Power Players in Public Relations and Lobbying

Mark Guma grew up in New Orleans and worked on his first campaign for the reform candidate for Governor during high school. His first job out of college was as press secretary in former U.S. Representative Nita Lowey’s first campaign for Congress, and he’s been helping elect Democrats in New York and nationally ever since. Mark lives in Connecticut with his wife and two sons.

Tyquana Henderson-Rivers is the CEO of Connective Strategies. In her 30+ years in politics and advocacy, she has built an impressive track record of helping clients build their brands and position themselves for success. Ty, a registered lobbyist and MWBE business owner, has played critical roles in countless political and issues-based campaigns. Clients have included: Governor Hochul, U.S. Representative Meeks, Queens District Attorney Katz, REBNY, FedEx, and Newtown Creek Group, to name a few.

What influenced you to pursue a career in this field?
Social injustice. I started a protest at my school after the Rodney King Verdict. I was introduced to politics and government by my mentor and godfather the late Council Member Thomas White Jr. He taught me the only way to change the system was to learn it from the inside and move from there.

Do you have any advice for someone interested in a career in public relations or lobbying?
Learn all that you can about how every level of government works (and doesn’t) so that you are in the best position to properly advise potential clients. Don’t take no as the first and final answer. Represent causes that you can believe in because that is when you can present the best of yourself.

What skills do you think are most useful to succeed in this industry?
Be meticulous, outgoing, detail-oriented, and have a willingness to always learn. 

Bradley runs Honan Strategy Group and is co-president of the New York Metro Chapter of the American Association of Political Consultants. Bradley works at the intersection of politics, business, and public affairs using surveys and focus groups to understand audiences. He helps clients win tough elections, prevail in public affairs fights, and grow market share. Bradley is a regular op-ed contributor to outlets including CNN Opinion and the New York Daily News, among others.

What influenced you to pursue a career in this field?
I believe that becoming involved in politics, PR, and public affairs are key ways to have an impact in today’s society. You are literally shaping history nearly every day with your work.

Do you have any advice for someone interested in a career in public relations or lobbying?
Work hard and strive to make an impact. Seek results not credit. Read, read, and read some more. Aim to understand the information ecosystem that politics and public affairs operates in today.

What skills do you think are most useful to succeed in this industry?
The most important skill to succeed in the industry is a passion for public service and making an impact, being honest, and keeping your word. Hard work – lots and lots of it! This is not a nine to five industry to put it lightly!

Adam is an award-winning public affairs leader with more than a decade of experience in lobbying, corporate communications, and issue advocacy. He crafts sustained, convincing messages and builds and maintains lasting relationships with press contacts, stakeholders, and public officials. Focused on technology, insurance, civil justice issues, alcohol policy, and agency rulemaking, Adam implements multichannel strategies that navigate political headwinds and shift the narrative on controversial topics, ultimately winning the day for his clients’ goals.

Do you have any advice for someone interested in a career in public relations or lobbying?
Stay engaged. Read everything. Familiarize yourself with the inner workings of legislative bodies, newsrooms, the executive branch, administrative agencies, and get to know the personalities that influence the policymaking process. Recognize the human stories behind each policy issue. Effective messaging requires empathy.

Julie Mosley leads a diverse group of talented staff across various client industries. With a keen understanding of policy, communications, government relations, and alliance development, Julie has created results-driven messages for advocacy organizations and Fortune 100 companies, turning opponents into allies and challenges into overwhelming successes. She has extensive experience in finance, labor, environment, social services, and healthcare issues. Before J Strategies, Julie worked for U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer.

What influenced you to pursue a career in this field?
I always had a passion for politics and how the news influences public policy. I knew that I wanted to use my passion for making government work better and my insights into key relationships and media to make change.

Do you have any advice for someone interested in a career in public relations or lobbying?
Never stop working. You have to care about issues, political dynamics, and results-driven approaches. Take every opportunity to learn from someone with more experience. Always push yourself to master a new skill and challenge yourself.

What skills do you think are most useful to succeed in this industry?
Being able to stay calm and measure your response to any situation is critical. You can not let your perspective cloud your understanding of what your client wants, what motivates elected officials, what reporters care about, and what moves the public. You have to be able to speak to what your audience cares about most.

Jaime Venditti believes the catalyst to success is excellent client services coupled with a creative and effective strategy. Jaime maintains close relationships with advocacy organizations, business groups, and various industry partners throughout New York, making her uniquely successful in quality alliance development. With experience spanning over two decades, Jaime has developed a keen expertise in healthcare, specializing in pharmaceuticals. She also has extensive experience working with industries such as aviation, energy, technology, insurance, and agriculture.

What influenced you to pursue a career in this field?
I’m a cause-driven person. Working in public relations and lobbying has provided me with countless opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives and work on a variety of issues that impact our communities.

Do you have any advice for someone interested in a career in public relations or lobbying?
Have a curious mind. Ask the tough questions. Embrace creative solutions. Work hard.

What skills do you think are most useful to succeed in this industry?
People skills are invaluable when working in this field. Be relatable. When someone feels comfortable with you, the working relationship you have with them will exceed any preconceived expectations.

Patrick B. Jenkins is the president and founder of Patrick B. Jenkins and Associates, a consulting firm specializing in strategic solutions for businesses, 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. 

A former member of the New York State Senate, Craig Johnson is regarded as a trusted counselor to businesses as they navigate New York’s government ecosystem. With over 25 years experience in elected office, government affairs, law, politics, and business, Craig has earned a reputation for being a skilled negotiator, accomplished lobbyist, seasoned political strategist, and savvy business evaluator who possesses a track record of accomplishments and success for clients at various levels of government.

Suri founded Kasirer in 1997, bringing a lifelong commitment to championing people, progress, and policy in the City. Her firm grew to become the number one lobbying firm in NYC, leading a team with vast experience in government and deep knowledge of the inner workings of New York. The firm has achieved unparalleled success for clients who are leaders in a range of industries: corporate and nonprofit, education and culture, real estate, technology, and more.