Former Special Assistant to President Biden and longtime chief speechwriter to First Lady Dr. Jill Biden will co-lead SKDK’s Best-in-Class Writing and Media Training Team
Washington, DC – SKDK, the award-winning public affairs and political consulting agency, announced today that Amber Macdonald, former Special Assistant to President Biden and longtime chief speechwriter to First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, is joining the firm’s Executive Communications practice. Macdonald will co-lead the message development, ghostwriting, and media training team alongside Stephen Krupin, a former senior speechwriter to President Obama.
Before her service in the administration, on the 2020 presidential campaign, and at the Biden Foundation, Macdonald served as the director of speechwriting to Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Burwell and deputy director of speechwriting to Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. She has collaborated on speeches, books, and op-eds for heads of international corporations, award-winning actors, members of Congress, and advocates who have become household names.
A former actor and playwright who has performed at the renowned improv comedy theater Upright Citizens Brigade, Macdonald also draws upon her stage expertise to coach principals for their moments in the spotlight.
“With Amber’s extraordinary talent and invaluable experience, we will continue to shape powerful messages for a diverse range of corporate, nonprofit, and political leaders,” SKDK CEO Doug Thornell said. “Her arrival reinforces our dedication to providing unparalleled executive communications services, and we are proud to have two former senior presidential speechwriters leading the team.”
“I’m honored to join Stephen and the world-class communicators at SKDK. We share a commitment to helping leaders shape local, national, and international conversations with compelling and persuasive storytelling,” Macdonald said. “I’m excited to help grow this unique Executive Communications practice, which offers the personalized touch of a boutique firm alongside the expertise of a full-service public affairs powerhouse.”
SKDK’s Executive Communications team has worked with high-profile leaders who have won the White House, the Nobel Prize, and the trust of their communities. Its writers and coaches have translated complex ideas into compelling messages on behalf of philanthropists, civil rights leaders, and entrepreneurs, and have developed thought-leadership platforms for CEOs of blue-chip companies, heads of global foundations, professional athletes, and advocates on the front lines of today’s biggest policy debates.
Working alongside SKDK’s experts in media relations, advertising, opinion research, digital strategy, financial communications, and C-suite advisory, the Executive Communications practice offers the following best-in-class services:
For more on SKDK’s Executive Communications services, please visit https://skdknick.com/our-services/exec-comms/.
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, Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, 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 and its subsidiary businesses, Sloane & Company and Jasper Advisors, are proud members 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.
Posted in News | Comments Off on White House Speechwriter Amber Macdonald Joins SKDK’s Executive Communications PracticeBringing Experience from Years Working on Political Campaigns and for Major Tech Companies, Nunes will Serve as Executive Vice President and Head of Paid Digital
Washington, DC – Today, SKDK announced that former Pete for America Director of Paid Media, Maxwell Nunes, has joined the firm’s Washington, D.C. office as an Executive Vice President and Head of Paid Digital. With over a decade of experience in digital strategy and managing media budgets exceeding $100 million, Nunes brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to enhance the firm’s digital capabilities for its political, corporate, and non-profit clients.
“We’re delighted to welcome Maxwell to our team,” said Doug Thornell, CEO of SKDK. “His strategic thinking and creative approach have earned him recognition as one of the most well-regarded digital strategists in Democratic politics. We know that Nunes and our exceptional Digital team will help our candidates win races and help our corporate and non-profit clients reach their audiences in the most targeted, strategic, and creative ways possible.”
Before SKDK, Nunes co-led his advertising and digital media firm for over three years. In 2020, he served as Pete for America’s Director of Paid Media, where he built the in-house team and oversaw online acquisition, persuasion, and mobilization efforts. Nunes has also held senior roles in digital media strategy for Terry McAuliffe for Virginia and Hillary for America and enriched his skill set by leading advertising and policy campaigns with major brands such as Airbnb and Google.
At SKDK, Maxwell Nunes will lead our award-winning digital team, building upon the firm’s 2022 successes, including spearheading Governor Wes Moore’s campaign’s digital efforts in Maryland, driving Senate Majority PAC’s ad campaign supporting Senator Maggie Hassan in New Hampshire, collaborating with Climate Power and the League of Conservation Voters’ “Climate Votes” initiative to mobilize young voters in key states.
“I am beyond excited about stepping into this new role and working with such a talented and dynamic group of creative, paid media, political, and public affairs strategists,” said Nunes. “Together, we have an incredible opportunity to drive impactful and creative digital strategies that tackle the most pressing issues and authentically communicate with the audiences our clients need to reach.”
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, Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, 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 and its subsidiary businesses, Sloane & Company and Jasper Advisors, are proud members 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.
Posted in News | Comments Off on Former Top Pete for America Digital Strategist Maxwell Nunes Joins SKDKLesswing to Serve as Senior Vice President in firm’s Public Affairs Practice in New York
New York, – Today SKDK announced Bryan Lesswing joined the firm’s Public Affairs practice in New York as a Senior Vice President. Lesswing comes to SKDK after serving as a Senior Advisor to Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY). In his new role at SKDK, he will support the firm’s corporate, crisis and advocacy clients, as well as contribute to its strategic growth. Lesswing brings over a decade of communications expertise to his role at SKDK, spanning politics, government, and advocacy.
Since 2019, Lesswing has served New York State Governor Kathy Hochul in a number of capacities, most recently serving as a Senior Advisor, providing strategic communications guidance on a host of issues and collaborating with the Governor’s senior staff and top Administration officials. In this role, he led communications for the Governor’s pandemic response, tackled other crisis communications, acted as an advisor to elect New York State’s first female Governor, and supported then-Lieutenant Governor Hochul’s transition to becoming Governor. In 2023, Lesswing was named in City & State New York’s Albany Power 100 list.
“We are excited to welcome Bryan to the SKDK family,” said Doug Thornell, CEO of SKDK. “His experience at the highest levels of state government and expertise in communications, politics, and advocacy makes him a perfect fit for SKDK and our clients. With Bryan’s addition, our firm continues to build the deepest roster of talented and connected strategists in public affairs and political consulting,” said Thornell.
Marissa Shorenstein, the former director of the executive transition for Governor Hochul and a principal at SKDK, added, “I have witnessed firsthand the exceptional leadership and dedication Bryan brings to any challenge. His qualities will make him an invaluable asset to the team at SKDK.”
Prior to his time on Governor Hochul’s team, Lesswing worked as a seasoned campaign operative on competitive federal and state campaigns in Illinois, Pennsylvania and New Hampshire. During the 2018 election cycle, Lesswing served as a communications director for U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin’s (D-WI) first re-election campaign after advising winning candidates across the country for EMILY’s List and serving as the Northeast Regional Press Secretary for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
Lesswing volunteers in his spare-time with Blue Leadership Collaborative, an organization dedicated to retaining and developing diverse campaign leaders. Lesswing graduated from DePauw University with a dual bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History. He lives in New York City.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to work for Governor Hochul and serve alongside her talented team, and I could not be more excited to start this next chapter with the best and brightest at SKDK,” said Lesswing. “There is no better firm on the pulse of press, politics and policy and the progressive change happening across the country.”
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, Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, 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 and its subsidiary businesses, Sloane & Company and Jasper Advisors, are proud members 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.
Posted in News | Comments Off on Senior Advisor to Governor Hochul Bryan Lesswing Joins SKDKDeal Unites Experienced C-Suite Advisors with Nationally Renowned Strategic Communications Firm, and Brings Jasper Advisors into Stagwell’s (STGW) network
Jasper Advisors Will Operate as an Independent Subsidiary of SKDK, Keeping its Name and Leadership Structure
Washington, DC – SKDK, a nationally recognized public affairs and political consulting firm, and part of the growing Stagwell network, today announced it has acquired Jasper Advisors, a c-suite advisory firm, founded by Julie Andreeff Jensen and David Sutphen. Under the deal, Jasper and its team will remain an independent subsidiary led by Jensen and Sutphen, and continue advising its growing roster of clients across business and sports. Together Jasper and SKDK create an unparalleled combination uniquely positioned to help clients strengthen their reputations and navigate an increasingly complicated landscape at the intersection of business, politics, media, and policy.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jasper Advisors to the SKDK family. I have known both Julie and David for nearly 20 years and they are two of the most talented and respected reputation strategists in the business, said Doug Thornell, CEO of SKDK. “By joining forces with Jasper we can offer clients an unmatched and even deeper level of senior strategic counsel, breadth of experience, and diversity of executive talent, further strengthening our industry leading capabilities. Our shared values and commitment to working for clients on issues that matter in the world also make this partnership a perfect match for SKDK,” continued Thornell.
With decades of experience at the highest levels of business, government, and civil society, David and Julie bring a multidimensional perspective to client work. Jensen has been a trusted advisor to some of the most recognizable names in business, politics, and sports. Prior to founding Jasper, Jensen held c-suite roles at the Washington Football Team and Citadel, where she built the corporate affairs functions and oversaw the firm’s reputation, philanthropic, and brand strategy. She joined Citadel from Brunswick where she was a partner and advised Fortune 500 companies and CEOs. Earlier in her career, Julie worked as a senior advisor on numerous Democratic Presidential and Gubernatorial campaigns. Sutphen is a multi-faceted advisor with a diverse background spanning business, government, entertainment, and civil society. He was a c-suite executive at 2U, reporting to the CEO, ran the Brunswick, Washington DC office, and held senior positions in the media and entertainment industry. Before moving to the private sector, Sutphen served as General Counsel to the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy on the Judiciary Committee and Chief of Staff to Congressman Harold Ford Jr. He serves on numerous non-profit and corporate boards.
Jensen, Founder and Co-CEO added, “joining forces with SKDK is a strategic opportunity to accelerate our vision for Jasper and work with people we trust and respect. Our growing sports practice advising teams, brands, and individuals is a particularly exciting, and differentiated, focus of expansion for Jasper and SKDK.”
“As we continue building Jasper into a leading c-suite advisory firm, our existing and future clients will now benefit from the deeper bench of best-in-class talent, depth of experience and capabilities, and strategic savvy that our two firms can deliver together,” said Sutphen, Founder and Co-CEO. “We’re thrilled to embark on this new chapter with Doug and the entire SKDK team.”
Based in DC, Jasper Advisors was founded in September of 2022. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed, and this deal follows SKDK’s prior acquisition of Sloane & Company in February 2020.
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.
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.
About Jasper Advisors
Founded by Julie Andreeff Jensen and David Sutphen, Jasper Advisors is a boutique consultancy that advises CEOs, Fortune 500 companies, and emerging businesses; non-profit leaders and organizations; and prominent individuals on managing their reputation and navigating the change, challenges, and opportunities that come with operating in today’s complex, multi-stakeholder world.
Posted in News | Comments Off on Jasper Advisors, Founded by Julie Andreeff Jensen and David Sutphen, Join Forces with SKDKPractice area taps firm’s experience in crisis and issue communications for technology companies and navigating cybersecurity challenges and breaches
Washington, DC – SKDK, a nationally recognized public affairs and political consulting firm, today announced Executive Vice President Elizabeth Kenigsberg as the head of its growing cybersecurity and technology practice. The practice leverages the firm’s deep expertise navigating complex policy issues and crisis communications.
SKDK has helped companies, philanthropies, nonprofits and public institutions plan and respond to an increasingly aggressive cybersecurity environment while also leading successful public affairs efforts for startups and large technology companies. This practice area supports new and existing clients in designing communications strategies and crisis mitigation plans, with a special focus on preparation and response to cyberattacks, data leaks, and operating in a complex political and regulatory environment.
“Technology companies of all sizes need to stand out and to stand for something. They face unique challenges on both the regulatory and legislative fronts. In addition, all companies and organizations are grappling today with cyber threats, from ransomware attacks to malware infections,” said Partner Jill Zuckman. “Our cybersecurity and technology team, led by Liz, combines a deep understanding of the political climate with strong media relationships to help our clients prepare for the worst and manage the special challenges that they face.”
Zuckman and Kenigsberg spearheaded the practice, and both have spent years helping clients through high-profile crises and reputational challenges, including ransomware attacks and congressional inquiries. The practice incorporates SKDK’s knowledge of where politics, policy and media intersect to help companies at all stages, venture capital and private equity investors, and nonprofit advocates understand and shape policy outcomes. SKDK has worked with a diverse array of companies ranging from technology service providers and social media services to fintech and blockchain companies to increase understanding of issues related to artificial intelligence, online safety and privacy, and employment classification in the gig economy, among others.
“Now is an exciting time to be leading this practice, with technology and cybersecurity landscape becoming more complex,” Kenigsberg said. “The smartest thing our clients can do from a cybersecurity and reputational standpoint is prepare for when, not if, a crisis occurs. We are looking forward to using our expertise on cybersecurity and technology to help many more companies and organizations successfully shape policy outcomes and tackle any number of challenges.”
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.
Posted in News | Comments Off on SKDK Announces Elizabeth Kenigsberg To Lead Cybersecurity and Technology PracticeFormer editorial board member, broadcast journalist, Obama Administration communications strategist join firm’s best-in-class writing and coaching team as of-counsel advisors
Washington, DC – SKDK’s Executive Communications practice, a unique offering of the award-winning public affairs and political advertising agency, welcomes three prominent media and messaging experts to its team of message architects, speechwriters, media trainers, and presentation coaches.
Adora Andy Jenkins, who has held top communications roles at the Department of Justice, Environmental Protection Agency, tech companies and an advocacy organization; Lisa Stark, an Emmy- and Peabody-award-winning former network news correspondent for ABC and PBS; and Saundra Torry, who spent two decades as a Washington Post reporter and then two more writing opinions on USA Today’s editorial board, have joined the SKDK Executive Communications team as of-counsel advisors.
“We help leaders communicate clearly and creatively to advance their causes, win their campaigns, and grow their companies,” said SKDK Managing Director Stephen Krupin, a former senior speechwriter to President Obama who launched and leads the firm’s Executive Communication practice. “Those advocates, candidates, and executives will benefit from Adora, Lisa, and Saundra’s smart and savvy counsel, built on decades of experience on both sides of the equation as strategists and journalists. They’ve seen it all, they understand better than most what breaks through, and they know how to help leaders tell true stories that move stakeholders. Our clients will be grateful to have them in the room, and we’re fortunate to have them on our team.”
Adora Andy Jenkins has worked for 20 years with high-profile officials in government, business, and the nonprofit space to create a more just and equitable future. She served in top communications positions in the Obama Administration, including as the press secretary for Attorney General Eric Holder at the Department of Justice, at the Environmental Protection Agency during the BP oil spill and Fukushima nuclear disaster, and in seven key states on President Obama’s 2008 campaign. Jenkins will work with SKDK’s Executive Communications clients on thought-leadership strategy, messaging, media training, and diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Jenkins, who began her career as a local TV news producer, later led communications for the global technology trade association ITI, the global education technology company 2U, and the Cecile Richards-founded women’s-equity organization Supermajority before opening her own communications and brand strategy firm. While in the tech sector, Jenkins advanced diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at a time when they were just getting off the ground.
“At a time when executives across sectors are facing internal and external pressures to take stands on policy and social justice issues, I look forward to working with SKDK to help clients not only make a positive impact, but to tell that story in a clear and compelling way,” Jenkins said.
Lisa Stark is an Emmy- and Peabody-award-winning network news correspondent who has reported for ABC News, the PBS NewsHour, and Al Jazeera America. Stark also worked as a senior member of American University’s media relations team, handling crisis communication during the COVID-19 pandemic. With SKDK, Stark will help media train executives, advocates, and spokespeople of all stripes for their on-camera engagements.
As a network broadcast journalist based in Washington, D.C., Stark reported extensively on federal regulatory agencies, including those responsible for transportation and pharmaceutical safety, and covered terrorist attacks from the Oklahoma City bombing to 9/11. She also covered presidential campaigns, the Supreme Court, and education policy.
“I am excited to be working with SKDK and its extraordinary media training team,” Stark said. “The company’s clients are looking to make a difference in the world and I am delighted to be able to help them advance their messages and their causes.”
Saundra Torry served on USA Today’seditorial board for nearly 20 years, and for the 20 years before that reported for the Washington Post. Torry will write and edit opinion pieces, guest essays, and other longform content with SKDK’s clients.
As an editorial writer for the nation’s largest-circulation newspaper, Torry, who specialized in legal issues, expressed the board’s opinion on issues as varied as terrorism, gun violence, abortion, public health, the tobacco industry, the opioid epidemic, and Major League Baseball. She covered a number of beats at the Post, from state and federal courts to Congress, and for seven years wrote the paper’s legal column. Torry has received awards from The Associated Press, the Washington-Baltimore Newspaper Guild, and the Scripps Howard Foundation, and held leadership positions on the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.
“I’m delighted to be joining SKDK,” Torry said. “And with so much exciting and important news happening in the world, I look forward to working with clients to help them express their opinions clearly and eloquently in op-eds and essays, and work with them on other projects.”
SKDK’s Executive Communications team has worked with high-profile leaders who have won the White House, the Nobel Prize, and the trust of their communities. Its writers and coaches have translated complex ideas into compelling messages on behalf of philanthropists, civil rights leaders, and entrepreneurs, and have developed thought-leadership platforms for CEOs of blue-chip companies, heads of global foundations, and advocates on the front lines of today’s biggest policy debates.
Working alongside SKDK’s experts in media relations, advertising, opinion research, digital strategy, and financial communications, the Executive Communications practice offers the following best-in-class services:
For more on SKDK’s Executive Communications services, please visit https://skdknick.com/our-services/exec-comms/.
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 organizations that need 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-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.
Posted in News | Comments Off on SKDK Adds Three Experienced Media, Messaging Experts to Executive Communications PracticeLeading media firm helps elect Wes Moore as Maryland’s first Black Governor, as well as reelecting Senator Mark Kelly in Arizona, Governor Laura Kelly in Kansas, and Governor Ned Lamont in Connecticut
Washington, DC – SKDK, the leading Democratic media and political consulting firm, served as ad-makers and strategists for many of the most successful candidates in targeted Senate, gubernatorial, Congressional, and down ballot races across the country. The firm also produced critical ballot measures on adult-use cannabis (MD Question 4), early voting (CT Question 1), and the indigent tax levy (Hamilton County, OH Issue 8). SKDK produced over 600 TV, OTT, radio, streaming audio, OOH, and print ads this cycle to secure key wins including Governor-elect Wes Moore of Maryland, Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, Governor Laura Kelly of Kansas, and Governor Ned Lamont of Connecticut.
“Our candidates defied the odds and made history this past Tuesday in the midterms. We are incredibly proud to have supported so many successful – and strong – Democratic campaigns across the ballot, on the issues voters care most about, like lowering prescription drug costs, defending reproductive rights, supporting economic initiatives, improving education, making communities safer, and committing to making sure nobody is left behind,” said SKDK Partner and incoming CEO Doug Thornell. “SKDK served as strategists and ad-makers to tell these important stories and win in ways that buck historical midterm trends for the party in power.”
In Maryland, SKDK was proud to produce TV and digital ads for Wes Moore and Aruna Miller’s historic, high-energy grassroots campaign to become the first Black Governor and first woman of color Lieutenant Governor in the state, respectively. For Senator Mark Kelly’s reelection in Arizona, SKDK produced over 50 ads alone to beat back a flood of Republican spending and secure victory in this majority-making seat. In red Kansas, SKDK served as lead ad-makers and strategists for Governor Laura Kelly, the only top-ticket Democrat to win in a state won by Donald Trump in ‘16 and ‘20. In Connecticut, the firm served as ad-makers and strategists for Governor Ned Lamont, who defeated a well-funded opponent and nearly set a new record for gubernatorial votes in the state, and Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz.
In the House of Representatives, SKDK was proud to be part of the campaign teams that helped reelect Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01), Rep. Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Rep. Joe Morelle (NY-25), Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Rep. Brian Higgins (NY-27), Rep. Shontel Brown (OH-11), Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51), and Rep. Troy Carter (LA-02); and elect new members Glenn Ivey (MD-04) and Jill Tokuda (HI-02).
In down-ballot races in Connecticut, SKDK helped successfully win elections for Erick Russell for state Treasurer, becoming the first Black LGBTQ+ statewide elected official in the country, and Sean Scanlon to serve as the state’s Comptroller. In Massachusetts, we helped secure Secretary of the Commonwealth Bill Galvin’s unprecedented eighth term. We still await final results for Kris Mayes, running for Attorney General in Arizona.
In the Senate, SKDK was proud to partner with the Senate Majority PAC to produce digital ads for New Hampshire Senator Maggie Hassan and Washington Senator Patty Murray’s successful reelection and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) to advance Senator Raphael Warnock to a run-off in December. Additionally, SKDK worked with Democratic Attorney General Association (DAGA) to help re-elect Dana Nessel in Michigan and the Giffords PAC to fend off Republican candidates in Colorado and Pennsylvania.
SKDK also served as the lead media consultant for the NAACP’s effort to turn out Black voters in key states across the country, and for Climate Power and the League of Conservation Voters’ “Climate Votes” program – a targeted digital campaign targeting young voters and people of color in key states and districts.
Notably, SKDK also worked on a number of critical ballot measures this cycle – leading the digital admaking and media relations efforts for the “Yes on 4” campaign to legalize adult-use cannabis in Maryland and the amendment to allow for a system of early voting in Connecticut’s state constitution. In Hamilton County, OH, SKDK helped pass the health and hospitalization ballot initiative to fund critical healthcare services for uninsured, underinsured, and incarcerated Ohioans.
About SKDK
SKDK is the nation’s leading Democratic advertising and strategic communications firm bringing unparalleled experience from our experience on seven presidential campaigns, helping elect hundreds of members of Congress, senators, mayors, governors, and local elected officials.
In 2020, members of SKDK served as key advisers 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 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 the recipient of six American Association of Political Consultant’s Pollie Awards in 2022.
To learn more about SKDK, visit our website at www.skdknick.com.
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Posted in News | Comments Off on SKDK Celebrates Historic Wins in 2022 Midterms, Supports Democratic CandidatesAs Senior Vice President in Firm’s NYC Office, Lyons will support both SKDK and Sloane & Company’s corporate accounts
New York, NY – Today, SKDK announced Sarah (Chaikin) Lyons has joined the firm’s New York City office as a Senior Vice President of the Public Affairs practice. Lyons brings two decades of expertise in corporate and executive brand building, crisis and reputation management to her role at the firm, where she will support corporate, technology, and healthcare clients at both SKDK and Sloane.
“Sarah has long supported the work of SKDK’s major health care clients as a consultant, and her addition as a full-time Senior Vice President provides us with an outstanding opportunity to further deploy her expertise throughout our public affairs practice. Sarah’s exceptional client services and leadership for major brands and publicly traded entities will help support our explosive growth in corporate and private sector business,” said Mike Morey, Partner at SKDK. “Sarah’s savviness as a comms strategist is unmatched and we are grateful to have her onboard.”
Whit Clay, Co-CEO of Sloane & Company added: “I have known Sarah for 16 years, since her days leading corporate communications at Cablevision. Sarah is strategic, creative and collaborative. Her expertise in the entertainment and healthcare space will be incredibly beneficial to supporting our deep and growing work in both sectors.”
Lyons’s more than 20 year communications career spans entertainment and corporate brand building for public and private companies in entertainment, technology and healthcare. Since early 2021, Lyons has worked with SKDK’s corporate clients in a consultant role supporting its healthcare clients. Prior, she served as the Vice President of Corporate Communications for AMC Networks, where she was responsible for the development and execution of internal and external communications strategies in support of content, creative deals, advertising sales, data, distribution and new businesses. Before AMC Networks, Lyons held senior communications roles at Cablevision where she oversaw communications for high-profile PR matters involving consumer products and services, operations, critical business issues and crises, and complex regulatory challenges. Lyons also held various communications and publicity roles at Oxygen Media.
“I’m beyond excited to join SKDK, as well as support Sloane & Company, two firms who collectively represent the gold standard for public affairs and financial communications and who I have had the privilege of working closely with for many years,” said Lyons. “I have gotten to know the teams well and am incredibly impressed by the profusion of talent at every level and I look forward to supporting our expansion in the corporate communications space.”
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 adviser 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 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 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 Stagwell, the challenger network built to transform marketing. Led by entrepreneurs, our 13,000+ specialists in 34+ countries are unified under a single purpose: to drive effectiveness and improve business results for their clients. Learn more about Stagwell at www.stagwellglobal.com.
About Sloane & Company
Founded in 1998, Sloane & Company is an industry-leading strategic communications firm providing seasoned expertise across corporate communications; media relations; investor relations; crisis communications, activism defense & special situations; and public & regulatory affairs. The firm’s leadership is actively involved in all aspects of client work—leveraging a deep understanding of the media, capital markets, and global political and social issues to build, enhance and execute full-service communications strategies for its clients. The company was recognized by The Holmes Report as the 2015 U.S. and Global Corporate Agency of the Year and as Crisis Agency of the Year in both 2012 and 2010.
Sloane is an independent subsidiary of SKDK and resides within the Stagwell Global network of agencies. For more information about Sloane & Company, visit https://sloanepr.com, and follow the company on LinkedIn and Twitter.
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Posted in News | Comments Off on Sarah Lyons, Former Communications Executive for AMC Networks & Cablevision, Joins SKDKMcCarthy to Serve as Senior Vice President in Firm’s DC Office
Washington, D.C. – Today, SKDK announced Aoife McCarthy has joined the firm’s Washington, D.C. office as a Senior Vice President of the public affairs practice. McCarthy brings more than 15 years of communications experience from both the public and private sectors to her new role at the firm, where she will work across corporate and advocacy accounts.
“Aoife is a deeply talented and dynamic communications strategist – with expertise that spans every area of public affairs,” said Jill Zuckman, Partner at SKDK. “We are thrilled to welcome her to the firm, and look forward to the leadership and brilliance she will bring to our diverse portfolio of advocacy and public affairs clients.”
Prior to joining SKDK, McCarthy was most recently leading federal policy communications at Instacart, where she advised national communications campaigns to educate stakeholders about key policies, regulatory issues, and legislation. Before Instacart, McCarthy served in a number of senior communications roles for the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, the Global Climate Action Summit, Obama for America, as well as several private sector entities.
During her time in the Obama Administration, McCarthy served as the Director of Public Affairs for the U.S. Department of Energy, where she was the lead advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Energy on all strategic communications issues, as well as message development in key subject matter areas. She also served as the Communications Director at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in New York. There, she oversaw the Press and Public Diplomacy section of the Mission and the messaging surrounding the long-term communications priorities of the Administration.
“I have long admired SKDK and I feel honored to be joining the best political consulting and communications firm in the business,” said McCarthy. “There is truly no company that brings together the intersection of press, politics and policy better than SKDK, and I look forward to supporting the team.”
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 adviser 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 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 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 Stagwell, the challenger network built to transform marketing. Led by entrepreneurs, our 13,000+ specialists in 34+ countries are unified under a single purpose: to drive effectiveness and improve business results for their clients. Learn more about Stagwell at www.stagwellglobal.com.
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Posted in News | Comments Off on Aoife McCarthy, Former Energy and State Department Communications Alum, Joins SKDK from InstacartLeading political consulting firm served as strategists and ad makers to numerous Democratic primary candidates in Tuesday’s Hotly-Contested Primary
New York, NY – SKDK, a leading Democratic communications and political consulting firm, congratulates five New York Democratic candidates – Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-17), Rep. Brian Higgins (NY-26), Robert Zimmerman (NY-3), Josh Riley (NY-19), Matt Castelli (NY-21) – on their primary victories. SKDK served as ad-maker and strategist across all of these campaigns.
“Tuesday was a very big day for Democrats in New York. Up and down the state, Democrats turned out to support the strongest possible candidates to win in competitive environments in November,” said Mike Morey, SKDK Partner. “SKDK is proud to have served as a strategic partner and ad maker for candidates throughout the state who ran in newly drawn congressional districts and were competing in some of the most competitive primaries.”
SKDK produced ads for the Rep. Maloney (NY-17), Rep. Higgins (NY-26), Zimmerman (NY-3), Riley (NY-19), and Castelli (NY-21) campaigns and served as strategic advisors, and in some cases, managed media relations.
Some sample television advertising includes:
Sean Patrick Maloney for NY-17
Robert Zimmerman for NY-3
Josh Riley For NY-19
Matt Castelli for NY-21
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 adviser 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 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 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 Stagwell, the challenger network built to transform marketing. Led by entrepreneurs, our 13,000+ specialists in 34+ countries are unified under a single purpose: to drive effectiveness and improve business results for their clients. Learn more about Stagwell at www.stagwellglobal.com.
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Posted in News | Comments Off on SKDK Candidates Win Big on New York Primary Night ← Older posts