2025 Power Players in Public Relations & Lobbying

Jenn has worked at the intersection of policy, politics, and public affairs, where she has cultivated deep relationships with the most prominent elected officials in city and state government. Prior to founding Green Book, Jenn served as a senior advisor to NYC Mayor Eric Adams, as well as a top staffer for NYS Senate Finance Chair Liz Krueger and the NYS Department of Labor. Jenn earned her juris doctorate from Benjamin Cardozo School of Law.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
Authentic relationships are everything. In a business where connecting with people is the business, there’s nothing more important than developing and nurturing true and trustworthy relationships.

What is your biggest accomplishment this year?
We have helped advance legislation to pave the way for a major job-creating casino project; to set new Citywide health, safety and worker protection standards for the hospitality industry; and to bring transparency to and mitigate costs of health care. Building Green Book Strategies into a trusted, values‑driven firm that delivers wins for clients has been my proudest achievement.

Jeff Guillot is a managing director at MAD Global Strategy. Prior to that, he was one of the founding partners of Millennial Strategies, a government affairs and campaign firm, and a driving force behind some of New York’s most successful forward-thinking public policy endeavors for over a decade. He has extensive expertise in the fields of emerging technology, environmental issues, sustainability projects, local land use and cannabis, working at the federal, State and local levels. 

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that it’s okay to admit when you don’t know something. Early in my career, my boss, Assemblyman Richard Brodsky, told me that “I don’t know” is a perfectly acceptable answer to any question. Admitting this allows you to avoid making mistakes, show intellectual humility, and learn the correct information. It’s better to be honest than to pretend you have all the answers.

What is your biggest accomplishment this year?
My biggest accomplishment this year has been expanding my work into several new states, serving a variety of different industries. The ability to grow my professional reach and impact has been incredibly rewarding. It’s given me a chance to apply my skills in diverse environments and take on new challenges. Also, on a personal note, I finally perfected my Chicken Marsala recipe. It’s been a delicious journey!

Mark Guma has worked as a democratic strategist, media and direct mail consultant in New York for over two decades. Clients include Senator Chuck Schumer, Congressmembers Jerry Nadler, Ritchie Torres, and Dan Goldman; Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg; State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins; State Senators Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Zellnor Myrie, and Robert Jackson. He grew up in New Orleans – is a rabid Saints fan – and lives in Connecticut with his wife and two teenage sons.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
Control the things you can control – and never be afraid to break convention and try something new in a tough campaign.

What is your biggest accomplishment this year?
Helping elect Brad Hoylman-Sigal as Manhattan’s next borough president.

Keith Corbett, co-leader of Harris Beach Murtha’s Political Law Practice Group, is a dynamic Election Law litigator who excels in ensuring his clients’ success. He provides creative and pragmatic solutions to vexing election law issues and is regularly called upon to assist in high-profile cases with national implications. Keith represented former President Barack Obama in birth right cases, successfully removed RFK Jr. from the presidential ballot and has represented the past four democratic presidential nominees.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
The importance of delivering innovative and practical solutions to challenging client matters with efficiency. My primary objective is effective case resolution, yet I capably advocate for my clients’ interests through trial when required.

What is your biggest accomplishment this year?
In 2024, I was the lead attorney in Cartwright v. Kennedy, 85 Misc.3d 781 (2024), which gained national media attention as the only case to remove Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from the presidential ballot.

Jared Kasschau, co-leader of Harris Beach Murtha’s Political Law Practice Group, has extensive experience as a litigator in private practice and the public sector, providing him with unique insights into the challenges facing organizations, municipal governments and agencies. Jared has extensive experience in all aspects of New York State Election and Campaign Finance Law. He’s represented candidates for federal, state and local offices, including candidates for the U.S. presidency.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
You meet the same people on the way up as you do on the way down – so work hard, be honest, and treat others fairly.

What is your biggest accomplishment this year?
Running a 3:13:39 at the Marine Corps Marathon and qualifying for the Boston Marathon, which I hope to run in honor and memory of my brother Dane, who passed away of colorectal cancer at 39 years old. Dane, who was an avid athlete, ran Boston a few years back and was not happy with his time. I am committed to running it again for him.

Jason Heard is a strategist at Metropolitan Public Strategies (MPS), focused on campaigns that align media, government, and community to deliver results. At MPS, he plays key roles on Bally’s Bronx — driving earned media and community engagement – and on Jewish Voters Unite – building a scalable civic-engagement and content program. He’s known for disciplined messaging, fast production, and moving stakeholders toward approvals and policy wins.

Hazel has nearly a decade of experience serving at the highest levels of New York government and politics. Most recently, Hazel served as press secretary to Governor Kathy Hochul, leading press strategy from the Governor’s transition into office through two legislative sessions. Previously, she served as press secretary to New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer and first deputy press secretary to Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Julie has 20 years of experience advising corporate executives, leading technology brands and elected officials. She served as communications director for Governor Kathy Hochul from 2021 until 2023. Prior to joining the Hochul Administration, Julie was the senior director of communications at Lyft. She was press secretary on Mike Bloomberg’s 2020 presidential campaign, a senior spokesperson on Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign, and first deputy press secretary at City Hall in the Bloomberg Administration.