2024 Power Players in Public Relations & Lobbying

Mike Morey has over 20 years in communications, politics, and campaign management experience. He specializes in crisis communications and large-scale campaigns for public affairs, philanthropic organizations, and Fortune 500 companies. He was the New York communications director for Senator Chuck Schumer. At SKDK, he leads the Foundations and Philanthropy Practice, working with major foundations. He is also a frequent on-air political analyst.

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor?
My former boss, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, told me always to be happy, but never content. It’s critical to like what you do and where you do it, but at the same time, never be totally satisfied. Always work toward a new goal and keep reaching for what’s next.

Is there something you wish you knew before starting your career in this industry?
Sometimes, the best thing to do is say nothing. Everyone doesn’t deserve an answer, and everything doesn’t require a response. Step back, let time do its job, and then make a decision.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish in 2024?
Ensuring my kid’s wings are as strong as possible as they prepare to fly on their own for the first time.

Michael Skelly has more than 20 years of strategic communications and government affairs experience within the public and private sectors. He designs and executes impactful strategic public relations plans, as well as effective marketing and political advertising campaigns. Michael was also the executive producer of several public affairs radio shows. He is a recognized expert in message development, crisis management and earned media. Michael has a MPA from NYU and a B.A. from Bates College.

Shari is a communications leader with expertise in international and public relations and the private sector. She has experience working with the C-Suite as a trusted partner to execute strategic communications at the complex Fortune-enterprise level through to startups, private equity firms, and other institutions.

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor?
The key to happiness is balance. In our work, we need to find the right balance between personal and professional.

Is there something you wish you knew before starting your career in this industry?
Wish I started right out of college! I landed in the industry after graduate school. I still would have pursued graduate and professional education, but I just wished I had found my “thing” sooner. PR is my thing!

What is one thing you hope to accomplish in 2024?
More and more recognition for the good work I tackle daily, especially in climate!

Jennifer Solomon is an accomplished entrepreneur and public relations professional consulting for businesses and tech startups, venture capital firms, government and community organizations, and leading nonprofits. Jen began her career as a staff member and campaign manager for Congressman Steve Israel and continued to hone her skills while working for Rubenstein. Jen graduated magna cum laude from SUNY Binghamton and has a master’s degree in strategic communications from Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business.

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor?
You don’t have to start out with all the answers. Sometimes the best approach to solving a problem is curiosity, an open mind, and determination.

Is there something you wish you knew before starting your career in this industry?
I wish I understood that in politics and communications, empathy is as much a superpower as any learned skill. The ability to stand in someone else’s shoes and understand different perspectives is one of the most valuable attributes when you are trying to build consensus, earn trust, or create a cohesive, collaborative team.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish in 2024?
I would love to do more with up-and-coming female entrepreneurs or aspiring communications professionals.  As I’ve grown throughout my career, I have been privileged to learn from so many incredible teachers and professionals, and I would love to help elevate and inspire more young women to pursue their ambitions by sharing some of what I’ve learned (and continue to learn!).

Known as a brilliant strategist and a street fighter, Michael Oliva has been a premier advisor in politics, business and public affairs for decades. With a keen focus on demographic targeting, he’s earned a strong reputation for electing prominent women to office. Michael is highly regarded for his stellar public relations strategies. His knack for achieving the unexpected keeps him high atop the list for aspiring individuals and organizations striving to make their historic mark.

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor?
Keep your head down in battle.

Is there something you wish you knew before starting your career in this industry?
Every decision has a cost. You’re often confronted with choices where personal advancement and its ramifications on your conscience and the well-being of others and the world are at stake.  The value of one’s strategic acumen and arsenal of professional skills often take a back seat to one’s willingness to cross ethical boundaries. The game can be more decidedly valued than what the individual brings to the table and contributes to a project’s overall success.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish in 2024?
I would like to find ways to be as creative as possible in all I do, prioritizing the infusion of art into all of my labor, being ever mindful of the exalted value and importance of aesthetics to our health and well-being. Finding the joy in moving others in ways large and small is at the root of being a holistic force upon the universe we discover together. View the world through a child’s eyes.

As founding principal of Sykes Global Communications, Ronnie Oliva, has risen to the top of the proverbial call list for clients wishing to break through the cacophony of rapid and sustained informational stimulus and spin. Having successfully broken into a competitive, once male dominated field, she is one of the first women to start a political public relations firm in New York City.

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor?
Build a strong network: Networking is crucial in the PR industry. Connect with professionals in the field, attend industry events, and engage with PR communities to expand your network.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish in 2024?
To take on more public speaking roles.

Lupe has been a spokesperson for national, state and city elected officials for 25 years. Her strong background in strategic campaign communications, crisis management and rapid response were essential to the winning campaigns for House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and more. Lupe served as a senior communications advisor to the re-election campaign of Governor Kathy Hochul and currently serves as an advisor to the National Urban League.

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor?
“Never argue with an idiot. They’ll bring you down to their level and then beat you with experience.” – My mother, Cecilia Gutierrez

Is there something you wish you knew before starting your career in this industry?
How true my mother’s advice would be.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish in 2024?
I’d like to take on more national clients in order to expand my brand.

Albert Suh is a high-impact political advisor and strategist. As the vice president of Trip Yang Strategies, a powerhouse Democratic political strategy firm, he has helped score major electoral victories across New York and beyond, from city council through gubernatorial races. He specializes in supporting groundbreaking, non-traditional candidates and developing precise and hard-hitting messaging. Prior to politics, Albert served the city as a prosecutor in the Brooklyn DA’s office.