Proud winners of PRovoke Media's 2022 North American New Agency of the Year and Best Public Affairs Campaign

DELIVERING EXCELLENCE IN:CAMPAIGNS|PUBLIC AFFAIRS|STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS|BRANDING & ADVERTISING|MEDIA RELATIONS

Bryson Gillette is a minority-owned, intentionally diverse consulting firm dedicated to delivering excellence in strategic communications, campaigns and public affairs.

WHAT WE DO

STRATEGIC
COMMUNICATIONS

We partner with you to grow, evolve, and protect your brand with powerful messaging, compelling creative strategies, and smart media engagement.

Political Movements and Campaigns

We partner with you to build authentic, powerful movements and campaigns that drive people to take action to make our democracy stronger.

Paid Advertising Strategy

We develop cutting edge creative assets and utilize innovative, data-informed placement strategies to amplify your message to the right audiences at the right moments to move hearts and minds.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ALL OUR SERVICES

WHO WE ARE

Founded by Bill Burton, spokesperson for Barack Obama’s first presidential campaign and first term in the White House, Bryson Gillette is an intentionally diverse team that includes veteran political operatives, public affairs experts and communications strategists. With extensive experience in campaigns, advocacy, messaging and media relations, we are passionate about helping clients win, make change and fight for a better world.

MEET THE TEAM

BG ADVOCACY

Bryson Gillette Advocacy (BG Advocacy) is an independent partner agency that focuses specifically on government advocacy and public affairs, complementing Bryson Gillette’s broader communications services. BG Advocacy will combine traditional lobbying and advocacy with a full suite of communications services offered by Bryson Gillette, leveraging their expertise in narrative development and storytelling—key elements for driving policy and movement change. This cross-functional approach enables us to deliver everything our clients need to achieve their goals.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BG ADVOCACY

We all do better when we all do better.

– Paul Wellstone

LET'S MAKE A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER.

We are here to deliver results. Call us or fill out the form below to get started today.

Bryson Gillette is not a registered lobbyist and does not provide lobbying services. All lobbying services will be provided exclusively by BG Advocacy and BG Advocacy team members.

DAMARA CATLETT

Senior Vice President

damara@brysongillette.com

With nearly two decades of experience in issue campaign strategy, lobbying, strategic communications, and corporate third-party engagement, Damara Catlett brings a thoughtful and creative approach to her work managing a broad portfolio of clients in tech, media, civil rights, and social justice. Damara was a government affairs principal at the Raben Group for 13 years, leading cutting edge issue campaigns. She worked with Airbnb during the company's nascent years to build its strategy around domestic lobbying, strategic communications, and partner engagement. She spearheaded efforts for We Must Count, drawing national attention to the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color. She helped manage the Second Chance on Shoot First campaign, which brought national awareness to Stand Your Ground laws following the shooting of Trayvon Martin. She led a multi-state civic engagement campaign for the National Urban League that reached over 350,000 African American voters. Damara got her start working as a client strategies manager at Winning Connections, where she managed voter contact campaigns for nonprofits, political party organizations, and candidates, including the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. She is a board member of the Voter Participation Center, a member of the National Institute for Lobbying Ethics's AI Task Force, an advisory board member for the Center for Democracy and Technology, was a New Leaders Council Institute Fellow, and served on the inaugural Kennedy Center Culture Caucus, where she worked with afrofuturists forecasting emerging tech policy issues through the arts.

Damara resides in Washington, D.C. with her fiance. Outside of work you can find Damara running, hiking or camping.

GARRETT ARWA

Senior Vice President | Head of Political

garrett@brysongillette.com

Garrett Arwa has over 15 years of successful experience working on campaigns and with cause-based organizations. He most recently served as the interim executive director of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee. He led the NDRC’s post-redistricting pivot to support pro-democracy candidates in the 2022 midterm elections, expanding its work into protecting election administration and preparing the organization for the fall U.S. Supreme Court term with two consequential redistricting cases before the court. Garrett has served in previous leadership roles at the For Our Future PAC and For Our Future Action Fund (FOF), NextGen Climate, and the Michigan Democratic Party.

Outside of the office, Garrett is an avid cook, will dance just about anywhere (especially department stores), can be found walking while listening to an audiobook, and loves to go on adventures with his wife Emily and their pug Franklin.

SETH LITT

Vice President

seth@brysongillette.com

Seth Litt is a strategist, communicator and doer who has spent 20 years bringing people together to build capacity and develop strategy to solve complex challenges. Equally skilled at media relations, brand-building, activating coalitions, and digital engagement, Seth employs every tool at his disposal to help his clients – from innovative national nonprofits to leading technology companies – expand their imagination of what is possible and then achieve their goals. Seth is also a seasoned nonprofit executive whose work has strengthened public education and empowered disenfranchised communities. He has organized marginalized families in Los Angeles to secure historic policy victories increasing access to high quality schools. He co-founded an organization that raised and distributed funds to over 4,000 families during the height of the pandemic. Seth founded a public high school in the South Bronx for young people who deserve a fair shot at happiness and success after being impacted by the criminal legal system.

Seth and his wife Lucy live in Washington DC with their two Australian Shepherds, Zeus and Lefty.

KATHERINE PROVINS

Executive Assistant

katherine @brysongillette.com

Katherine Provins provides administrative support on a wide variety of projects for Bryson Gillette, including project management, client relations, finance, operations, and event planning.

Katherine is a Chicago native now living in Los Angeles. Outside of the office, you will find her at the dog park, hiking with her Boxer puppy, or spending time with her daughter.

ANNA WOOD

Senior Director | Enterprise Operations

anna@brysongillette.com

Anna Wood manages Bryson Gillette’s internal operations and is thrilled to be part of the firm’s strategic growth. Anna wears many hats at Bryson Gillette, and is passionate about building smart, efficient processes that increase her colleagues’ impact. Prior to joining Bryson Gillette, Anna worked as the strategic operations manager at Los Angeles’ Central City Association. She also led organizing teams for youth voter mobilization and issue advocacy efforts as regional organizing manager at New Era Colorado.

Outside of work you can find Anna exploring LA with her husband, packing the car for a weekend trip, or cuddling with her cats at home, tea or cocktail in hand.

JESSICA TAYLOR

Director | People Operations

jess@brysongillette.com

Jess Taylor provides strategic operations and human resources support to help scale team impact. She has served both political campaigns and public affairs clients through a variety of duties, including project management, media tracking, a variety of writing duties, and an array of production responsibilities. Prior to joining Bryson Gillette, Jess managed organizing teams and special projects for statewide and national political campaigns, including Senator Elizabeth Warren’s senate re-election campaign and presidential bid, and the Democratic ticket in New Hampshire in 2020.

Jess lives in Atlanta with her partner, Anna, where they’re aiming to try all of the delicious food, dance to lots of live music, and immerse themselves in the city’s legacy of activism.

RISA SUNAKAWA

Senior Manager

risa@brysongillette.com

Risa Sunakawa has quickly developed a specialty in tech reform, handling project management and a variety of writing projects for nonprofit and private sector clients working to transform social media and the digital landscape for the common good. She was part of the team that helped secure groundbreaking California legislation implementing landmark online safety regulations for children. She also helped elect a first-time member of the L.A. County Board of Supervisors. Prior to joining Bryson Gillette, Risa worked with multiple nonprofits to increase voter registration and civic engagement in Utah, including one focusing on the AAPI community. She also created a web platform that helped Missourians safely and easily request absentee ballots during the 2020 election season.

Risa is a Yankees fan, but will root for the Angels for Ohtani. In her free time, she likes pretending like she knows about wine.

SLOANE PERRY

Senior Manager

sloane@brysongillette.com

Sloane Perry handles project management, media tracking, a variety of writing duties including op-eds and website content, and an array of production responsibilities for Bryson Gillette’s political and public affairs clients. She has helped re-elect L.A. Unified Board of Education members and is now working to elect a first-time Congressmember. She was part of the team that helped secure California’s first-in-the-nation law to reduce single-use plastics. Sloane helped create and implement paid media for Measure LA, a historic bond measure that will invest $5 billion to prepare students for 21st century careers. She also supported Caroline Simmons’ successful mayor campaign in Stamford, Connecticut and our global media work with Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen. Previously, Sloane served as a researcher at Unite America and did field work for the 2020 Democratic campaign in Colorado.

Sloane spends most of her free time outside hiking, skiing, at the beach, or playing with her dog, Fig.

REBECCA PEARCEY

Partner | Political Communications

rebecca@brysongillette.com

One of the most accomplished political operatives in the country, Rebecca Pearcey works on local, state, and national political campaigns at Bryson Gillette. In 2022, she led the paid media strategy to elect Pennsylvania's first African American Congresswoman, Summer Lee, and advised more than 20 candidates throughout the cycle. Prior to joining Bryson Gillette, Rebecca served as political director and senior advisor for Senator Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign, where she led a flood-all-zones strategy and oversaw staff teams in all 57 states and territories. Her work for Sen. Warren included overseeing ballot access operation, delegate recruitment and operations, advising on external communications strategy, surrogate and principal scheduling, and briefing the candidate on a daily basis. In 2018, as director of the national independent expenditure campaign for the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, Rebecca played a crucial role in flipping over 400 legislative seats and eight chambers. During her 20-year career, she has steered hundreds of campaigns across the country, including running a U.S. Senate race in Ohio and a gubernatorial race in Indiana. Outside of her career, Rebecca is committed to mentoring and training diverse young talent in strategic campaign management through the Blue Leadership Collaborative. Her dedication to fostering fresh talent has earned her numerous accolades, including being named a Fellow at Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service in 2021. A native of Oregon, Rebecca is now based in Washington DC.

If Rebecca hasn’t missed her flight, she is probably tweeting about how close she’s calling it and offering travel tips on Twitter.

JASON MANDELL

Senior Director

jason@brysongillette.com

Jason Mandell helps changemakers and organizational leaders deepen their impact through persuasive messaging, powerful storytelling, and the strategic deployment of resources. A skilled writer, creative thinker and experienced media strategist, Jason positions his clients to increase their exposure, influence public opinion, and change policy. Over the years, he has secured coverage in countless outlets, from the New York Times to Politico; scripted everything from brand videos to op-eds to speeches; and provided media coaching for everyone from CEOs and elected officials to teachers and farmers. His proudest moments at Bryson Gillette including helping to launch a national climate coalition advocating for regenerative agriculture; shepherding a national paid advertising campaign pressuring Congress to pass voting rights legislation; creating consumer-friendly messaging for a housing startup and an innovative crowdfunding platform; and significantly expanding the media footprint of the nation’s largest and oldest scholarship provider to Indigenous students. A former reporter, Jason has served as a communications director for nonprofits advocating for better schools, economic justice, and solutions to homelessness.

Jason and his partner Ellie live in Pasadena and enjoy hiking, eating, bossa nova, and the occasional healthy debate.

JACQUELINE LEE RIVERA

Senior Director

jacqueline@brysongillette.com

Jacqueline Lee Rivera has more than a decade of experience developing and managing award-winning campaigns for feature films, global nonprofit organizations, and Fortune 100 companies tackling some of the most pressing issues of our time. Most recently, she led a rebrand for the country’s largest and oldest direct scholarship provider to Native students, that increased the organization’s average annual media impressions, and she led the national launch of an unprecedented coalition of farmers, food companies and environmental advocates championing climate-friendly agriculture practices. Previously, she served as an impact producer leading social impact campaigns for feature films and television such as Academy Award-winner American Factory; NAACP Image Awards Best Documentary winner John Lewis: Good Trouble; and the acclaimed docuseries America To Me. Jacqueline also has experience leading international humanitarian and disaster relief communications during the Syrian Refugee Crisis and the Nepal Earthquake of 2015 and developing cause marketing campaigns in partnership with Microsoft YouthSpark and Gucci’s Chime For Change.

Jacqueline is passionate about the power of storytelling to open hearts and minds and can be found watching the latest films, sampling new restaurants, and attending concerts across Los Angeles.

RAÚL HERNÁNDEZ

Vice President | People

raul@brysongillette.com

With a knack for making strategic connections between people, programs, and resources, Raúl Hernández builds capacity in teams and institutions to maximize impact. A former educator with nearly 20 years of experience in education reform and talent development, Raúl oversees all things human resources at Bryson Gillette. He has expertise in designing and delivering learning experiences that resonate with audiences. Prior to joining Bryson Gillette, Raúl led alumni and corps member work for Teach For America Los Angeles for over 10 years. He supported a network of over 3,600 leaders across a variety of industries in Southern California through program partnerships, facilitating leadership development, talent matching, and ongoing engagement. Previously, Raúl spent eight years as a public school classroom teacher in Baltimore and Boston.

Raul lives with his wife, Rohini, and their two little girls. You can find him spending time with his family, going on walks with their dogs, or on the course trying to become a scratch golfer.

SHIRA FINE

Partner | Head of Strategic Communications

shira@brysongillette.com

The head of Bryson Gillette’s public affairs department, Shira Fine creates audacious, award-winning communication campaigns for high-impact, high-profile organizations and individuals working to change the world. She helps brands tell their stories and creates paths to success for impactful progressive causes. A creative thinker who is fluent in comprehensive communications strategy, digital engagement, media relations, branding and messaging, Shira designs bespoke campaigns to achieve clients’ goals. Her proudest achievements include advising the social impact campaign for Netflix’s Oscar-nominated, ceiling-shattering documentary Crip Camp; elevating the media profile of the largest homeless services and advocacy organization in California; and teaching lawmakers about the benefits of regenerative agriculture.

On the weekends, she can be found hiking in Griffith Park, wandering on the beach or discovering new playgrounds with her husband and two sons.

AREF AZIZ

Director

aref@brysongillette.com

Aref Aziz is a seasoned marketing expert, digital strategist and campaign consultant who creates innovative, customized solutions for some of his clients’ greatest challenges. Those clients have included leading tech companies, groundbreaking legislative efforts and successful political campaigns. Aref designed and and implemented the first multi-channel consumer marketing program for a next-gen, privacy-by-design social network. His digital programs helped secure the passage of Measure LA – a historic bond measure that will invest $5 billion to prepare students for 21st century careers – and California’s first-in-the-nation law to reduce single-use plastics. In 2022, Aref ran digital operations for the independent expenditure campaigns of the Sacramento Central Labor Council and Los Angeles Central Labor Council. The same year, Aref managed all digital and mail for L.A. Unified Board Member Nick Melvoin’s successful re-election campaign. Prior to joining Bryson Gillette, Aref served as a campaign consultant on some of California's most contentious statewide races. He worked with the political teams of Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, Treasurer Emeritus John Chiang, and a handful of state and local ballot propositions. Through ballot measures, Aref has helped raise nearly $15 billion in generated and expected revenue for infrastructure investments throughout California.

Outside of work, Aref enjoys hiking, photography, and tending to his garden.

PAUL BEAN

Designer

paul@brysongillette.com

A British designer who’s hopped the pond and is obsessed by clever, considered, beautiful typography, created digitally or by hand, Paul Bean gently pushes each project as far as it can go, to live up to its potential. His expertise is in stripping away the nonessentials to make the communication as powerful as possible. Paul was trained in branding and print design at Kingston University, London, where he won a D&AD New Blood Award before joining the prestigious product design agency SeymourPowell, where he trained under Richard Seymour. While running Delivery of Thought, a small design studio, Paul worked with a wide variety of clients from The Prince’s Trust, Unilever, Freedom From Torture, Puma and Adidas (not at the same time!). Since then, he has been busy designing branding, websites, digital and print ads, policy reports, and a wide range of collateral for all types of clients, from political candidates and advocacy organizations to Fortune 100 corporations and education institutions.

Paul and his wife, Becky, have lived in both New York City and Seattle, and are now settled in Santa Barbara with their beautiful daughter, Poppy.

EMILY SCHWARTZ

Partner | Strategic Communications

emily@brysongillette.com

A national expert in social media reform, Emily Schwartz has worked at the intersection of technology, business and policy for nearly 15 years. She led the media and communications strategy for Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, creating and managing an unprecedented international media consortium. She helped secure the passage of groundbreaking legislation in California requiring tech companies to prioritize children’s safety and privacy. She has shepherded clients through high-pressure opportunities, from congressional and Parliamentary testimonies to SXSW appearances, from interviews with the New York Times and Vanity Fair to segments on CBS’ 60 Minutes and HBO’s Real Time With Bill Maher. Prior to joining Bryson Gillette, she led Uber’s global data sharing policy, advising the company on regulatory issues regarding privacy and mobility data. Drawing on her leadership experience in the tech sector, as well as stints at the World Trade Organization and the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, Emily helps her clients win over the media, legislators and the public.

Emily lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three baby boys.

KASEY POULIN

Senior Director | Strategic Operations and Paid Media Production

kasey@brysongillette.com

Kasey Poulin leads the firm’s paid media and production work. From video production, ad buying all the way to direct mail, Kasey helps to shepherd our political and public affairs clients through the process of creating compelling paid media content from beginning to end. Previously, she was national travel manager for Senator Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign and before that served on Warren’s successful U.S. Senate re-election campaign. Kasey began her career as a field organizer for Jay González’s gubernatorial campaign in Massachusetts.

Kasey and her wife Annie live in Worcester, Massachusetts, where they enjoy getting involved in local political races.

MARCOS RODRIGUEZ

Senior Director

marcos@brysongillette.com

A skillful writer, bilingual media expert, paid media strategist, crisis advisor, and campaign manager, Marcos Rodriguez Maciel does it all in service of a truly diverse spectrum of clients. Marcos’ advocacy campaign for a survivor of abuse by a church leader yielded sweeping coverage, from NPR to the Associated Press to the L.A. Times. He has designed communications and digital engagement strategies for top tech companies and drafted speeches for leaders of some of the country’s largest governmental organizations. Marcos’ op-eds have appeared in top publications like the Washington Post and USA Today. He has also guided candidates through highly competitive races, from statewide to Congress to school board, designing comprehensive paid media plans, executing complex mail plans, and developing Spanish and bilingual ads. From helping elect Congressmember Josh Harder to turning out Spanish-speaking voters in Arizona during the 2020 election to re-electing L.A. Unified Board President Kelly Gonez, Marcos leverages polling, research, and creativity to help candidates win.

Outside of work, Marcos loves to travel and often spends his weekends outside of Los Angeles. He also enjoys trying new restaurants and knows the best spots in L.A.

BILL BURTON

Founding Partner | Chief Executive Officer

bill@brysongillette.com

Bill Burton is a renowned political and communications strategist who has worked as a senior adviser to some of the nation’s most influential political leaders, corporations, advocacy organizations, and nonprofits. After serving as national press secretary for then-Senator Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, Bill became a senior adviser and deputy press secretary during President Obama’s first term in the White House. For over two decades, he has shepherded hundreds of candidates in races across the country, while also driving national communications campaigns on the biggest issues of our time, from climate change and education reform to voting rights and racial justice. A natural communicator who simplifies complicated ideas and designs strategies that break through the noise, Bill empowers leaders and organizations large and small to communicate with authenticity and build lasting relationships with their audiences.

Since 2015, Bill has made Santa Barbara his home with his wife Kelly Ward Burton and three kids, Oscar, Emma, and Miles. Bill loves playing guitar and teaching his son to play basketball.

Proud winners of PRovoke Media's 2022 North American New Agency of the Year and Best Public Affairs Campaign

DELIVERING EXCELLENCE IN:CAMPAIGNS|PUBLIC AFFAIRS|STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS|BRANDING & ADVERTISING|MEDIA RELATIONS

WHAT WE DO

STRATEGICCOMMUNICATIONS

Political Movements and Campaigns

Paid Advertising Strategy

WHO WE ARE

BG ADVOCACY

– Paul Wellstone

LET'S MAKE A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER.

DAMARA CATLETT

Senior Vice President

GARRETT ARWA

Senior Vice President | Head of Political

SETH LITT

Vice President

KATHERINE PROVINS

Executive Assistant

ANNA WOOD

Senior Director | Enterprise Operations

JESSICA TAYLOR

Director | People Operations

RISA SUNAKAWA

Senior Manager

SLOANE PERRY

Senior Manager

REBECCA PEARCEY

Partner | Political Communications

JASON MANDELL

Senior Director

JACQUELINE LEE RIVERA

Senior Director

RAÚL HERNÁNDEZ

Vice President | People

SHIRA FINE

Partner | Head of Strategic Communications

AREF AZIZ

Director

PAUL BEAN

Designer

EMILY SCHWARTZ

Partner | Strategic Communications

KASEY POULIN

Senior Director | Strategic Operations and Paid Media Production

MARCOS RODRIGUEZ

Senior Director

BILL BURTON

Founding Partner | Chief Executive Officer

STRATEGIC
COMMUNICATIONS