2025 Power Players in Public Relations & Lobbying

Managing director and experienced campaigner, Matt Tepper manages BerlinRosen’s New York City public affairs practice and leads client teams in crafting and executing high-profile communications strategies. Matt builds powerful coalitions, creative media plans, and sophisticated grassroots strategies that deliver results for prominent business, cultural and not-for-profit organizations. His campaigns have won record funding for NYC libraries, gained approval for thousands of new affordable apartments and set the stage for major economic development projects.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to focus on building relationships. In public affairs and campaign management, the depth of your connections can make or break your efforts. Investing time in nurturing relationships has been invaluable in driving successful campaigns and achieving impactful results.

As founder and president of The Berman Group, Sarah works to identify challenges and develop creative communications programs that increase business and reach new audiences. Sarah works with the firm’s clients – from Fortune 500 companies to trade associations, agencies and nonprofits – to develop winning publicity and marketing strategies. Sarah earned her bachelor’s degree from Columbia University in Urban Planning and Master of Urban Planning from the Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service of New York University.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
The most important lesson I have learned in business is to always show up-you never know who you will meet if you show up and are present. I have learned this and always try to be there for important industry events and to show up for our team and our clients.

What is your biggest accomplishment this year?
We are approaching our 20th anniversary  – I can hardly believe it  – 20 years have flown by! And we continue to grow and surpass every goal we set – we work with a who’s who of the largest developers and real estate owners in the world. I am so proud of our team and the organization we have become.

Larry is the CEO of The Blackmon Organization, a full-service, New York City M/WBE certified firm specializing in government affairs, public relations, and entertainment services, connecting clients, and delivering on noteworthy and transformational projects. With over two decades of government experience, Blackmon has held a number of high-level, senior positions in both the City of New York and the private sector for companies such as the New York Jets and FreshDirect.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
Meet people where they are, and accept them for who they are. Treat everyone respectfully.   Follow up and follow through. 

What is your biggest accomplishment this year?
My biggest accomplishment has been my work to assist individuals who have been impacted by cancer, becoming an advocate to encourage others to get screened. Helping others in need is at the core of what we do, and we proudly work to positively change lives. 

Vanessa Figueroa joined Bolton-St. Johns in 2023. She advises clients in the health care, affordable housing, transportation, technology, economic development, consumer, nonprofit and education sectors. In 2024, Vanessa was ranked one of the top 25 communication professionals in City & State’s “Political PR Power 75”, City & State’s “Power Of Diversity: Latino 100”, PoliticsNY & amNY Metro’s “Power Players in PR & Lobbying List” and PoliticsNY & amNY Metro’s “Latino Power Players.”  

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
I would say that being determined and persistent to pitch and land good stories is added value for any firm and client. It’s critical to have a passion for media relations.  It’s also important to understand that compelling storytelling is essential in this business. You definitely want to build a reputation as someone who can deliver results and serve as a trusted advisor for clients.

What is your biggest accomplishment this year?
Retaining new clients and executing strategic new business development were key for 2025.

Ms. Scarlett is a partner at Bolton-St. Johns, advising clients in health care, transportation, technology, energy, economic development and education. Scarlett served in the administrations of Governors Andrew Cuomo, Eliot Spitzer and Mario Cuomo, and Attorneys General Eliot Spitzer and Andrew Cuomo. She held senior roles at the Empire State Economic Development Corporation and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. She also held senior roles at the American Stock Exchange and MTV Networks.  

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
The most important lesson I’ve learned so far is to tell your own narrative and not let others define you. Crafting your story allows you to celebrate the victories in your life and career, reflect on lessons learned from experiences and perhaps even inspire and motivate others.  

What is your biggest accomplishment this year?
I feel so blessed and grateful for personal and professional accomplishments throughout the year. I’ve helped to advocate for critical funds for several non-profit organizations working tirelessly to educate, house and train some of the City’s most vulnerable populations.  I’ve continued to work on issues of personal importance, such as Black women’s maternal health and overall health care for communities of color. And I plan to continue this advocacy work in the years ahead.

Yvette Buckner is a seasoned strategist and has consistently delivered major victories for her clients. She excels in managing high-profile client campaigns and navigating issues ranging from health and housing to transportation and technology. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is a passionate advocate for increasing the representation of women in elected office. Currently, she serves as the board co-chair of The New Majority NYC and on the board of Vote Mama to elect mothers nationwide.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
With roots in community organizing, one of the greatest lessons I learned early in my career is that relationships and authentic connections are what matter most. 

What is your biggest accomplishment this year?
Recently, I helped secure almost $15 million in funding from city and state legislative bodies for community-based organizations. This has advanced initiatives in education, health, cultural affairs, violence prevention and workforce development in communities throughout the five boroughs.

Rich has spent the last decade managing issue and reputation campaigns as well as handling crisis issues. Before that, Rich was the communications director for Attorney General and Governor Andrew Cuomo. Prior to the public sector, Rich was an award-winning television journalist. On September 10, 2001, Rich became the managing editor of WCBS-TV and led the coverage of the 9/11 terror attacks, for which the station won an Edward R. Murrow Award.

Prior to forming Bamberger & Vlasto, Josh served as senior vice president and head of corporate communications at MacAndrews & Forbes Incorporated, the operating company owned by Ronald O. Perelman. Josh previously served as chief of staff for Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and press secretary for U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer. Josh graduated from Cornell University in 2004 and lives in New York City with his wife, Megan, and their three boys.