Posted January 19, 2023
Practice 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 December 1, 2022
Former 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 November 28, 2022
Goodman 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 November 14, 2022
Leading 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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