2025 Power Players in Public Relations & Lobbying

James runs HELLER’s Real Estate & Civic Life practice where he leads communications and serves as a trusted advisor on behalf of leading developers, civic organizations and cultural institutions around public approvals, lawsuits, policy advocacy, sensitive transactions, crisis management and corporate brand building. He serves on the boards of New Heights Youth, a sports-based youth development organization in Crown Heights, and the Freshkills Park Alliance.

Linden brings a wealth of experience from the highest levels of state and federal politics, and works on a range of complex issues leading today’s news – from litigation and regulatory issues, to high-stakes labor negotiations, and public affairs campaigns. Linden previously served as deputy chief of staff and communications director for Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton and now-U.S. Senator Tina Smith, and communications director for U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar.

Matthew Hiltzik, an attorney, president and CEO of Hiltzik Strategies, a 17-year-old strategic communications and consulting firm, began his career as press secretary/deputy executive director for the State Democratic Party before overseeing corporate communications/ government relations at Miramax Films. Matthew serves on several boards, including the NYCEDC (and its legal committee), Ghetto Film School, JCRC-NY, and Montclair State’s Communications School.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
“Information is currency – share it wisely and don’t be a counterfeiter.” Judith Hope, former chair, NY State Democratic Committee.

What is your biggest accomplishment this year?
Completing another year of attending all of my son’s high school basketball games, supporting MrBeast’s successful $40m campaign to provide clean water in communities around the world, surviving deep into the season in Matthew Berry’s Guillotineleagues.com, and winning the Fantasy Baseball Championship in the 27th season of UWSL.

Bradley Honan is CEO and president of Honan Strategy Group, a NYC-based public opinion research and data analytics firm specializing in politics, public affairs, and government relations. A recognized expert in polling and strategic communications, he has advised Fortune 500 companies, advocacy organizations, and political figures from Bill and Hillary Clinton to Mike Bloomberg. With more than 20 years of experience, Honan delivers data-driven insights and actionable strategies that shape campaigns, policy, and corporate reputation.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
A key lesson that has shaped my career is that persistence can overcome nearly any obstacle. What often makes the difference is the willingness to outwork the competition – starting by thoroughly doing your homework, diving deeper into the data, and putting in the extra effort to uncover insights others might miss. This discipline has been the foundation of my success, and it’s the advice I offer to anyone looking to make a meaningful impact.

What is your biggest accomplishment this year?
Honan Strategy Group played a decisive role in shaping New York politics this year. We helped elect Vanessa Gibson as Bronx borough president and Brad Hoylman-Sigal as Manhattan borough president. Our firm also conducted key public polling across New York City, and we were the first to identify and publicly highlight the surge voters who powered Zohran Mamdani’s unexpected rise.

Patrick B. Jenkins is the president and founder of Patrick B. Jenkins and Associates, a consulting firm specializing in strategic solutions for businesses and campaigns, government and community relations. He has more than 15 years of combined experience in community relations, government administration and public policy. The firm is considered one of the most well-connected in Albany, and Patrick Jenkins one of its most powerful lobbyists.

Minda Conroe, managing director at J Strategies, leads strategic media, brand reputation, and coalition building for a range of public affairs clients. With over a decade of experience, she has served in state and federal government, first for U.S. Senator Charles Schumer and then in the New York State Executive Chamber. A Syracuse University graduate, Minda blends political insights and local comms expertise and is known for her creativity as a tool to secure wins.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is the power of being proactive and persistent. Success doesn’t come to those who wait for it; it is the result of research, preparation, taking initiative, and diligence in following up. Being proactive means I’m prepared, and being persistent means I keep moving forward until I secure a tangible deliverable for my clients.

What is your biggest accomplishment this year?
My biggest accomplishments this year have been securing high-value media placements for my clients despite the messaging and reputational challenges this presidential administration poses. I’ve had to lean into creativity now more than ever, to break through the noise and to also ensure the important issues and initiatives I work on are positioned in the best light possible.

Adam’s work is focused on increasing access to entrepreneurship through emerging technologies, promoting and protecting New York’s innovation economy, and fostering a pro-growth business climate for the benefit of all New Yorkers. He crafts sustained, convincing messages and builds lasting relationships with business leaders, editorial boards, press contacts, nonprofits, and public officials. His multichannel public affairs campaigns navigate political headwinds and shift the narrative on controversial topics, ultimately winning the day for his clients’ goals.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
The key to this work is reading, listening, and following up. You can’t write without reading, and you can’t communicate honestly or convincingly without truly listening to what people need. As for following up, so much of this job is about staying engaged and checking in. At J Strategies, I’m fortunate to work with a great team, and we tap into each other’s expertise to deliver the best results for our clients.

What is your biggest accomplishment this year?
This was one of the busiest state legislative sessions of my career, and I’m proud of the work we accomplished. It’s exciting to see the firm continue to grow – bringing in new clients, expanding our team, and building momentum. We’re having a great year, and I’m grateful to be part of it.

With a keen understanding of policy, communications, and government relations, Julie has created results-driven messages, turning opponents into allies and challenges into overwhelming successes. She has experience in economic development, environment, immigration, women’s rights, labor, and health care. Julie served as regional director for U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer and as political director for the Empire State Regional Council of Carpenters. In her free time, Julie spends time with her daughter and fosters Great Pyrenees.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
It’s important to be upfront, creative, and driven. This is the best formula for success and good relationships with clients and advocates.

What is your biggest accomplishment this year?
I’ve had success bringing economic development solutions and investment to upstate NY.

As the managing partner and president of J Strategies, Inc., Jaime Venditti believes the catalyst to success is excellent client service paired with a creative and effective strategy. Fostering collaboration and encouraging ingenuity are central to Jaime’s team leadership style and work approach. She has established strong relationships with advocacy organizations, business groups, and various industry partners throughout New York, which makes her uniquely successful in developing effective and meaningful alliance development.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to take everything in stride. There’s a solution to every problem – finding it requires creativity and the ability to think outside the box.

What is your biggest accomplishment this year?
This year, our clients have faced unprecedented challenges at the state and federal levels. I’m proud that we’ve been successful in educating and activating third-party influencers on health care issues that are not only important to our clients but also critical to the health and well-being of millions of New Yorkers.