands of victims of asbestos nationwide. The firm’s communications plan helped influence landmark court cases and U.S. Senate hearings on the subject. In another personnel move, 2023 PRSA-NY 15 Under 35 Award honoree Jennifer Lawrence was named a director.
45. Thompson & Bender
Before Dean Bender, Geoff Thompson and Elizabeth Bracken-Thompson built Thompson & Bender into a leading PR firm in Westchester County, they all got their starts in the newspaper business – and all three worked at what’s now The Journal News. Bender and Thompson burnished the newspaper’s business section, while Bracken-Thompson made her mark in marketing. Thompson & Bender was founded in 1986 and now drives communications for some of the most important and influential entities across an array of industries in Westchester.
46. Bulldog Strategies
Years ago, City & State described Rich Azzopardi as “Andrew Cuomo’s bulldog spokesman” – and the nickname stuck, first showing up in his social media profile and later serving as the name of the consulting firm he launched in 2021. And while Cuomo is no longer governor, Azzopardi has continued to work for his old boss in an effort to rebut the sexual harassment allegations that forced Cuomo from office. Azzopardi has recently touted several legal victories while positioning Cuomo for a potential political comeback.
47. Tara Dowdell Group
Notable clients: New York City Racial Justice Commission, New York City Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit, HNTB New York Office
Growth and impact were the name of the game for the Tara Dowdell Group over the past year. The firm, which is new to this list, was honored with the Campaign of the Year from PR Daily for its work with the New York City Racial Justice Commission, which led to the passage of the commission’s three ballot measures to dismantle systematic racism in the city charter. The firm also expanded its reach in and around Washington, D.C., hiring Zy Richardson, a former communications director for the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office, as a vice president.
48. e3communications
Earl V. Wells III has spent close to a quarter century leading e3communications, a public relations firm based in Buffalo with an office in Albany as well. Wells, who previously worked at Mower and Con Edison, has taken on clients through e3communications including the nonprofit Catholic Charities and the UB Foundation, governmental entities like the Erie County Water Authority and the Genesee County Economic Development Corp., and private sector players like Honeywell and National Grid.
49. Weber Shandwick
Errol Cockfield has a lengthy and impressive résumé – and he’s still adding new lines to it. The former communications adviser to then-Govs. Eliot Spitzer and David Paterson has jumped from journalism to the public sphere to private sector consulting, and he’s now heading to a new gig at Weber Shandwick, a global communications firm headquartered in New York City. Cockfield, who previously worked at the Brunswick Group, MSNBC and Edelman, guides companies and brands all across North America as part of Weber Shandwick’s expanding Crisis & Issues practice.
50. Greenberg Public Relations
Notable clients: Siena College Research Institute, New York State Industries for the Disabled, Compassion & Choices, Partnership Solutions, New York eHealth Collaborative
The New York Times/Siena College poll, which turned heads in October with a poll showing Donald Trump leading President Joe Biden in five key battleground states, is at the top of FiveThirtyEight’s pollster rankings – and Greenberg Public Relations played a role in this designation with its work handling communications for the Siena College Research Institute. With clients including the New York State Industries for the Disabled, Steven Greenberg’s firm has also been focused on issues relating to improving the lives of New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
51. Stanhope Partners
Notable clients: New York State Industries for the Disabled, Care Design NY, Partners Health Plan, CAMBA, Beginning with Children Foundation, PhRMA
Robert Bellafiore has spent 2023 focused on improving education and the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Clients of Bellafiore’s Saratoga Springs-based Stanhope Partners include New York State Industries for the Disabled and other nonprofit organizations that support New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He has also partnered with clients in New York and other states on education programs.
52. Cahill Strategies
Diane Cahill is the founder and CEO of Cahill Strategies, a lobbying and communications firm that is headquartered on Long Island and also has offices in New York City, Albany and Miami, Florida. The firm also has carved out a niche for itself serving companies in the construction industry. Cahill, who previously was a partner at Gotham Government Relations, launched her own firm in 2016. She is also the president of the Autism Coalition of Long Island.
53. Baker Public Relations
Other key employees: Megan Baker, Megan Davis
Notable clients: Pharmacists Society of the State of New York, Ostroff Associates, New York Sire Stakes, New York State Office of Children and Family Services, New York State Dental Association
With the NYRx program, which moved Medicaid from a managed care model to the new program, under threat last year, Baker Public Relations worked with the Pharmacists Society of the State of New York to launch a successful media relations and marketing campaign to fight off repeal efforts. The Albany-based PR firm, led by President and CEO Megan Baker, also assisted the YWCA and The NRP Group in efforts to gain approvals for building low-income and supportive housing in the Albany area. Last year, Baker hired its first director of operations, Marisa Akley.
54. Sykes Global Communications
The power couple of Ronnie and Michael Oliva lead Sykes Global Communications, which has delivered public relations and marketing services since its launch in 2007. Michael Oliva has a long career as a political and campaign consultant, while Ronnie Oliva is the founder of the firm. Among its clients that the firm has served in recent years include the New York Lottery, Michael Goldman, the first openly gay judge elected in Queens County and Rachel Freier, the first Hasidic woman elected to the New York State Supreme Court and the first Hasidic woman elected to office in U.S. history.
55. Co-Communications
Stacey Ross Cohen has spent over a quarter century at the helm of Co-Communications, a White Plains-based marketing and public relations firm. Cohen, who regularly appears on City & State’s annual Westchester Power 100 list, has served a number of clients in the region, including the Westchester Children’s Museum, the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp., CBRE and Cushman & Wakefield, as well as the Westchester County government.
56. Barbara Wagner Communications
Other key employees: Joanna Pagoulatos, Juliana Ferré, Katie Prael
Notable clients: Steiner Studios, BFC Partners, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New York Properties, M&T Bank, Charney Cos./Tavros
Barbara Wagner Communications is in a growth phase, with several new clients and staff members joining the firm, which also expanded many of its practices and services. The firm built out its content studio, offering various video, photography and social media services and expanded practices focused on development, land use and finance. A key client project is assisting M&T Bank on the Harlem Multicultural Small Business Lab, which will cultivate diverse small businesses led by Harlem entrepreneurs, as well as the Amplify Fund, which will support community based organizations. New members of the firm include Sarah Duzyk and Valentina Parra.
57. Skelly Strategic Solutions
Notable clients: New York City Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association, Subway-Surface Supervisors Association, Suffolk Association of Municipal Employees, New York State Supreme Court Officers Association, Port Authority Sergeants Benevolent Association
A go-to firm for public employee unions, particularly those representing public safety employees, Skelly Strategic Solutions has a knack for telling personal stories, such as the heroism of a Port Authority Police K9 sergeant who saved the life of a retired New York City firefighter. Michael Skelly’s firm also worked with Suffolk Association of Municipal Employees and Schneps Media to host a nonpartisan candidate forum in the high-profile race for Suffolk County executive. The firm brought on several new clients, including the Port Authority Sergeants Benevolent Association and Westchester County Corrections Officers’ Benevolent Association.
58. Sheinkopf Communications
Whether it’s the latest scandal to befall New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the specter of a late budget in Albany or the ignominious downfall of former Rep. George Santos, you can bet that Hank Sheinkopf has something interesting to say about it. New York’s go-to political commentator has had years to master the art of spin, having run Sheinkopf Communications since 1981. Over the years, he has represented Bill Clinton, Mike Bloomberg and countless corporations, associations and labor unions.
59. Todd Shapiro Associates Public Relations
Todd Shapiro has represented clients in organized labor, such as the Uniformed Firefighters Association and Uniformed Fire Officers Association, municipalities including the villages of Hempstead and Freeport, as well as politicians and political entities on both sides of the aisle, notably state Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs, Republican Rep. Andrew Garbarino and the George Pataki Leadership Center. Shapiro also made a splash in Albany by opening The War Room restaurant and Todd’s Back Room Cigar Lounge on Eagle Street.
60. Wall to Wall Communications
Notable clients: Operation Benjamin, Sid Jacobson JCC, Bronx Realty Advisory Board, Former Members of Congress for Israel
Bipartisanship in Washington, D.C., may be increasingly rare, but Ross Wallenstein is demonstrating that former members of Congress can work in a bipartisan fashion. Wallenstein teamed up with former Reps. Steve Israel (a Democrat) and Lee Zeldin (a Republican) to promote the launch of Former Members of Congress for Israel in the wake of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks. Wall to Wall Communications also assists Operation Benjamin, a nonprofit that aims to ensure American soldiers mistakenly buried under the wrong religious symbols overseas are given the proper religious markings.
61. Left Flank Strategies
Bill Neidhardt in 2021 teamed up with Anna Bahr and Karthik Ganapathy to found Left Flank Strategies, a progressive political strategy and communications firm. While all three founders are veterans of Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaigns, Neidhardt is perhaps better known in New York for his tenure as press secretary for then-New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio – and for his criticism of de Blasio’s successor, Mayor Eric Adams. The left-leaning firm has worked with Justice Democrats, which is known for backing Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jamaal Bowman.
62. Bamberger & Vlasto
Early on in Andrew Cuomo’s first term as governor, two of his top communications staffers were Richard Bamberger, who held the title of communications director, and Josh Vlasto, then a deputy communications director who eventually would become the governor’s chief of staff. Cuomo’s out of office, but the duo is back in business again, now as partners of the communications and public affairs firm Bamberger & Vlasto. Before launching the firm in 2021, they worked together at Kivvit, and Vlasto also spent six years at MacAndrews & Forbes.
63. ZE Creative Communications
Robert Zimmerman isn’t just a seasoned professional when it comes to public relations, crisis management and branding communications. He’s also been deeply involved in politics and advocacy at the national level, in New York and especially on Long Island, where he was the Democratic nominee for an open seat in Congress in 2022. He founded what’s now known as ZE Creative Communications in 1989 with business partner Ron Edelson, establishing it as a leading PR and marketing firm in Long Island and beyond.
64. Camino Public Relations
Notable clients: 1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds, Vera Institute of Justice, TakeRoot Justice, Sidney Hillman Foundation, Contraceptive Access Initiative
Loretta Kane has led her public relations firm for over a decade and a half, after serving as communications director at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Carol Moseley Braun’s presidential campaign and 1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds, which is now a client. A major accomplishment in the past year was partnering with the nonprofit Contraceptive Access Initiative to help pave the way for the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of Opill, a birth control pill, without a prescription. The PR campaign, which generated 7,500 mentions across more than 3,000 outlets, won the 2023 PR Daily Award for Public Affairs/Government Relations.
65. Alta Consulting
Notable clients: State Attorney General Letitia James, ExpandED Schools, Independent Professionals Association, New York Immigration Coalition, CLEAR, Paramount Vista, New York City Racial Justice Commission
Yuridia Peña has held communications positions with a range of public and private sector parties, including 32BJ SEIU, the New York City Department of Education and Somos Community Cares. Since launching her own firm in 2020, she has helped reelect state Attorney General Letitia James, aided the launch the New York chapter of the Independent Professionals Association, handled media training for several campaigns led by the New York Immigration Coalition and worked on multilingual media efforts for the New York City Racial Justice Commission ballot initiative.
66. The November Team
The November Team, one of the go-to Republican consulting firms in New York, is led by William F. B. O’Reilly, an experienced political and communications consultant. The firm has worked for the likes of Rep. Mike Lawler, former Rep. John Faso and former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino. O’Reilly also heads up O’Reilly Communications, a public relations and advertising firm. Jessica Proud, who handled communications for the state Republican Party, left the firm after a decadelong tenure to serve as chief of staff to Rep. Nick Langworthy, the former state GOP chair.
67. Macias PR
Notable clients: Former United Nations Executive Secretary on Climate Change Patricia Espinosa Cantellano, NPower, Infinx Healthcare, Noom, Kilo Health
Mark Macias’ clients may be active well beyond the borders of New York, but his PR firm maintains deep roots in the state. He has shepherded firms like Brooklyn-based NPower as it expands into other states. And as Patricia Espinosa Cantellano was stepping down as United Nations executive secretary on climate change, she selected Macias PR to build her personal brand based on her diplomatic career. For Macias himself, the biggest development of the year was welcoming his daughter to the world in August, which he said makes him better at his job.
68. JSolo Inc.
Communications consultant Jennifer Solomon opened her own shop nearly a decade ago after holding positions at Rubenstein and as a staffer and campaign manager for then-Rep. Steve Israel. Solomon, who has assisted City & State in the past on its annual Long Island Power 100 list, has worked with such clients as Long Island University, the Right Track for Long Island Coalition and the American Lung Association, which last year touted a $1 tax increase that gave New York the highest cigarette tax in the nation.
69. KC & Co Communications
Krysten Copeland’s KC & Co Communications operates both in Brooklyn and in Washington, D.C., making her a natural fit for clients like Rep. Yvette Clarke. Lately, the firm has been expanding its footprint in the cannabis industry, which is taking off in New York. Copeland is also hiring additional support staff with the goal of building out the firm’s capabilities. Other past clients include former Assembly Member Michael Blake and former New York City mayoral candidate Dianne Morales.
70. Capital Public Strategies
Pataki administration veteran David Catalfamo fell short in his 2022 bid for an upstate seat in the Assembly, but he has found success elsewhere as a political and communications consultant – perhaps most notably in assisting former Rep. Vito Fossella’s successful run for Staten Island borough president. Catalfamo has led Capital Public Strategies, with a presence in Albany and Washington, D.C., for over five years, after more than a decade at Park Strategies.
71. The Blackmon Organization
Larry Scott Blackmon has plenty on his plate, whether it’s heading up his investment networking firm, The Blackmon Organization, handling public affairs and government relations for FreshDirect, or serving in leadership roles for One Hundred Black Men of New York and the Better Business Bureau of Metropolitan New York. Much of that work involves communications skills as well as facilitating discussions with influential New York leaders.
Editor’s note: Larry Scott Blackmon is a member of City & State’s advisory board.
72. Wilson Marshall PR + Events
Kim Marshall founded Wilson Marshall PR + Events over a decade ago, after gaining professional experience in public relations and communications during stints at the New York City Children’s Theater and Making Books Sing. Her New York City-based boutique communications company now handles public relations, social media and special event planning for a range of clients, with a specialty in serving the hospitality and lifestyle sectors. One of her current clients is The Blackmon Organization.
73. Baro Strategies
In October, Julie Roginsky and Chris Bastardi launched Baro Strategies, a bipartisan public relations firm headquartered in Manhattan that specializes in crisis management and public affairs. The firm’s selling point is that clients will be served by senior executives, not junior staffers. Roginsky is also the co-founder of Lift Our Voices, a national workers’ rights organization opposed to forced arbitration and nondisclosure agreements, while Bastardi was previously at Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis. The San Francisco office is led by Partner Kate V. Silina.
74. Wingspan
Last year, the news broke that veteran communications professional Matt Wing had launched his own PR firm – and in a demonstration of his way with words, he christened the firm Wingspan (not to be confused with a popular board game of the same name). Wing gained plenty of experience before opening his own shop, having served in key communications roles at Uber, within the Cuomo administration and under then-New York City Public Advocate Bill de Blasio. His communications and advertising firm focuses on tech, government and politics.
75. Comella & Co.
A year and a half ago, Maria Comella founded Comella & Co., a strategic communications and issue advocacy firm. She brings plenty of political experience to the firm, having handled communications for big-name politicians on both sides of the aisle, including Andrew Cuomo, Chris Christie, Rudy Giuliani, John McCain and George W. Bush. Comella, who also had stints in the private sector at WeWork and CLEAR, provides clients with strategic communications, crisis management and stakeholder engagement, among other services.
Correction: This post has been updated with more recent details about Kivvit's leadership.
NEXT STORY: The 2023 Economic Development Power 100