Power Players in Public Relations and Lobbying

A born and bred New Yorker, Ethan Geto is a trusted advisor and strategist for Fortune 500 companies, issue advocacy coalitions, real estate developers, and not-for-profit institutions on government affairs, community relations, and strategic communications.

What influenced you to pursue a career in this field?
I’ve been involved in social justice activism and politics since my teens in the Bronx. Growing up in a time of turmoil and transition inspired an appreciation for urban planning that strengthens equity and the fabric of communities. A career in government and as a policy consultant has conferred a priceless opportunity to help our city overcome challenges and continue to thrive. Projects our firm helps bring to fruition truly benefit future generations.

Do you have any advice for someone interested in a career in public relations or lobbying?
This job is all about relationships. Get out there and become politically and civically active, work for causes and for candidates you believe in. Before starting my firm I worked in government and politics, and it prepared me for a career of collaborating with the best minds in this city and state on projects that transform our city and improve people’s lives.

What skills do you think are most useful to succeed in this industry?
You need to be a clear thinker and a strong advocate, and also a good listener. You have to enjoy working with people to form meaningful coalitions that inspire action. It’s important to be a quick study, a discerning strategist and a compelling communicator. It’s an exciting job for a problem-solver who thrives on complexity.

Michele de Milly is one of NYC’s leading voices in public affairs, a problem-solver and a trusted advisor to major corporations and property owners, social service organizations and cultural nonprofits. Michele’s effective government relations, PR and community outreach strategies have guided many of the City’s highest-profile rezonings and transformative development and land use projects.

What influenced you to pursue a career in this field?
Since my days on the governmental side of urban development, it has been a thrill to help shape the built environment of New York—from championing new architectural icons to promoting open space and housing to advancing sustainable projects that address climate change. It’s gratifying to work with the best minds in the public, private and nonprofit sectors on projects that ensure beautiful, functional, and equitable places for residents and families to live, work, and play.

Do you have any advice for someone interested in a career in public relations or lobbying?
To a young person just out of college who is interested in this field, I would advise spending time working in government. If you’re ambitious and up for the challenge, entry-level jobs in City agencies and with elected officials tend to be fast-paced, impart valued expertise, and offer the opportunity to work with people who will become your mentors, friends and trusted colleagues throughout your career.

What skills do you think are most useful to succeed in this industry?
You need to be curious and ask the right questions. It’s a great job for someone who has a passion for city life and culture, who is organized, can parse complex issues and advance a winning strategy. Aside from being an expert in public policy, politics, and government, you need to really enjoy people and to be able to talk to anyone. A good sense of humor helps as well.

Harry Giannoulis provided the strategic vision that transformed the Parkside Group from a startup company into a multi-faceted strategic communications and public affairs firm that has served over 750 clients. In 2020, as the principal strategist for NY’s Democratic Senate Campaign Committee, Harry’s guidance helped result in the first supermajority for Democrats in the Senate in over a century. In 2022, even though Democrats underperformed across New York, the Senate maintained their supermajority.

What influenced you to pursue a career in this field?
There are no other fields where you can work with other like-minded people to achieve a goal that has a direct impact on people’s lives. Also, whether in a political campaign or public relations battle, there is a resolution at the end of the day, someone wins and someone loses. I like winning.

Do you have any advice for someone interested in a career in public relations or lobbying?
Start at the bottom and work your way up. Each step will be enjoyable if you are learning something.

What skills do you think are most useful to succeed in this industry?
Seeing around corners. If you know how your strategy will play out or if you know your opponent’s move before they do, you start out way ahead. This skill comes innately to some, but it’s something everyone can learn through trial and error. Everything is a learning experience, patterns abound, you just have to have your eyes and mind wide open to see them.

Arielle has nearly two decades of experience in political, corporate, and crisis communications, from Capitol Hill to Silicon Valley and the campaign trail to the c-suite. Prior to her current role, Arielle founded Juno Strategies, a boutique consultancy firm specializing in social impact communications. Having previously been a speechwriter to top elected officials, she has deep experience crafting policy addresses, op-eds, and keynotes. Arielle began her career as an aide to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

What influenced you to pursue a career in this field?
I remember being a child and loving the Spin Doctors’ album, Pocket Full of Kryptonite. I asked my mom what a spin doctor was, and she explained. I told her, “I want to do that when I grow up.” And here I am. Dreams really do come true.

Do you have any advice for someone interested in a career in public relations or lobbying?
However you can, as early in your career as possible, find a way to work or volunteer on a political campaign. You will learn so much – not just about politics and PR, but also about life.

What skills do you think are most useful to succeed in this industry?
Strong writing skills are of critical importance, as is the ability to synthesize and distill loads of information into what is most significant, persuasive, and/or digestible.

Tucker Green is the founder and president of Threshold Group, a full-service consulting firm specializing in advertising, fundraising, and public affairs. Working for candidates and organizations across the country, Green prides himself on understanding how to move projects and campaigns from good to great. He also serves on the board of directors of the Phoenix House of New York/Long Island and enjoys spending time in nature, preferably fly-fishing.

If you look at some of the biggest public affairs campaigns over the past decade, Austin played significant roles in winning them. With experience at the highest levels of government, electoral politics, labor and issue advocacy, Austin is an award-winning spokesperson and battle-tested political strategist recognized as one of the top movement communicators in New York. Austin grew up wanting to play for the Yankees but chose to pursue his second favorite contact sport – New York politics.

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 Strategies, Jenn served as a senior advisor to NYC Mayor Eric Adams, as well as a top staffer for New York State Senate Finance Chair Liz Krueger and the New York State Department of Labor. Jenn earned her Juris Doctorate from Benjamin Cardozo School of Law.

Jeff Guillot is a founding partner of Millennial Strategies. At Millennial, Jeff leads the team on lobbying and PR and has worked on some of New York State’s most successful, forward-thinking public policy endeavors. His prior public sector experience includes working for U.S. Representative  Gary Ackerman and Assembly Member Richard Brodsky. He currently serves as a member of the adjunct political science faculty at Suffolk County Community College.