Power Lists
Who’s Who in Communications
The PR pros to know in New York politics and government.
Maite Junco, Evan Lukaske & Ghim-Lay Yeo CUNY; Provided; Provided
New York is home to many of the best communications professionals in the business, whether it’s in fashion or finance, technology or tourism, restaurants or real estate. This list features accomplished PR experts who represent clients in some of these fields and industries, but it is limited to those who are active within the world of New York politics and government. City & State’s inaugural Who’s Who in Communications list features communications staffers and press secretaries for major government agencies and elected officials, in-house strategists and communications directors for clients dealing with legislative and regulatory matters as well as for-hire consultants at PR and campaign companies of every stripe and every size. These key players typically stay out of the story, but they play a critical role in shaping narratives and protecting reputations while determining the outcomes of competitive elections and contentious policy debates.
Allen, James
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is in an infrastructure investment phase, from its work on the Gateway rail tunnel to the overhaul of the New York City region’s three major airports. Explaining the importance and intricacies of such projects falls to James Allen, who was previously the communications director in Andrew Cuomo’s administration and for then-Newark Mayor Cory Booker. “We have been telling the story of our $30 billion transformation of all three major airports,” he says, “by showcasing construction progress and highlighting elements that bring local flavor and a true sense of place to these new facilities.”
Andrews, Jessie
Before she joined the communications and campaign firm Bluejacket Strategies in 2023, Democratic strategist Jessie Andrews served as a trusted staffer for a handful of congressional representatives from across the country. It was Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado who got Andrews to New York, as the former lawmaker kept her on as chief of staff when he became Gov. Kathy Hochul’s No. 2. Andrews has continued to drive Delgado’s political agenda at Bluejacket, and she’s focused on flipping control of the House through a new super PAC and via outreach to young voters in key districts.
Bandujo, Jose
Jose Bandujo founded his New York City-based advertising and digital agency in 1993, and over the decades has grown Bandujo Advertising + Design into an operation with 28 staffers and big-name clients like JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Condé Nast. But he lands on this list for his work on behalf of government clients, including NYC Health + Hospitals, the New York City Mayor’s Office and the Mayor’s Office of Ethnic and Community Media. Bandujo has also assisted other influential clients active in the public sphere, including 32BJ SEIU, Union Square Partnership and the Lower Manhattan Development Corp.
Bastardi, Chris
Chris Bastardi teamed up with Julie Roginsky last year to launch Baro Strategies, a public affairs and public relations firm that works with businesses, nonprofits, labor unions, political figures and more. A former state Senate staffer who also had stints at Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis, Edelman and The TASC Group, Bastardi brings plenty of expertise in infrastructure, health care and casinos and has guided clients in navigating the politics of the Israel-Hamas war. The firm recently handled PR in an intellectual property case against Kim Kardashian and Clements Design.
Bayona, José
After spending over two years as founding executive director of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Ethnic and Community Media, José Bayona is back in the private sector running his own consulting firm. A key campaign adviser for Mayor Eric Adams and a spokesperson for Bill de Blasio, Bayona is a bridge between ethnically diverse communities and the city’s power elites. While building the Mayor’s Office of Ethnic and Community Media from the ground up, he created a marketing directory of local media outlets and diversified the city’s advertising campaigns.
Benson, Nick
At the New York City Department of Transportation, Nick Benson drives the communications strategy. He has spearheaded efforts to secure earned media coverage, revitalized the department’s social media presence and invested in multimedia by launching the “Curb Enthusiasm” podcast and expanding video production, emphasizing outreach to ethnic and community media. Benson had previous stints at the city Department of Citywide Administrative Services and Department of Small Business Services as well as at the Office of the New York State Attorney General and on several political campaigns in Ohio, where he grew up and attended college.
Berenstein, Shirley
Shirley Berenstein has been with AHRC New York City for more than 40 years and has led communications efforts at the nonprofit for over two decades, providing a steady hand and allowing for a seamless transition when executive directors have come and gone over the years. The nonprofit, which serves and supports some 15,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities each year, celebrated its 75th anniversary last year, which gave Berenstein another opportunity to draw attention to the needs of the community it serves and highlight its work.
Billups, Tony
After spending several years at the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, Tony Billups this year joined the Canon Strategy Group consulting firm as vice president of communications. At the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, he helped revitalize its communications strategy and carry out its policy agenda. At the Bronx-based Canon Strategy Group, he has teamed up once again with another key player in the borough, Michael Brady, with whom he overlapped at the Bronx Chamber of Commerce and the Third Avenue Business Improvement District.
Browne, Brian
there’s a lot more going on at the Catholic university – and it’s Brian Browne’s job to inform the public about the many goings-on at the Queens institution. Browne is the school’s long-serving spokesperson, handling media, community and government relations and collaborating with leadership on overall communications strategy. He has amplified news about the university’s new $106 million health sciences center, which was toured by Gov. Kathy Hochul, and the school’s recent jump in the U.S. News & World Report rankings.
Carter Jones, Sharon
A certain fast-food clown gives the Ronald McDonald House a recognizable name and image, but it takes a lot more than that to establish a strong reputation. At the New York branch of the international organization, Sharon Carter Jones is overseeing communications and burnishing the brand by carrying out its mission of serving the families of children diagnosed with cancer and other serious illnesses. She has helped secure more than $1 million in funding to revamp its brand and also launched a brand ambassador program to boost visibility.
Chabot, Will
Will Chabot has spent seven years at Stu Loeser & Co., starting out as a media strategist and moving up to become managing director for media strategy last year. Chabot, who was previously at Marathon Strategies, now leads the tech practice at Stu Loeser & Co., positioning the industry coalition Tech:NYC as a leading policy advocate and representing major players like Google – for whom Chabot helped land dozens of news stories about its decision to commit to New York City by building a new headquarters in Manhattan.
Chik, Chloe
If New York City Comptroller Brad Lander ultimately becomes the city’s next mayor, he’ll have to thank Chloe Chik for raising his profile and helping launch his campaign. Chik has driven media coverage for Lander since he assumed his post in 2022, drawing attention to his office’s efforts on budget cuts, migrant shelters, congestion pricing and raising red flags in government procurement, including the controversial DocGo contract. She previously was communications director for Huge Ma’s Assembly bid and worked on various political and policy campaigns at Pythia Public.
Coffey, Chris
Chris Coffey has followed in the footsteps of his mentor, Bradley Tusk, gaining plenty of experience on high-profile political campaigns as well as working for Mike Bloomberg and serving big-name clients in the tech sector and other industries. Coffey, who led the firm’s New York practice for nearly a decade, was named CEO of the company in 2021. He’s also a go-to commentator on New York and national politics and chairs the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy board.
DeBlasio, Danna
This year, Danna DeBlasio was named partner at CMW Strategies, a Top 10 lobbying firm in New York City. DeBlasio has been in the government relations space for nearly two decades, assisting clients navigating policy matters, securing government approvals or seeking to procure funding. Among her recent accomplishments is helping minority-owned businesses combat shoplifting, getting more funding for legal services and shaping outdoor dining in the city.
Dery Snider, Alex
The Empire Justice Center is one of many progressive groups seeking to shape policy in New York, but it’s unique in its singular focus on the law – supporting legal services organizations, providing legal representation and advocating for legal changes. Alex Dery Snider crafts the organization’s policy agenda in seeking to protect vulnerable New Yorkers and drives communications around its initiatives, including its recent response to a proposed budget cut for legal services for low-income New Yorkers and its support of new consumer protection measures.
DeSio, John
In an alternate universe, John DeSio might be at City Hall serving as communications director under a hypothetical administration of Ruben Diaz Jr. But when Diaz opted against running for mayor in 2020, DeSio concluded his tenure as the politician’s longtime press and policy aide and joined the PR firm Risa Heller Communications. The former Bronx journalist now works in the firm’s Real Estate and Land Use Practice, where he’s dealing with timely matters such as affordable housing, hotel licensing and casino siting.
Devine, Murray
PHI is an organization devoted to supporting seniors and individuals with disabilities through policy research, advocacy and various services for care providers, including workforce development. Murray Devine, who joined the organization last year, seeks to further those goals through marketing and branding, educating the public and engaging with the media. He has been focused in particular on raising awareness about the role of direct care workers in caring for older adults and people with disabilities. He had previous stops at the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.
Edelman, Margot
Last year, Margot Edelman was promoted to the role of general manager of the New York office of Edelman, the global communications firm with more than 6,000 staffers in 60 offices. Despite being part of the Edelman family that founded the firm, Margot Edelman had to put in time before taking on the leadership role, starting out over a decade ago as a vice president and handling tech clients in San Francisco before she took the reins of the main New York office, which has over 800 employees.
Ellner, Brian
Brian Ellner recently took on a new leadership opportunity at One Strategy Group, a corporate strategy and communications firm founded in 2022. Since he became president late last year, Ellner has been bringing in talent while positioning the young company for growth. Ellner, who was previously was at WPP and BCW, has long been civically engaged, notably helping to legalize same-sex marriage in New York in 2011. He also led the pro bono effort to create the Adams administration’s Run This Town community hiring initiative that launched earlier this year.
Falcone, J.T.
J.T. Falcone isn’t relying solely on his own skills and abilities to get the message out about the role settlement houses play in the nonprofit social services sector. He’s also leaning on other talented staffers within the network of 40 settlement houses that United Neighborhood Houses represents, convening communications and media relations staffers on a monthly basis to work collaboratively, provide reporters with sources and boost visibility. Falcone, who has been with his organization for more than six years, has also overhauled his organization’s website and improved its email newsletter.
Familiar, Robert
Robert Familiar can, well, revel in the accomplishments has amassed since joining the electric vehicle infrastructure and micromobility firm Revel last year. The Stu Loeser & Co. alum handles press at Revel and also delves into corporate, policy and marketing matters. On his watch, Revel cut the ribbon on its first public fast charging site in Manhattan, recruited charging technology experts laid off by Tesla, unveiled partnerships with Uber, Toyota and Juice, and announced an expansion to Los Angeles.
Fay, Chapin
In the solidly blue state of New York, Chapin Fay has thrived working on the other side of the aisle. The Pataki administration veteran and seasoned campaign professional is back to running his own shop, Lighthouse Public Affairs, after stints at major PR players Actum and Mercury. Fay, who has over a quarter century of experience in media and government and is a frequent commentator on New York political developments, helped New York City Council Member Kristy Marmorato notch a big upset last year as she flipped a seat red in the Bronx.
Fink, Zack
Zack Fink is so well known in state politics that an Albany restaurant once named a sandwich after him. He left his journalism career behind him last year when he joined the law and lobbying firm Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP. But he continues to capitalize on his many government connections – and he continues to tell stories as an advocate for clients and interviews movers and shakers with the “Lobbying Insider” podcast he launched at DHC. Fink works in the firm’s midtown Manhattan office and in Albany.
Fishman, Arianna
The New York Civil Liberties Union is waging battle on multiple fronts in the war to protect civil rights, and Arianna Fishman is ensuring that the group’s positions are communicated through the news media and disseminated to the public at large. The former press secretary at the New York City Department of Homeless Services has been focusing on plenty of issues since she joined the organization four years ago, from national ones like abortion rights to local matters like policing, city and state ballot propositions and Nassau County’s ban on transgender women partaking in women’s sports at county-owned facilities.
Freedland, James
Veteran consultant James Freedland cut his teeth as communications director at the Office of the New York State Attorney General, where he oversaw high-profile media, policy and strategic initiatives, and through his work on Democratic congressional campaigns. Now the principal of his own firm, he has mounted legislative advocacy efforts for his clients, including the Vera Institute of Justice, the Drug Policy Alliance, The Bronx Defenders and Google. Freedland also partners on some campaigns with the government relations and consulting firm Moonshot Strategies, where he’s senior vice president of communications.
Gerlich, William
If New York City Mayor Eric Adams were to resign amid the scandals swirling around him, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams would finish out his term – and longtime aide William Gerlich would likely handle the media for Williams during what would be an unprecedented transition. Gerlich already helped craft Williams’ response to Adams’ indictment, calling it “serious” but steering clear of demanding the mayor’s resignation. Gerlich also has experience on gubernatorial and citywide campaigns, and helped spearhead strategy on overriding mayoral vetoes on recent criminal justice reforms.
Goldstein, Freddi
Freddi Goldstein has handled communications for some of New York’s most powerful political players. She served in the press office of the de Blasio administration, including as mayoral press secretary during the COVID-19 pandemic. She then came on as communications director at District Council 37, the large, politically engaged public sector union. Now she’s on the communications team at Uber, which continues to shake up the market in New York and nationwide. But in the past year, her biggest highlight was the birth of her daughter, Dylan.
Gómez, Javier
Javier Gómez has served a variety of New York politicians, from then-Gov. George Pataki and then-state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo to former Bronx Borough Presidents Fernando Ferrer and Adolfo Carrión Jr. He’s now at MirRam Group, New York’s leading Latino campaign and government relations firm. A former journalist, Gómez has also worked with the Campaign for Fiscal Equity and the National Puerto Rican Day parade. At MirRam, he crafts Spanish-language media strategies and outreach for clients has worked with “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, the son of MirRam co-founder Luis Miranda Jr.
Hagelgans, Andrea
This past spring, Andrea Hagelgans joined Avoq as a New York City-based senior vice president for strategic communications. Hagelgans – who’s known in political circles for her tenure as communications director and later as senior adviser for strategic planning in the de Blasio administration – now serves public and private sector clients on communications strategy and issue advocacy. The national advocacy and communications firm where she works recently had a major transition too: After firms Subject Matter and Kivvit, merged in 2023, the newly unified company rebranded as Avoq in January.
Hayes, Anthony
Since Anthony Hayes founded The Hayes Initiative in 2017, it has grown considerably, gained notable clients and notched a number of successes. His LGBTQ+-owned public affairs firm counts among its clientele Bloomberg Philanthropies, Montefiore, New York City Football Club and the National Center for Lesbian Rights, which reached a settlement on Florida’s controversial “Don’t Say Gay” law in March. Hayes also worked on Hillary Rodham Clinton’s presidential campaign, with the HIV/AIDS service organization GMHC and at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. More recently, he has done some campaign work for the Harris-Walz ticket.
Heard, Jason
If you want to get your message heard in New York politics and government, get in touch with Jason Heard. Heard is the longtime No. 2 at Neal Kwatra’s top-tier consulting firm, Metropolitan Public Strategies, serving in a key operations role there for over a decade. The real estate and finance expert aids clients in communications strategy, paid media execution and compliance. Over the years Heard has played key roles with clients like Ørsted, Resorts World and Bally’s.
Hiltzik, Matthew
It’s been a roller-coaster ride for baseball star Shohei Ohtani this year, from his longtime interpreter pleading guilty to allegedly stealing millions of dollars from him to making it to the World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers – and it had to help that Ohtani had veteran consultant Matthew Hiltzik to guide him. Hiltzik has an impressive roster of corporate, sports and entertainment clients, including Brad Pitt, Salesforce and the New York Jets. The former state Democratic Party press secretary still has a hand in local affairs as a board member of the New York City Economic Development Corp.
Holmes, Jeff
The New York City Economic Development Corp.’s job is to boost business and create jobs in the city – and Jeff Holmes’ job is to get the message out about the progress the group is making on that front. Holmes, who led communications strategy for the de Blasio administration’s daily COVID-19 briefings, is now working on projects such as the city’s Green Economy Action Plan, the “New” New York Plan and the offshore wind port at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal. He had previous stops at SKDK and Brunswick Group.
Hong, Shin-Jung
Shin-Jung Hong is a key team member at Nicholas & Lence Communications, working under PR veteran and firm CEO Cristyne Nicholas on a variety of press campaigns. This past year, she has handled PR for the Times Square Alliance’s Taste of Times Square, the 20th anniversary of the New York Comedy Festival and the $125 million expansion of the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. She also previously worked at Finn Partners and Lou Hammond & Associates.
Howard, Crystal
New York Road Runners puts on the New York City Marathon every year, and Crystal Howard helps ensure its press strategy is a success. As senior vice president of public affairs, Howard handles public relations, government affairs and community engagement – and raises awareness about the many programs and races NYRR has apart from the marathon. Prior to joining NYRR in 2023, Howard was an assistant commissioner for the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation.
Johnson, Leah
The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts is a world-class cultural institution, but Leah Johnson is ensuring its offerings are seen by a broad audience. Through her work leading communications on the project to revamp David Geffen Hall, she took charge on a job training program geared toward members of the local community. She is also spearheading choose what you pay ticketing models and gathering local input on how to make parts of Lincoln Center’s campus more welcoming to neighbors. Additionally, Johnson is behind the Legacies of San Juan Hill project which explores the working-class Manhattan neighborhoods that existed where Lincoln Center now stands.
Jones, Mandela
New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams arguably has the upper hand over New York City Mayor Eric Adams these days, and Mandela Jones helped her achieve such a strong position. Jones, who leads the council’s communications team and is a key policy adviser to the speaker, played a role in the reversal of proposed budget cuts to library services and the expansion of crime victim services. He has ample communications experience, with stints at Alliance for Safety and Justice, Communities United for Police Reform, BerlinRosen and with former City Council Member Al Vann.
Junco, Maite
Maite Junco has driven communications and marketing strategy at the City University of New York since 2019, overseeing media relations, digital communications, CUNY TV programming and more. Her steady hand helped keep CUNY on track last school year during a period of protest over the Israel-Hamas war. She helped launch a marketing campaign to boost recruitment by highlighting CUNY’s affordability and quality. She had past stints on Letitia James’ attorney general campaign, at the New York City Department of Education, at the Daily News and on City & State New York’s advisory board.
Kamal, Najy
Ordering some late-night wings or sushi may feel seamless, but there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into it – including advocacy efforts on the policy front. At Grubhub, Najy Kamal has helped the online ordering app navigate such issues as traffic safety involving e-bike delivery drivers, the risks of e-bikes powered by lithium-ion batteries and portable benefits for gig workers. Before joining Grubhub in 2023, Kamal worked on digital communications in Congress and handled marketing and communications for the National Coffee Association.
Kempner, Delaney
State Attorney General Letitia James has raised her national profile in recent years, launching major legal battles against former President Donald Trump, the National Rifle Association and TikTok. Longtime James communications aide Delaney Kempner makes sure the media covers these – and many other – stories fairly and accurately. Kempner, who was press secretary for James’ attorney general campaign and the top communications staffer when she was New York City public advocate, has also amplified James’ efforts to hold accountable cryptocurrency, ride-hailing and tobacco companies, and protect kids on social media.
LaPorte, Catherine
Capitalizing on her tenure as deputy commissioner for the New York City Mayor’s Office of Veteran Affairs, Catherine LaPorte in 2020 took on the role of chief advertising and public affairs officer at the U.S. Army New York City Recruiting Battalion. In her role, she has carried out the Army’s local anthem launch of “Be All You Can Be” and promoted the Army’s June 14 birthday celebration in Times Square, where the Army has a high-profile recruiting center. Her scope includes all of New York City, Long Island and Westchester County.
Lawrence, Jennifer
This TASC Group veteran isn’t a star on the screen like the more famous Jennifer Lawrence, but she’s making hits behind the scenes as a consultant for mission-driven organizations. Among her recent clients are the Urban Resource Institute, which launched a pet-friendly homeless shelter in New York City; Oyate Group, which has quickly established itself as an innovative anti-poverty nonprofit; and former New York City schools Chancellor David Banks. She has also landed major contracts with the Hospice Foundation of America, the American Psychological Foundation and GLAAD.
Levy, Fabien
Fabien Levy is such a trusted aide of New York City Mayor Eric Adams that he was promoted last year to the new position of deputy mayor for communications. Levy oversees communications across the administration and all city offices and agencies, a unification billed as a way to ensure a consistent message. Levy, who previously was Adams’ press secretary, now manages the city’s communications team, including the communications director and press secretary. He has also worked for then-Rep. Kathy Hochul and state Attorney General Letitia James.
Lukaske, Evan
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is on her way to securing another term – and possibly a new job as Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee chair – and she can credit Evan Lukaske for raising her profile and highlighting her policy record, including legislation on gun trafficking, military justice system reform and health funding for 9/11 survivors. The communications director for Gillibrand since 2019, Lukaske previously served as national press secretary for her presidential campaign. He also helped elect now-Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado, former Rep. Max Rose and former Rep. Anthony Brindisi in 2018 as a key Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee press staffer.
Maier, Ilana
One of the biggest policy challenges facing New York City is the dearth of affordable housing. Ilana Maier is drawing attention to the ways in which city government is striving to solve that problem. She has boosted coverage of her department’s efforts to promote quality and affordability in city housing and has experience navigating contentious projects like turning the Elizabeth Street Garden into a senior affordable housing development. On the campaign trail, she helped elect Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine and reelect state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.
Margolies, Jeff
The New York City Department of Design and Construction hasn’t always been the most attention-grabbing city agency, but it’s doing critical work – and Jeff Margolies is communicating its vision and accomplishments with New Yorkers. Margolies, who jumped from IT consulting to law before entering the government sector, coordinates with federal, state and city partners on major projects and communicates with an array of stakeholders. The department’s $35 billion portfolio spans everything from coastal resiliency infrastructure to borough-based jails. Margolies also has advocated for alternative delivery methods like design-build.
Mazeau, Natasha
When Gotham Organization this fall brought to market The Maybury, its new multifamily tower in Hudson Yards, Natasha Mazeau had already paved the way for a successful leasing launch by effectively marketing the building’s affordable housing and market-rate apartments. She played a similar role in branding The Suffolk, a luxury residential tower on the Lower East Side – which reached full occupancy less than a year after launching. As marketing director at the major New York City and Philadelphia residential real estate developer, Mazeau also handles communications, partnership and events.
Michaels, Jd
This summer, Jd Michaels was promoted to the position of executive director of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Ethnic and Community Media. The office, which was created by a 2021 statute, aims to support the many ethnic and local news outlets in the city and ensures that significant city advertising is placed in these publications. Michaels, a veteran advertising executive, had already been serving within the office as citywide marketing director, and he has retained those responsibilities. He was previously at the advertising agency BBDO New York.
Mintz, Jared
This past summer, Commonpoint unveiled a rebranding, dropping the longer Commonpoint Queens name that it had adopted in 2018 after it was formed through the merger of the Samuel Field Y and Central Queens Y. Commonpoint’s Jared Mintz was on hand to drive the messaging around both transitions, the latest of which reflects that its programs and services now reach many New Yorkers in the Bronx, Manhattan and elsewhere. Mintz goes back even farther with the organization, having worked at its camps and after-school programs as a teenager.
Morey, Adam
Public affairs professional Adam Morey knows how important it is to have an effective advocate when dealing with government – in fact, it was while running a small business that he figured out on his own how to wage a regulatory fight, build a coalition, craft a narrative and use press coverage to his advantage. Now the managing director at the growing media relations and government affairs firm J Strategies, he represents various clients and advocates for their interests through an array of communications strategies.
Murphy, Cathy
Cathy Murphy is ahead of the curve. The veteran media executive noticed that Latinas like her and other women of color were often overlooked in her industry, and the realization led to her launching Venus Media, which aims to connect major brands to these demographic groups. Apart from the corporate sector, various New York City government agencies are clients of Venus Media, including the New York City Mayor’s Office of Ethnic and Community Media. Murphy is also a member of the city’s Latino American Small Business Task Force.
Noel, Cara
Before she launched her own firm in 2023, Cara Noel spent four years as communications director at the influential 1199SEIU labor union. Since 2023, however, she has been running her own PR firm, which provides communications strategy, coalition building, speechwriting, ghostwriting and other services. She also had a stint at Actum and worked for the New Jersey State Senate Democrats and the New York City Central Labor Council. “Every day, I get to engage people and communities and remind them of the power they hold by simply making their voices heard,” she says.
O’Hare, JP
The state Education Department often finds itself in the middle of some of the biggest policy debates in Albany – school funding, education standards and student testing – which makes having an experienced communications pro like JP O’Hare on staff invaluable. O’Hare, who previously handled communications at the state Health Department before joining the Education Department six years ago, has helped craft campaigns around improving education equity and ensuring access to a high-quality education for all students through updated graduation requirements, broader literacy initiatives and efforts to encourage lifelong learning.
Oliver, Jake
When Citizens Union was campaigning to move local elections to even-numbered years, it turned to the communications firm Anat – and Jake Oliver – to craft an effective messaging strategy. Oliver, who joined Anat Gerstein’s firm in 2018, now oversees its advocacy practice area and has recruited such clients as AARP New Jersey, Anthos Home, New Pride Agenda and 32BJ SEIU, while also working with the likes of Amida Care, the Center for an Urban Future and the United Probation Officers Association. He previously worked in the New York City Council and at The TASC Group.
Patel, Suvasini
Suvasini Patel is the top communications staffer at the New York Immigration Coalition, an influential coalition made up of more than 200 immigrant and refugee rights organizations in the state that advocates for policy changes. Suvasini Patel has been with the group for more than six years, managing its communications team and drawing attention to issues such as providing adequate shelter to migrants and combating xenophobia. Patel previously worked at NYU’s Financial Access Initiative, at the international human rights group Witness and for journalist Bill Moyers.
Peretz, Lee
At Farrell Fritz, a Long Island law firm with offices in Albany and New York City, Lee Peretz is responsible for marketing and business development. Peretz, who has been at the firm for over six years, has revitalized its digital presence, launched its new website and revamped its social media branding. He also helps his colleagues communicate effectively with their clients and share their expertise in the media, notably in the area of health care regulation. Outside the firm, Peretz is an active participant with the Legal Marketing Association.
Perrone, Bud
In a city where new PR shops pop up every year, Rubenstein remains the elder statesman of the communications industry – and after nearly three decades on board, Bud Perrone is one of its most experienced hands. Perrone is deeply knowledgeable about New York City real estate, with experience handling communications and policy advice in urban development, commercial real estate, architecture and construction. He worked with Silverstein Properties on its World Trade Center rebuilding as well as Tishman Speyer, Vornado Realty Trust and The Durst Organization, among others.
Portzer, Tiffany
The Community Health Care Association of New York State is an important stakeholder and health care policy advocate in Albany, and Tiffany Portzer brings plenty of state government and journalism experience to her role as the organization’s communications lead. Portzer organizes the group’s annual conference, coordinates its annual advocacy day and generates news coverage about its legislative goals. She previously served as deputy director of health communications in Andrew Cuomo’s administration and as a producer and assistant news director at the Albany-based CBS affiliate.
Poupore, Josh
Since Josh Poupore joined Corning Place Communications almost a decade ago, the PR firm has seen its team nearly double to nine professionals, up from five, while bringing in various clients including the Northeast Dairy Producers Association and the New York State Police Investigators Association. Poupore, who was previously at the 13,000-member New York State Dental Association, works with a wide range of industries, including health care, education, energy and criminal justice. This past year, he assisted United University Professions in the fight to keep SUNY Downstate Medical Center open.
Ramirez, Stephany E.
Stephany E. Ramirez’s full title at New York University is a mouthful – she’s the assistant director of pipeline marketing for global enrollment management and student success – but it boils down to putting middle school, high school and older potential students on the path to enrolling at one of NYU’s more than 160 programs. Ramirez brings to the critical role plenty of experience in education and policy, including in market research, admissions and program management. And she’s still a student herself – she’s pursuing a doctorate in the sociology of education at NYU.
Resnick, Eugene
The congestion pricing pause isn’t the only big news at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Eugene Resnick, the MTA’s deputy communications director since 2021, has been busy informing the public and the press about the arrival of new R211 subway cars, the advent of a zero-emissions bus fleet, the expansion of OMNY and the adoption of automated camera enforcement on buses – as well as ongoing accessibility and signal modernization upgrades. The Russian-born Resnick held similar communications roles with the New York City comptroller and the Brooklyn borough president earlier in his career.
Riegelhaupt, Loren
From the final decision to close Mount Sinai Beth Israel hospital to the fight over state Medicaid reimbursement rates, Loren Riegelhaupt has been in the thick of the most contentious health care policy battles over the past year. The 15-year SKDK veteran, who was promoted to principal of the national PR firm in 2022, also orchestrated the announcement of a $1 billion donation that will make Montefiore’s Albert Einstein College of Medicine tuition-free. Riegelhaupt manages the firm’s New York public affairs team and co-leads its health care team, which advised major medical institutions struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Riley, Dick
The United Federation of Teachers is one of New York’s most powerful labor unions, and one of its unsung heroes is Dick Riley. The veteran spokesperson for the union, who’s now a consultant for the group, recently put pressure on the New York City Department of Education to comply with state-mandated class size limits, a key union priority that has generated significant discussion and news coverage. Prior to joining the union nearly two decades ago, Riley worked in a number of New York City government posts, in the corporate world and as a reporter for The Associated Press.
Robinson, Raven
Raven Robinson founded PR2Politics a decade and a half ago, and since then she has partnered with a number of politicians and nonprofit organizations. In Albany, she’s perhaps best known for her time serving as press secretary to state Sen. Kevin Parker – and could end up back in government if Parker wins his race for New York City comptroller next year. Robinson has also worked with former Democratic National Committee Vice Chair Michael Blake – who’s reportedly considering a mayoral bid in New York City – and she’s part of the ForbesBLK initiative, which recently had her ringing the bell at the Nasdaq.
Ross Cohen, Stacey
Stacey Ross Cohen has been at the helm of Co-Communications, a Westchester County-based PR and marketing firm, since she founded it in 1997. Among her clients are 17-Forward-86, a coalition aiming to improve mobility and safety in Orange and Sullivan counties; Westchester Joint Water Works’ Demand Safe Water campaign to build support for a $138 million water filtration plant at the Westchester County Airport; and Sustainable Westchester, which advocates for municipalities to be more resilient in the face of climate change.
Rudansky, Andrew
Native Long Islander Andrew Rudansky got his start in journalism as a freelancer for the Sag Harbor Express News before joining NBC as a production assistant and editor. In 2016, the SUNY Geneseo graduate joined the New York City Department of Buildings, starting out as a deputy press secretary and taking over as press secretary five years ago. He has worked to effectively communicate the department’s move to remove long-standing construction sheds and emphasize the city’s efforts to make the construction industry safer.
Rye, Brad
Mower, however, was established in Rochester, and in the decades since has expanded to nine other major cities, including Chicago, Boston and Atlanta. A key official at the employee-owned firm is Brad Rye, who has been on the team for 28 years and serves as its managing director. Rye, who deals with a range of regional, national and international clients, took on a new role leading the firm’s public relations team earlier this year.
Sandford, Tracy
Tracy Sandford has been with LaGuardia Gateway Partners since 2016, helping drive communication strategy surrounding the $4 billion redevelopment project of Terminal B that has turned LaGuardia Airport from what President Joe Biden once described as something out of a “Third World country” into a gleaming, award-winning airline hub. Sandford has generated positive press at every stage of the project, capitalizing on her aviation experience in marketing roles at Virgin Atlantic Airways, OpenSkies and JetBlue in the process. Last year, she amplified Skytrax’s designation of Terminal B as the best new airport terminal in the world.
Sarlin Wright, Kay
Whenever there’s a policy debate in New York that affects real estate, the Real Estate Board of New York is sure to enter the fray – and Kay Sarlin Wright will be working overtime to get REBNY’s side of the story out. Wright joined REBNY earlier this year, after serving as head of impact communications at Audible and as co-creator of Newark Working Kitchens. She also has served in city and state government roles, including as executive vice president of public affairs and strategic initiatives at Empire State Development and on the New York City Department of Transportation’s communications team.
Scarlett, Juanita
Juanita Scarlett is a savvy New York consultant, as adept in the world of government relations as she is in communications. The former Empire State Development official has spent over a decade in the private sector, including over five years at Bolton-St. Johns, now the state’s second-highest ranked lobbying firm. Scarlett recently helped secure funding for the Brooklyn Kindergarten Society’s sensory gym to support students of color with autism and supported literacy projects at EPS. She also serves on the boards of Citizens Union Foundation and The New Majority NYC.
Editor’s note: Juanita Scarlett is a member of City & State’s advisory board.
Setterbo, Thea
District Council 37 isn’t just New York City’s largest public sector union – it’s one of the most politically engaged, and maintaining its status as an influential player in city politics keeps Thea Setterbo busy. Setterbo joined DC 37 in 2022, and she is overhauling the union’s website and manages a growing communications team that is dedicated to engaging members while also having a voice in key policy debates. She also volunteered in Chicago with the Democratic National Committee’s communications team this summer. The Texas native got her start working with the San Antonio city government.
Shapiro, Todd
Todd Shapiro is a go-to communications consultant on Long Island and elsewhere. He has a specialty in serving law enforcement and public safety labor unions, representing the Uniformed Firefighters Association, Uniformed Fire Officers Association and several police unions. He has previously worked with state Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs, who’s also the party chair in Nassau County. In Albany, his War Room Tavern on Eagle Street has been a hit with political players. And in New York City, Shapiro represents the wealthy businessperson and donor John Catsimatidis, who’s reportedly mulling another run for mayor.
Skelly, Michael
Michael Skelly has over two decades of strategic communications and public affairs experience within the public and private sectors. He has worked with clients on dozens of high-stakes public relations campaigns, advocating for stronger contracts, safer working conditions, safe staffing levels and impactful legislation for essential workers. Over the past year, his firm has expanded its client advocacy with the addition of the NYPD’s Sergeants Benevolent Association and the New York City Deputy Sheriffs’ Benevolent Association, as both unions continue their fights for fair contracts and improved working conditions.
Small, Avi
Gov. Kathy Hochul has the bully pulpit, and Avi Small’s job is to ensure she uses it effectively. Small, who joined Hochul’s communications team shortly after she became governor, has served as press secretary since summer 2023. Small’s experience at the local, state and federal levels – he has had stints with the New York City Council, state Senate and the Joe Biden campaign – is an asset and mirrors Hochul’s government career. Small has been the governor’s lead spokesperson while navigating notable developments, from a compromise deal on “good cause” eviction and reviving the 421-a program to the congestion pricing pause.
Spector, Joe
Joe Spector is the latest veteran of the Albany press corps to decamp for the private sector, joining the powerhouse polling and consulting firm Global Strategy Group as a vice president this past summer. Spector, who spent nearly three decades as a political journalist, brings an in-depth understanding of the policy debates and players in state politics as he represents nonprofits, corporations and advocacy organizations and secures coverage of the issues they’re pushing. He was previously the New York editor at Politico and was a longtime staffer for the USA Today Network.
Thies, Evan
and political strategy firm Pythia Public, but he’s perhaps best known as a communications and policy architect of New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ successful 2021 campaign. Thies has also worked with advocacy organizations and corporations in New York and around the nation. Among the firm’s recent accomplishments are winning approval for a major affordable housing development and soccer stadium at Willets Point, and passing the Fashion Workers Act and legislation protecting young people on social media.
Todd-Medina, Lupe
If Democrats flip the House of Representatives and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries makes history as the first Black House speaker, he’ll have plenty of people to thank – including Lupe Todd-Medina, who put the lawmaker on the map early in his career. Todd-Medina has handled press for a number of city, state and federal politicians over the years. She works with companies and nonprofits as well, including the National Urban League. She also has assisted two law firms in litigation against chemical hair relaxers over the harm they caused primarily for women of color.
Editor’s note: Lupe Todd-Medina is a member of City & State’s advisory board.
Tugendrajch, Jacob
Jacob Tugendrajch has handled communications for powerful New York politicians, including state Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris, then-New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson and then-Rep. Carolyn Maloney – and one throughline is his work on transportation policy. That’s why it’s no surprise that he landed at Lime, the shared electric vehicle company, in 2021. Tugendrajch, who helped expand bike-sharing into Queens and promoted safe streets policies in the public sector, is doing similar work in the private sector, as Lime is seeing record ridership while adding more green-friendly e-scooters in the outer boroughs.
Valenzuela, Sara
In a field that has long lacked diversity, Sara Valenzuela has broken through as a Latina leading her own PR firm. Valenzuela Strategies provides a range of services, including helping with government procurement, mounting public education initiatives and supporting political candidates. Over the years, Valenzuela has assisted a number of New York politicians, including Hillary Rodham Clinton, Letitia James, Thomas DiNapoli and Melissa Mark-Viverito. Valenzuela Strategies recently teamed up with Alta Consulting to highlight law firm Levy Konigsberg’s bringing hundreds of sexual assault cases involving alleged incidents at juvenile detention centers and on Rikers Island.
Wallenstein, Ross
Three years ago, Ross Wallenstein launched his own PR firm, Wall to Wall Communications. Wallenstein’s résumé includes stints at J Strategies, Marathon Strategies and Marino as well as government and campaign staff roles at the state and federal level. Among his recent work is securing local coverage of a peer-to-peer teenage grief support group founded by two Long Island high schoolers, generating buzz for former Rep. Steve Israel’s inaugural Gold Coast Book Fair and guiding the Bronx Realty Advisory Board through union contract negotiations.
Yeo, Ghim-Lay
Ghim-Lay Yeo has a compelling story to tell, as The New Terminal One at JFK is altering the narrative that New York City has the nation’s worst airports. Yeo oversees communications for the $9.5 billion project, a massive public-private partnership that in the past year has completed two bond refinancings, formed new airline partnerships and topped off the steel portion of the construction. Yeo, a former aviation journalist who hails from Singapore, has generated significant news coverage of these developments.
Corrections: This post has been updated to correct details about Thea Setterbo's start date with District Council 37 and the timing of a website overhaul. This has also been updated with the correct names of the former Samuel Field Y and Central Queens Y.
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