Power Players in Public Relations and Lobbying

Ryan Adams is the co-founder and managing partner at HZQ Consulting, a digital strategy and political consulting firm, specializing in campaigns and public affairs. He has been recognized for his marketing and communications work as one of 2023’s ‘Kings of New York’ by Schneps Media and by City & State as one of the 2022 40 Under 40 in New York City and as a 2022 Top 75 Political Consultant.

What influenced you to pursue a career in this field?
I saw a need in the space. A lot of young folks were just starting to run for office and launch organizations and they were looking for a fresh, digital-forward approach to navigate a landscape that was changing daily. Seven years later things are still changing daily, but my motivation and dedication to keep improving for our clients has stayed the same, leading to victories with campaigns, unions, and causes across New York State.

Do you have any advice for someone interested in a career in public relations or lobbying?
The best thing you can do is just get involved. I feel like there isn’t one entry point for this, but I feel like the path to growth is the same for everyone: meet people, stay involved, and get passionate about an area. Without passion and care for your clients or the mission of an organization, this job can become just a lot of texting and emailing people!

What skills do you think are most useful to succeed in this industry?
I think the two most important skills for this industry are (1) a willingness to hear out everyday people on issues you don’t agree with and (2) an unwillingness to compromise on the goal and purpose of the message of your organization. Constant engagement with the public is vital for keeping the mediums and details of the messaging relevant, but diluting the message itself just dilutes the impact. Maintaining authenticity is the key.

Amelia Adams is a native New Yorker who began her career as an ACORN organizer. In 2014 she became senior advisor for NYC Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. Amelia also served as political director to Mayor Bill de Blasio’s reelection campaign. Since 2018, Amelia has been the president of Adams Advisors, which specializes in political campaigns, government affairs, and community engagement. Recently, Amelia went into a partnership with political consultant, Yvette Buckner, forming Adams Buckner Advisors.

What influenced you to pursue a career in this field?
Having the opportunity to hear Barack Obama, who was a senator at the time, speak at Tulane University in February of 2008 influenced me to pursue this career. I was door knocking a few months later.

Do you have any advice for someone interested in a career in public relations or lobbying?
Work on a local race; you will gain experience in every field and also see if you like the fast pace of this field.

What skills do you think are most useful to succeed in this industry?
Door knocking and making a hard ask. It prepares you for any conversation.

Yvette Buckner co-founded Adams Buckner Advisors in 2022 and has leveraged her experience in advocacy, government relations, lobbying, communications, and politics to help advance the firm. Yvette is also a tireless advocate for increasing the representation of women in elected office. She serves as the chair of The New Majority NYC which helped elect the first women-led body in the New York City Council’s history.

What influenced you to pursue a career in this field?
As a former community organizer who has also worked in city and state government, the transition to lobbying was a natural one and has given me the ability to approach the work from a 360-degree perspective. This field combines my skills of advocacy, strategic planning, and coalition building to bridge gaps, champion policies beneficial for diverse communities, especially marginalized ones, address systemic inequities, and impact decisions at the highest levels.

Do you have any advice for someone interested in a career in public relations or lobbying?
My advice is simple: Embrace your unique perspective; it’s an asset. Authenticity is key, stay true to yourself and your values. Cultivate and maintain relationships and always take the meeting whether it’s an intern or someone looking to break into the New York political landscape. Today’s cold call/email could be tomorrow’s city council member or commissioner. Lastly, always uplift others, and as you climb, bring someone with you.

What skills do you think are most useful to succeed in this industry?
Building genuine relationships, being ethical, having an authentic voice, setting yourself apart, and deeply understanding your clients’ needs and causes are some of the most useful skills in this industry. It is also critical to stay up to date on current events, network and continuously learn about new issues. Credibility and trustworthiness are the foundation of success.

Over the last 25 years, Hannah has earned a reputation as a savvy communications strategist, crisis manager, creative storyteller and trusted advisor to leaders across a diverse array of industries. Prior to becoming president, CEO and owner of The LAKPR Group in 2020, Hannah was a principal at LAK Public Relations, which she joined in 1999.  Earlier in her career, she served as press secretary to New York State Senator Roy M. Goodman.

What influenced you to pursue a career in this field?
I wanted the opportunity to positively impact the trajectory of businesses and organizations, supporting their ability to advance their missions and achieve their goals. Our specialty is partnering with leaders during high-stakes periods of evolution and transformation and deploying communications as a strategic lever to improve outcomes and make a meaningful difference to all stakeholders. The ability to see the needle move in real-time is extraordinarily fulfilling, constantly fueling our passion for the work we do.

Do you have any advice for someone interested in a career in public relations or lobbying?
Find a way to be indispensable – to your organization, to your team and your client or internal stakeholders. Earn the trust of people around you by making and keeping good promises and delivering again and again. Carve out a space where you can truly shine. Take initiative. Hone a skill that few people have. Be relentlessly self-aware of your strengths and your gaps and commit to continuous improvement.

What skills do you think are most useful to succeed in this industry?
In the communications industry, being able to write effectively and to “make the pitch” are table stakes. It’s what gets you a seat, not a Michelin star. The most successful people I’ve seen in this industry are humble and eager listeners, they have an innate ability to meet others where they are, build trust, and inspire confidence – all of which are essential to unlocking the superpower of storytelling.

George Arzt has been actively involved in the politics and public affairs of New York City and the nation for decades as a newspaperman, TV executive and news producer, press secretary, and public relations advisor. Founded in 1995, his PR and lobbying firm, George Arzt Communications (GAC), represents a wide range of business, nonprofit and public affairs clients, handling crisis management, media relations, community and government relations, speech-writing and litigation support.

What influenced you to pursue a career in this field?
I always loved current events and to be in the center of the maelstrom was always my dream job. I love writing about breaking news, advising political figures in the midst of campaigns and getting out stories to enhance people’s profiles. This is the most exciting job I can have.

Do you have any advice for someone interested in a career in public relations or lobbying?
Learn all that you can about the field, watch veterans in the field practice the art and skill of PR and lobbying, always stay hungry for knowledge and learn every day.

What skills do you think are most useful to succeed in this industry?
First, you have to know how to write well. Second, you have to have a friendly and amicable personality. Third, develop as wide a network as you can. Make connections with people, so they remember you instantly and know what you do. The more people you know well, the better.

Richard spent 17 years in television news in Albany, Miami, Detroit and New York City. He became managing editor of WCBS-TV on September 10, 2001, and helped run CBS’ coverage of the 9/11 attacks. Years later at WCBS, he helped negotiate a hostage situation. Richard became communications director for Attorney General and Governor Andrew Cuomo where he ran the day-to-day communications of both offices. Currently, Richard is a PR and crisis communications expert. 

What influenced you to pursue a career in this field?
There are several reasons I pursued a career in this field: I enjoy that the job is never the same on any given day. I am fascinated by the people I meet from all different industries. I like the fast-paced atmosphere of the job. I was also thrilled that I was able to work at the same TV stations as my wife for our entire career in television news.

Do you have any advice for someone interested in a career in public relations or lobbying?
My advice is to learn how to write, learn the art of public speaking, learn how to listen, and learn how to tell a story. Also, showing up, being present, is important in this business. I prefer to do meetings in person. It just wasn’t the same during the pandemic doing all the video calls.

What skills do you think are most useful to succeed in this industry?
Writing, public speaking, and listening are all essential skills for this business. All of those traits are used to tell a compelling story, and that’s really what this business is all about.

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.

What influenced you to pursue a career in this field?
Working in a press office put me on the front lines of the big issues and challenges facing New York. I loved (and still do) working with reporters, even if it’s a tough issue, to try and get a good story out. I feel the same enthusiasm in the private sector, working with innovative leaders building and running transformative and impactful businesses. This is a great business at a great time in a great city.

Do you have any advice for someone interested in a career in public relations or lobbying?
Hit the streets! Being out in the New York City streets, working with reporters, elected officials, and community leaders is still the best experience in this business. If you look at the ranks of the top national reporters and media professionals, many of them worked for local New York politicians or covered the city beat. Also, communications is more about listening than talking…

What skills do you think are most useful to succeed in this industry?
The most important thing is to work hard and do the job. If someone calls, call them back quickly. Focus on being creative, respectful, and thorough so that you are doing everything you can to ensure a positive outcome.

Bruce is the co-founder of Bender Cantone Consulting, a NY-based public affairs firm specializing in government relations. Previously, Bruce oversaw government relations for FCRC.  Bruce worked extensively in NYC government, including as chief of staff to the Speaker of the City Council.  Bruce has consulted on numerous campaigns and served on the boards of Congregation Beth Elohim and Brooklyn Nets Foundation. Bruce received his B.A. from Baruch College, M.A. from The New School, and MPA from NYU.

Do you have any advice for someone interested in a career in public relations or lobbying? 
Do not underestimate the importance of working in the public sector prior to a career in PR or lobbying. The only way to truly understand the inner workings of government is to be in the inner workings of government.