Experienced Operations Leader Assumes Leadership Role
SKDK, a leading national communications and political consulting firm, is pleased to announce the promotion of Jasmine Hooks to Chief Operating Officer (COO), where she will execute and manage the firm’s operational and day-to-day functions. Hooks, who has served as Deputy COO since September 2021, brings a wealth of experience in operations, government, human resources, strategic planning, and compliance to her new role. Hooks will be taking the reins from current COO, Jacqui Newman, who is moving on to pursue a new opportunity.
“Jasmine’s expertise and leadership have been invaluable to SKDK. Today, as we announce her promotion to the role of COO, we are deeply honored to welcome her to the leadership team. In doing so, Jasmine becomes one of the few women of color to helm operations at a major communications firm, a milestone we celebrate with pride,” said Doug Thornell, CEO of SKDK. “After nearly three years with us, this promotion is a testament to her exceptional abilities and contributions. Her strategic vision and commitment to making SKDK an amazing place to work will continue to drive us. I also can’t say enough about my friend, Jacqui Newman, and her many contributions. She has been a tremendous leader, trusted partner, and wise counselor, and I am excited for her and her next opportunity. She will always be part of the SKDK family, and we wish her nothing but the best.”
At SKDK, Hooks has played a pivotal role in SKDK’s HR policy development, contracts, internal communications, employee relations, and talent acquisition. Prior to her role at SKDK, Hooks served as COO in Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s administration, where she managed the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, developed a comprehensive DEI framework, and established many statewide policies and procedures. Hooks held key positions in the Pritzker campaign. She is a Chicago native and a graduate of Marquette University.
“I am deeply honored to step into the COO role and immensely grateful for the trust and confidence placed in me during this new era at SKDK,” said Hooks. “I am energized by the opportunity to provide hands-on leadership in all operational facets, ensuring we continue to always put our best forward—for our staff, those clients that rely on us, and all of our external partners.”
About SKDK
SKDK is a top national public affairs and political consulting firm that brings unparalleled strategic communications experience to Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, labor unions, 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 advisors 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.
###