August 2023 — Jacqui Newman, Chief Operating Officer, SKDK
April 2023 — Lucy MacIntosh, Vice President, SKDK
March 2023 — Quincy Mix, Operations Advisor, Sloane & Company
February 2023 — Valerie Keys, Senior Associate and DC Intern Coordinator, SKDK
Posted in News | Comments Off on SKDK-Sloane-Jasper Changemaker of the MonthLed by Pia Carusone and Alex Bloom, Cause-oriented Public Affairs Firm will Build Presence
Washington, D.C. – Today, SKDK announced the launch of its New England practice, which will focus on strategic communications and campaigns across the region. The practice will be led by President of SKDK Political Pia Carusone and Executive Vice President Alex Bloom, two strategists with deep experience in New England.
SKDK’s expansion into New England is a natural extension of the firm’s work in the region. SKDK and its sister agency Sloane & Company have built an extensive portfolio of New England engagements, including work with Steward Health Care, Gillette, Panera Bread, Hartford HealthCare, and National Grid. Over the past two election cycles, the team advised the winning campaigns of Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH), Massachusetts Secretary of State Bill Galvin, and more.
Under the direction of Carusone and Bloom, the firm will offer best-in-class strategic communications and advertising support to campaigns and businesses across the region. SKDK provides a range of services for clients, including message development, crisis management, PR and opinion research, digital and social media content creation, creative design, and ad production and media placement. Our sister firm, Blue Wall Mail, is the direct mail team that led President Joe Biden’s 2020 mail strategy.
In 2022, SKDK produced nearly 600 ads and were the lead makers and strategists to Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, the NAACP, Climate Power and host of other candidates and organizations. The Observer named SKDK one of the top PR firms in both 2022 and 2023, citing its continued stream of top rate talent, work advocating for President Biden’s climate agenda; representing more than 1,000 victims of the Boy Scouts seeking justice for alleged abuse; and partnering with New Yorkers United for Justice to reduce incarceration and racial justice in the parole system.
“SKDK is proud to be at the center of the biggest issues facing our country – from electing Joe Biden to the White House, to fighting for reproductive rights, to protecting the environment,” said Doug Thornell, CEO of SKDK. “We succeed by focusing on what works – smart, sharp messaging and a tenacious approach to media campaigns. We’re excited to be expanding our national work with a dedicated practice in New England.”
A 15-year veteran of campaign and branding leadership, Carusone oversees the day-to-day management of the firm’s political department. She most recently led U.S. Senator Mark Kelly’s reelection victory in 2022 as the lead strategist and ad maker, after first leading in the 2020 special election win. In New Hampshire, where her roots in politics began with Howard Dean’s presidential campaign, Carusone led Congressman Chris Pappas’ 2018 and 2022 wins in New England’s most competitive district. Carusone’s campaign work also includes guiding Ritchie Torres to victory in NY-15, defeating a powerful anti-choice, anti-equality opponent. Previously, she served as the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security in the Obama Administration, following her tenure in communications positions in Congress.
“In today’s fast-paced news cycle, it’s important to have an experienced team that can help you navigate the media landscape so that your message and campaigns are reaching the right people,” said Pia Carusone, Managing Director and President of SKDK Political. “SKDK knows how to help candidates and businesses break through the noise at every level – national, state, and local – and we’re looking forward to working with New England institutions, foundations, and campaigns to succeed.”
Bloom, who has worked on multiple Massachusetts campaigns and as a former newspaper reporter, brings more than a decade of communications experience to the New England practice. In six years with SKDK, he has directed high-impact campaigns and outreach for clients including Columbia Business School, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and the Open Society Foundations. He previously advised Boston Mayor Marty Walsh’s campaign in 2020 and worked on campaigns for Attorney General candidate Warren Tolman and Congresswoman Katherine Clark. Before joining SKDK, Bloom spent three years with O’Neill and Associates, where he worked with 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the Boston Carmen’s Union Local 589, Stonehill College, and HarborOne Bank, among others. He started his career as a reporter, writing for The Enterprise, The Eagle-Tribune, and The Arizona Republic. Bloom is a Somerville resident and a Tufts University graduate.
“With a track record of success nationally and in the region, SKDK has experience leading campaigns to victory and guiding companies to meet their goals,” said Executive Vice President Alex Bloom. “New England is home to the world’s most advanced businesses, forward-thinking foundations, leading universities, and best hospitals and medical centers, and we are looking forward to helping them tell their stories.”
About SKDK
SKDK is a top national communications and political consulting firm that brings unparalleled strategic communications experience to Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, philanthropic organizations and labor unions, as well as political committees and candidates. With offices in Washington, New York, Los Angeles, and Albany, SKDK offers strategic support to manage a crisis, protect a brand, advocate for an issue, or win an election.
In 2022, SKDK served as strategists and admakers for winning campaigns including Governor Wes Moore of Maryland, Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, Governor Laura Kelly of Kansas, and Governor Ned Lamont of Connecticut – and in 2020, was a key adviser to the historic Biden-Harris campaign. SKDK has won the Holmes Report’s influential North America Public Affairs Agency of the Year multiple times and was listed by the Observer as one of the best public relations firms in America for 2023. To learn more about SKDK, visit our website at www.skdknick.com.
SKDK is a proud member of Stagwell, a digital-first global marketing network that delivers scalable, seamless solutions through a unique combination of culture-moving creativity and leading-edge technology.
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Posted in News | Comments Off on SKDK Launches New England PracticeLeadership appointments will support key growth areas; promotions include President of SKDK Political and Managing Director in the Public Affairs practice
Washington, D.C. – SKDK, a nationally recognized public affairs and political consulting firm, today announced promotions to the senior leadership team. The newly elevated senior level staff will focus on overseeing and growing the firm’s public affairs, cause-oriented, and political clients.
“The strength and resilience of SKDK comes from our people and today it is with great pride that I announce senior level promotions,” said CEO Doug Thornell. “In addition to continuing to serve as invaluable support to our clients and the causes we work for, this newly promoted group of strategists will help us forge ahead as the firm continues to grow and scale nationally, and I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead.”
The senior leadership promotions are as follows:
About SKDK
SKDK is a top national communications and political consulting firm that brings unparalleled strategic communications experience to Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, philanthropic organizations and labor unions, as well as political committees and candidates. With offices in Washington, New York, Los Angeles, and Albany, SKDK offers strategic support to manage a crisis, protect a brand, advocate for an issue, or win an election.
In 2022, SKDK served as strategists and admakers for winning campaigns including Governor Wes Moore of Maryland, Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, Governor Laura Kelly of Kansas, and Governor Ned Lamont of Connecticut – and in 2020, was a key adviser to the historic Biden-Harris campaign. SKDK has won the Holmes Report’s influential North America Public Affairs Agency of the Year multiple times and was listed by the Observer as one of the best public relations firms in America for 2023. To learn more about SKDK, visit our website at www.skdknick.com.
SKDK is a proud member of Stagwell, a digital-first global marketing network that delivers scalable, seamless solutions through a unique combination of culture-moving creativity and leading-edge technology.
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Posted in News | Comments Off on SKDK Announces Senior Leadership Promotions Across All Service AreasFrazier to Serve as Executive Vice President in firm’s New York Public Affairs Practice
New York, NY – Today, SKDK announced Michael Frazier joined SKDK’s Public Affairs practice in New York as an Executive Vice President. Frazier will support corporate, crisis, and advocacy clients, as well as develop business and engage in leadership initiatives at the firm. Frazier brings over two decades of communications expertise to his role at SKDK, spanning journalism, politics, advocacy, and business.
“We are so fortunate to have Michael join the team,” said SKDK CEO, Doug Thornell. “He is among the most accomplished communications professionals in the state of New York and will play a critical role as an adviser to our clients across the non-profit, corporate and advocacy spaces.”
“I am so excited to be part of the next chapter at SKDK, one of the most widely respected public affairs firms in the country,” said Frazier. “I’ve long followed and admired the firm’s work and I’m proud to join this world-class team.”
A former reporter for Newsday and the Associated Press, Frazier spent more than a decade at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, playing a key role in shaping communications around one of the most consequential and hallowed sites in the United States. He also served in a top communications role at Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), and in 2020, Frazier served as national spokesperson for Mike Bloomberg’s presidential campaign.
About SKDK
SKDK is a top national communications and political consulting firm that brings unparalleled strategic communications experience to Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, philanthropic organizations and labor unions, as well as political committees and candidates. With offices in Washington, New York, Los Angeles, and Albany, SKDK offers strategic support to manage a crisis, protect a brand, advocate for an issue, or win an election.
In 2022, SKDK served as strategists and admakers for winning campaigns including Governor Wes Moore of Maryland, Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, Governor Laura Kelly of Kansas, and Governor Ned Lamont of Connecticut – and in 2020, was a key adviser to the historic Biden-Harris campaign. SKDK has won the Holmes Report’s influential North America Public Affairs Agency of the Year multiple times and was listed by the Observer as one of the best public relations firms in America for 2023. To learn more about SKDK, visit our website at www.skdknick.com.
SKDK is a proud member of Stagwell, a digital-first global marketing network that delivers scalable, seamless solutions through a unique combination of culture-moving creativity and leading-edge technology.
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Posted in News | Comments Off on Veteran Public Affairs Strategist Michael Frazier Joins SKDKGoodman to Serve as Executive Vice President in firm’s DC Office, Supporting Corporate, Crisis Communications, and Public Affairs Work
Washington, DC – Today, SKDK announced Justin Goodman has joined the firm’s DC Public Affairs practice as an Executive Vice President. Goodman will support the firm’s corporate, crisis communications, and public affairs clients. He comes to SKDK from U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s (D-NY) office, where he spent nearly a decade as a senior communications advisor to the Senator and the Senate Democratic caucus, most recently serving as Communications Director. Punchbowl News recently described Goodman as “the chief spokesman for every Senate battle in recent memory,” and Leader Schumer said in a speech earlier this month that “to call him indispensable is an understatement.”
“We are so thrilled to welcome Justin to SKDK. As Communications Director for Senator Schumer, he has been operating in the most intense, high stakes public policy and political debates of the day. And his deep bench of press relationships will be invaluable to the clients and causes we work for,” said Jill Zuckman, Partner.
As Chief spokesman and top communications advisor, Goodman managed a nearly 20-person communication team and oversaw the communications of every high-profile piece of legislation during what has been described as the most productive legislative session in decades, including, but not limited to, the Inflation Reduction Act, the CARES Act, and the American Rescue Plan. Prior to his time with Senator Schumer, he managed press and communications at the New York City Council and the Clinton Global Initiative. Originally from New York, Goodman earned a bachelor’s degree at SUNY Geneseo.
“Following many exciting, productive and instructive years working for the Senator, I look forward to this new chapter joining one of the most respected, sought-after strategic communication firms today,” said Goodman. “SKDK’s team of talented communications professionals and rolodex of Fortune 500, nonprofits, and advocacy clients is simply unmatched.”
About SKDK
SKDK is a top public affairs and political consulting firm that brings unparalleled strategic communications experience to Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, political candidates and committees, philanthropic organizations, and labor unions. With offices in Washington, New York, Los Angeles and Albany, SKDK offers full-service strategic support to organizations and candidates that need to develop a winning message, create compelling content, manage a crisis, advocate for an issue, or win an election.
In 2022, SKDK served as top strategists and admakers for winning campaigns including Governor-elect Wes Moore of Maryland, Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, Governor Laura Kelly of Kansas, and Governor Ned Lamont of Connecticut – and in 2020, was a key adviser to the historic Biden-Harris campaign. SKDK has won the Holmes Report’s influential North American Public Affairs Agency of the Year multiple times and was recently listed by the Observer as one of the best public relations firms in America.
To learn more about SKDK, visit our website at www.skdnick.com. SKDK is a proud member of Stagwell, a digital-first global marketing network that delivers scalable, seamless solutions through a unique combination of culture-moving creativity and leading-edge technology.
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Posted in News | Comments Off on Longtime Communications Director for U.S. Senate Majority Leader Schumer, Justin Goodman, Joins SKDKWashington, D.C. – Today, SKDK, a leading progressive communications and political consulting firm issued the following statement in response to the majority opinion from the Supreme Court to strike down Roe v. Wade:
“Today’s decision by the Supreme Court to up-end our society by rolling back a 50-year right to an abortion is both wrongheaded and at odds with public opinion. Across both sides of the aisle, a majority of voters support keeping abortion safe and legal. We are committed to continuing our work to elect pro-choice Democrats and to support organizations fighting on the frontlines to defend women’s reproductive health. In addition, we pledge to ensure that all employees at SKDK and their families have access to legal abortion care by covering the cost of travel if they live in a state that restricts their access.”
About SKDK
SKDK is a top national communications and political consulting firm bringing unparalleled strategic communications experience to Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, philanthropic organizations and labor unions, as well as political committees and candidates. With offices in Washington, New York, Los Angeles and Albany, SKDK offers strategic support to managing a crisis, protecting a brand, advocating an issue or winning an election.
In 2020, SKDK was a key advisor to the Biden for President campaign and helped to make history by electing Joe Biden as President of The United States and Kamala Harris, the nation’s first Black, Asian-American and first woman, as Vice President. SKDK has won the Holmes Report’s influential North America Public Affairs Agency of the Year multiple times and was recently listed by the Observer’s as one of the best public relations firms in America for 2022.
To learn more about SKDK, visit our website at www.skdknick.com. SKDK is a proud member of The Stagwell Group, a collaborative group of agencies who are out to “reinvent the holding company,” according to the Wall Street Journal. The Stagwell Group portfolio includes more than a dozen best-in-class, digital-first agencies who are focused on what modern CMOs need. Learn more about Stagwell at www.stagwellgroup.com.
Posted in News | Comments Off on SKDK Statement In Response to Supreme Court Opinion Overturning Roe v. WadePublic Affairs Firm Reaffirms Commitment to Helping Clients Fight Anticipated Decision
New York, NY – Today, SKDK, a leading progressive communications and political consulting firm issued the following statement in response to a draft majority opinion from the Supreme Court intending to strike down Roe v. Wade:
“Like the majority of Americans who support access to safe and legal abortion, all of us at SKDK were horrified to read the Supreme Court of the United States’ draft opinion striking down Roe last night. The right to abortion has spanned generations, allowed women to participate equally and fully, and underpins many other rights and freedoms. We are proud to have championed this right at the local, state and federal level. This work matters now more than ever, and SKDK is ready to continue this fight at the Supreme Court, in State Houses, in City Halls and on the ballot in November.”
About SKDK
SKDK is a top national communications and political consulting firm bringing unparalleled strategic communications experience to Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, philanthropic organizations and labor unions, as well as political committees and candidates. With offices in Washington, New York, Los Angeles and Albany, SKDK offers strategic support to managing a crisis, protecting a brand, advocating an issue or winning an election.
In 2020, SKDK was a key advisor to the Biden for President campaign and helped to make history by electing Joe Biden as President of The United States and Kamala Harris, the nation’s first Black, Asian-American and first woman, as Vice President. SKDK has won the Holmes Report’s influential North America Public Affairs Agency of the Year multiple times and was recently listed by the Observer’s as one of the best public relations firms in America for 2022.
To learn more about SKDK, visit our website at www.skdknick.com. SKDK is a proud member of The Stagwell Group, a collaborative group of agencies who are out to “reinvent the holding company,” according to the Wall Street Journal. The Stagwell Group portfolio includes more than a dozen best-in-class, digital-first agencies who are focused on what modern CMOs need. Learn more about Stagwell at www.stagwellgroup.com.
Posted in News | Comments Off on SKDK Statement In Response to Draft Supreme Court Opinion Reversing Roe v WadeWASHINGTON D.C. – SKDK congratulates three team members who were recently awarded top honors for their work in public relations. Senior Vice President Rae Robinson Trotman was named one of 2020’s Top Women in PR by PRNEWS, Senior Vice President Derrick Plummer was named to PR Week’s 2020 40 Under 40 list and Director Julia Schechter was named to PRNEWS’ 2020 Rising Stars 30 & Under list.
These coveted industry recognitions follow the trio’s communications work across a range of clients. Robinson Trotman leads the firm’s Multicultural Communications and Engagement Practice. Plummer led war room efforts for the United Auto Workers during its strike against General Motors and Schechter works with the Times Up Legal Defense Fund leading PR support for sexual harassment and assault survivors.
“SKDK is so proud of our colleagues. Their commitment to our clients and intense demand for accountability and justice represent the best of our profession” said SKDK Vice Chair Hilary Rosen. “Without a doubt, they are deserving of the highest honors in our field. At SKDK, we have the most effective leaders in Public Affairs and they make a difference every day”.
About SKDKnickerbocker: SKDKnickerbocker (SKDK) is a top national communications and political consulting firm bringing unparalleled strategic communications experience to Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, philanthropic organizations and labor unions, as well as political committees and candidates. With offices in Washington, New York, Los Angeles and Albany, SKDK offers strategic support to managing a crisis, protecting a brand, advocating an issue or winning an election. The influential Holmes Report once again named SKDK as the North America Public Affairs Agency of the Year in 2019, following wins in 2015, 2016, and 2018.
SKDK is a proud member of The Stagwell Group, a collaborative group of agencies who are out to “reinvent the holding company,” according to the Wall Street Journal. The Stagwell Group portfolio includes more than a dozen best-in-class, digital-first agencies who are focused on what modern CMOs need. Learn more about Stagwell at www.stagwellgroup.com.
Posted in News | Comments Off on SKDK CELEBRATES THREE TOP PR AWARDS HONOREES AMONG ITS TALENT ROSTEREdward-Isaac Dovere, 11/30/20 – “Maybe Dunn deserves a bit more attention, though. She made history of her own with Biden’s election, becoming the only person in modern presidential politics who has been in the inner circle of two winning candidates—first Barack Obama’s and now Biden’s. Most top operatives who have helped elect presidents retire from advising candidates and cash out, figuring there’s not much point to playing anymore once they’ve won the Super Bowl.”
Posted in News | Comments Off on The Atlantic: The Mastermind Behind Biden’s No-Drama Approach to TrumpDiana Bradley, 11/12/20 – WASHINGTON: President-elect Joe Biden’s campaign adviser Anita Dunn is heading back to SKDKnickerbocker’s team post-election.
Dunn joined the Biden team in its very early stages.
“I started working with the campaign before President-elect Biden announced,” she said. “It was not a full-time role. I served as senior adviser on part of his strategy team as he went through the decision-making process. After he announced, I remained at the agency, though on an increasingly limited basis through August 1, when I took a full leave from SKDK.”
Dunn said she helped with debate preparation and message coordination, in particular with SKDK. The agency developed the Biden campaign’s vote-by-mail program in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin and Arizona, it said in a statement.
Dunn noted that direct mail continues to be an important channel for campaigns, especially in this election marked by the coronavirus pandemic.
“Once the challenge of COVID-19 began in March, direct mail assumed an even more critical function because of the need to tell people how to vote,” she explained. “This is the only campaign I can think of that spent this much money in terms of broadcast, digital and direct mail talking about not only why people should vote but how to do it because of early voting in part and ensuring people knew the dates for when to get ballots and to return them. I think the comms challenge in 2020 was enormous.”
Dunn has a long history of working on Democratic campaigns, including an internship with former President Jimmy Carter’s unsuccessful 1980 re-election run and a senior staff role during President Barack Obama’s 2008 push.
But this one was different, she said.
“This campaign had all the aspects of the best campaigns,” Dunn said. “The candidate knew why he was running and the staff knew how to amplify the message… [but] it was a campaign unlike any I have ever worked on. It didn’t have the exhilaration of 2008 but it had the urgency of 2020.”
While the pandemic placed restrictions on the kind of events Biden could hold, Dunn said President Donald Trump’s overpowering media presence unintentionally evened the playing field.
“It was not a bad thing to have Donald Trump out there as much as he was because it was making the election a referendum on his failed leadership. That’s how you beat incumbents,” Dunn explained.
Nearly all major media organizations called the race for Biden on Saturday after he passed the Electoral College’s winning threshold of 270 votes. Trump has not conceded and has contended both in person and on Twitter that he won the race.
Dunn said she’ll continue to work with the Biden organization throughout the transition but will also move back to agency life, though she probably won’t do any election campaigns.
“[I’ll] slowly ease my way back into the agency,” she said. “I had not been doing political campaigns. My practice had been focused on advocacy for nonprofits and I did have some private sector clients. I will return to doing work I love; helping people with good causes effect change.”
Though Dunn has made that promise before. “After the 2008 campaign, I said I was done,” she said. “But this time I mean it.”
Posted in News | Comments Off on PR Week: Biden campaign’s Anita Dunn heads back to SKDK ← Older posts