Power Players in Public Relations and Lobbying

Thomas Dunham served as senior advisor to the New York State Senate Majority Leader, engineering victories statewide that elected a Republican Majority for four cycles. After joining BrabenderCox, Dunham successfully elected members of Congress, and state legislators and won a statewide ballot proposition. He also serves as a key advisor to the NYGOP. A licensed attorney, Dunham compiled an impressive record as a top staffer in the State Senate, writing and negotiating several prominent laws.

What influenced you to pursue a career in this field?
After getting into government and politics it’s easy to get hooked. As a young staffer in the State Senate Majority, you had tremendous opportunities to get involved with meaningful issues and make a difference. From there, it was a natural progression to get more deeply involved in politics and political campaigns. As every political professional will tell you, Election Day is unlike any other and there’s no thrill like winning an election.

Do you have any advice for someone interested in a career in public relations or lobbying?
The best advice I can give is to get involved. My first role was as a volunteer intern on a congressional campaign and I still keep in contact with the people I met on that race today. There are always opportunities to get involved in federal, state, or local campaigns in your area. Find a candidate you believe in and just reach out.

What skills do you think are most useful to succeed in this industry?
Analytical and strategic thinking is the most important skill I use on a daily basis. At our agency, we commonly reference the famous Einstein quote “If I had an hour to solve a problem I’d spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions.” I spend a great deal of time researching every aspect of a project, and doing a lot of math while figuring out the best course of action.

For nearly 35 years, Thomas P. Butler has been a leading media and communications strategist, serving as adviser to leaders in the business, financial, legal, educational and first responder communities. His diverse clients have included Inc. Magazine, Cornell University, Rice University, Siebert Williams Shank & Co., Carver Federal Savings, and for over 20 years and in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, he directed communications for the FDNY’s UFA Local 94, and EMS Local 2507.

What influenced you to pursue a career in this field?
While originally earning a degree in economics and anticipating a career on Wall Street, I was given the unexpected opportunity to work at the epicenter of news and politics – New York City Hall – in the late 80s and early 90s. To be at the center where news and policy for our region originates and to work alongside so many talented professionals, provided too great an attraction. I have never looked back.

Do you have any advice for someone interested in a career in public relations or lobbying?
I would recommend someone interested in a career in public relations to be exceptionally well-read about the key issues that impact our nation, New York and the surrounding region, as well as key municipalities where we live. It’s also essential to be able to view perspectives from all sides, with no preconceived notions, because the companies and brands that you will advocate for, often guide the direction of your mission and message.

What skills do you think are most useful to succeed in this industry?
The most important skills in this industry are to be a strong writer and effective overall communicator. Being able to quickly and comprehensively analyze the situation at hand, and then overlay your findings, in a clear and concise manner is imperative. Since modern news cycles are 24/7, to always be ready is essential.

Diane Cahill is a highly experienced strategist in government relations and communications, specializing in various sectors, including business and industry, education, construction, and healthcare. She has extensive experience working for clients in both the private and public sectors, working with various levels of business and government. At Cahill Strategies, Diane leads a team of government relations and communications professionals.

What influenced you to pursue a career in this field?
My journey started in advocacy, where I learned that effective campaigns require meticulous strategy and strong communication. My first lobbying effort focused on autism, aiming to convince New York to include autism diagnosis and treatment in private insurance coverage. Despite initial skepticism and misunderstanding, I worked relentlessly to educate supporters and opponents. This campaign became a highlight of my early career and ultimately succeeded. This process became my passion.

Do you have any advice for someone interested in a career in public relations or lobbying?
My passion for work drives me to persuade and change perspectives. From my experience: Prepare thoroughly, work hard, and uphold honesty and integrity. Acknowledge and correct mistakes when they occur. Align your passion with the right people and organizations for a more fulfilling professional journey. Let passion, diligence, honesty, and wise choices guide your career.

What skills do you think are most useful to succeed in this industry?
Lobbying success hinges on a robust work ethic, creative thinking, and a deep understanding of the cause. It’s akin to a chess game, where each move must be weighed for its consequences. Thorough knowledge of the issue is paramount, requiring immersion in its history and nuances. This multifaceted approach ensures advocacy with expertise and persuasiveness. In lobbying and public relations, diligence alone won’t suffice; creativity, strategic thinking, and expertise are equally crucial.

As founder and CEO of Capalino, Jim has overseen the growth of the most well-respected government relations and strategic consulting practice in New York, responsible for helping some of the most well-known companies achieve success. His career began in 1972 when he joined the staff of U.S. Representative Edward Koch then co-managed Koch’s successful mayoral campaign. Jim was named commissioner of general services at the age of 28 and is still the youngest commissioner in New York City history.

What influenced you to pursue a career in this field?
Since managing Ed Koch’s mayoral campaign, he became my mentor and good friend and I knew I wanted to dedicate my career to the intersection of politics, business and urban affairs. It’s been an honor to work with some of the most notable companies and developments in New York, and I’m driven every day by the ability to have a real, lasting impact on the city I love.

Do you have any advice for someone interested in a career in public relations or lobbying?
I’ve always wanted to make NYC a better place to live, work and visit. I would advise every person entering politics and government to never forget your commitment to social and civic responsibility. Use every opportunity to get the job done while also making a positive impact on the community around you.

What skills do you think are most useful to succeed in this industry?
The ability to be a proactive problem-solver, strategist, and consensus builder is vital to success in this industry. Doing business in New York can be incredibly complex, so it’s crucial to build meaningful relationships and understand complicated regulatory challenges in order to successfully navigate city and state government.

Crisis response begets crisis creation. New York’s biggest and finest trust Justin Chae to do just that. At age 24, Justin is nationally recognized for his crisis response work by Crain’s, City & State, and more. Some of the country’s largest corporations, government agencies, and unions have trusted him and his team to create and respond to crises. Utilizing private investigators, videography, digital, phone banking, canvassers, and press, Justin and his team go to war.

What influenced you to pursue a career in this field?
Apathy and complacency. I saw an industry filled with people who were far too comfortable providing the same generic deliverables. I am not an armchair philosopher; I am an executor. I was supported very early on by colleagues far older and wiser than me because they knew tangible implementation was lacking in this field. I came and I stayed because of my loyal clients and team members.

What skills do you think are most useful to succeed in this industry?
Aggressiveness, loyalty, and innovation

Chris serves as CEO of Tusk Strategies, a public affairs company based in New York with offices in DC, Albany, and Los Angeles. They represent clients like LVMH, McDonald’s, TransPerfect, and Henry Munoz. Chris chairs the boards of Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy and Women in Need (WIN). He has guest lectured at NYU and Columbia Business School. He frequently appears on NY1 and other media outlets as an expert in NYC politics and government.

What influenced you to pursue a career in this field?
I grew up passing out leaflets for Ed Koch when he was running for Mayor in 1985 and again in 1989 (my first and not last loss). My mother was his longtime chief of staff. I always knew New York politics and government was what I wanted to do. When I was 21, I served as an advance and body person for candidate Mike Bloomberg. I stuck with it after he won – for 11 years.

Do you have any advice for someone interested in a career in public relations or lobbying?
Try to be relentless and always try to be a straight shooter. There are temptations to take the easy way but you will be in this line of work for a long time and your word matters.

What skills do you think are most useful to succeed in this industry?
There are not enough reporters or media outlets anymore. You have to be really creative about getting news out in an interesting and dynamic way. 

A nationally recognized communications and political strategist, Maria Comella has led and managed complex global teams in both fast-paced startup environments and in the public sector. She has served in high-profile positions on presidential campaigns and in government, and is one of the few leaders to have been chief of staff to governors on both sides of the aisle in two different states. She successfully led communications though CLEAR’s IPO process, managed high-profile political crises with national fallout, and oversaw global public affairs at WeWork. Maria has managed coverage and secured placements at every major news outlet, including high-level profiles in Vanity Fair, The Atlantic, NYT Magazine, New York Magazine, People, the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and morning and evening programming across NBC, CBS, and ABC.

Anthony is one of the leading voices in New York on energy, environmental and land use matters. His relationships, strategic thinking and results-oriented approach have secured successful outcomes for clients ranging from Fortune 500 clients to small non-profits. Anthony began his career at WilmerHale where he specialized in corporate finance and securities law. He earned a J.D. from Fordham Law, and is a board member of the League of Conservation Voters.

What influenced you to pursue a career in this field?
I hoped to have a positive impact on the City. By helping our clients, I believe we do that each day. I’m proud of the practice we have built over the years – what started with a few clients has grown into a great team working alongside some of the city’s most innovative and compassionate thinkers.

Do you have any advice for someone interested in a career in public relations or lobbying?
The people who are strongest in this field have a true passion for the work. You should come with a love for solving problems and an interest in multiple issue areas. We always tell our staff that we start by asking what’s best for New York and let the answer be your guide.

What skills do you think are most useful to succeed in this industry?
Of course the ability to build relationships is key in this industry, but I actually think that strong writing skills have become underrated. If you can develop robust strategies and put them down on paper in a clear and concise manner, you can connect with your clients and potential clients in a meaningful way. Demonstrating good judgment is also a critical skill in this day and age.

Perry is a licensed attorney in New York and New Jersey with a distinguished background in real estate and land use. Perry has spearheaded numerous successful economic initiatives at the city and state level. He has also provided critical assistance to non-profit clients by helping them navigate government and protect funding. A cornerstone of Perry’s success is his ability to develop trust and relationships with government officials and community groups, while providing unique insights to C&V’s clients. 

What influenced you to pursue a career in this field?
I come from a long line of public servants, including my father of course who was speaker of the city council. In many ways I see my work as an extension of the legacy my father built. Helping our clients navigate government and do the right thing for the City of New York is what inspires my work and the work of the team at Constantinople & Vallone.

Do you have any advice for someone interested in a career in public relations or lobbying?
Any career in or around public service often begins by being active in your community. I’d always recommend supporting causes that are important to you and let that passion drive you as you pursue your career. If you can figure out how to make a difference in your community you’ve learned an important skill that you can apply in lobbying.

What skills do you think are most useful to succeed in this industry?
I think being a good advocate begins by being a good listener and having the ability and patience to gather and analyze the facts – and then to present your argument in a fact-based, impactful way. So many people are quick to act, but forming a good strategy and being accurate in your presentation helps build trust and that is where the path to success begins.