ZOE KASS

FELLOW

Zoe is a communications specialist with experience in advocacy, coalition-building, and public engagement. Her prior work spans correspondence and constituent communications at the White House and public health policy research. An avid language learner, she uses communication to forge unexpected connections.

JILL IREDALE

FELLOW

jillian.iredale@brysongillette.com

Jillian is a communications specialist with a background in journalism and political science. Her prior experience spans media relations and content development for political candidates, nonprofits, school boards, and hospital associations, as well as editorial work for an international music magazine.

ANNAMARIA DE LA TORRE

FELLOW

annamaria@brysongillette.com

Annamaria is a strategic marketing and media relations specialist. Her prior research and focus areas include urban planning, environmental justice, Latino communities and policy, youth voter mobilization, and sustainability advocacy. A lifelong Angeleno, she brings a local perspective to her work.

DARYLE SHARPE

Director, Political

daryle@brysongillette.com

Daryle Sharpe is a senior digital strategist with over a decade of experience leading integrated social media and digital communications across political campaigns, nonprofit organizations, and media platforms. He has overseen high-impact digital programs at both the national and state level, including serving as Digital Director for the Harris for President campaign in Nevada, where he led strategic messaging, audience growth, and rapid-response communications during a critical election cycle.

Daryle brings a leadership-driven approach to digital, specializing in building scalable content systems, shaping narrative strategy, and driving engagement with diverse and underrepresented audiences. His work sits at the intersection of culture, politics, and media, with a focus on translating complex issues into clear, compelling campaigns that move people to action.

Originally from Newport News, Virginia and now based in Los Angeles, Daryle mentors youth athletes through basketball and values time spent with friends and family.

JADE FLOYD

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT | PUBLIC AFFAIRS

jade@brysongillette.com

Jade Floyd brings 20 years of strategic communications experience guiding corporate leaders, philanthropies, investment firms, and sports organizations building movements and shaping culture. She is a trusted advisor to C-suite executives helping elevate their thought leadership, earning coverage in outlets like the New York Times, CNBC, Bloomberg, Wall Street Journal, and Fortune. Her clients have taken the stage at the world's most influential gatherings — from Fortune Most Powerful Women, to the Wall Street Journal's Future of Everything, Forbes Iconoclast and the World Congress of Sports. Before joining Bryson Gillette, Jade served as Executive Vice President at a global communications firm and as Vice President of Communications at the Case Foundation and Revolution Venture Capital. She is the author of The Leadership Labyrinth: Women Navigating Power and Purpose in a Changing World and is an adjunct professor in the graduate school at George Washington University.

You typically can find her on a wellness retreat somewhere in the world, attempting to grow a green thumb in her garden, or grilling on the patio unleashing her inner-Texan.

MISCHA RAJENDIRAN

Manager, Paid Media & Production Operations Manager

mischa@brysongillette.com

Mischa Rajendiran is a production and media operations professional with eight years of experience producing video content across television and digital platforms. She previously managed production operations at Disney Television, supporting both scripted and unscripted content, and oversaw production at YouTube’s studio space, collaborating with creators to develop short-form content. Mischa is passionate about guiding projects from concept to completion and thrives on collaborating with cross-functional teams throughout the production process.

She has a degree in Sociology from UCLA and currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband. She loves to cook, go to the movies, and spend as much time at the beach as possible.

MAEKARA KEOPANAPAY

MANAGER

maekara@brysongillette.com

Maekara Keopanapay brings experience in strategic communications, media relations, and project management across the government, private, and think tank sectors to her clients at Bryson Gillette. Most recently, she served as a government contractor supporting the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Afghanistan Affairs, where she worked on Afghan immigration and relocation efforts to the United States. Previously, she supported media engagement and secured national and international coverage on behalf of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Maekara holds an M.A. in Security Studies with a focus on international security from Georgetown University and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Washington. She is originally from Washington State and is based in the D.C. area. In her free time, she enjoys trying new restaurants, listening to K-pop, and cheering for the Seattle Seahawks.

IMALI BANDARA

SENIOR DIRECTOR | BG ADVOCACY

imali@brysongillette.com

Imali is an experienced strategist whose background ranges from roles in philanthropy, communications, public affairs, and consulting. She brings expertise in philanthropy, civil and human rights, and public policy to help her clients navigate policy environments and develop their advocacy strategies. As a Director in the Issue Campaigns practice area at a previous firm, Imali led teams for clients focused on tech accountability and racial justice, and provided guidance to various philanthropic organizations on strategic planning, programs, and communications. She also worked on campaigns, conducted research, and built partnerships focused on a range of issues from immigration and public health to education and diversity, equity and inclusion.

Imali also helped support the work of human rights organizations around the world through her role at Wellspring Philanthropic Fund’s International Human Rights Program, where she co-managed a multimillion-dollar grantmaking portfolio and specialized in corporate accountability and human rights defenders’ work. She began her career at the United Nations Foundation, where she held roles in digital communications for global development campaigns focused on girls’ rights, malaria, and other UN causes.

Imali values using her range of skills in service of connecting organizations doing influential work on the ground with the right set of resources, connections, and advice to help them make greater impact.

RUTH THOMAS

DIRECTOR

ruth@brysongillette.com

Ruth is a public affairs and strategic communications strategist with more than 15 years of experience leading campaigns for corporations, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations. She has advanced economic and public policy priorities, mobilized millions of voters, and led media and influencer campaigns for national and global brands, including the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Brown-Forman, Warner Bros., and Netflix. At Bryson Gillette, she draws on her expertise in media strategy, brand storytelling, and stakeholder engagement to guide campaigns for foundations, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations.

Ruth lives in Los Angeles and enjoys Pilates, traveling, and spending time with her five-year-old Cavapoo, Dabdoub.

VICTORIA DELLACAVA

DIRECTOR

victoria@brysongillette.com

Victoria is a seasoned public relations strategist with over a decade of experience championing mission-driven initiatives and leaders. She has partnered with dozens of nonprofits, foundations, and advocacy organizations addressing some of the world’s most complex challenges, including climate change, public health, and racial justice. Her award-winning integrated communications and executive positioning campaigns help clients translate complex issues into compelling narratives—building trust, credibility, and engagement with key audiences locally and globally.

She holds an honors bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware. A native New Yorker and Brooklyn resident, Victoria can often be found at some of her favorite New York City institutions, including Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Heights Public Library, the Whitney Museum, and the Bronx Zoo.

SYDNEY OLAY

MANAGER

sydney@brysongillette.com

Sydney specializes in advocacy campaigns, developing and executing initiatives that advance legislation and shape public policy. She has led efforts on education, health equity, and civil rights, building strategies that mobilize communities and drive meaningful change. Sydney also supports clients by covering Congressional hearings and tracking appropriations to inform advocacy priorities.

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Sydney received a bachelor's degree in International Relations and a minor in Entrepreneurship from the University of Southern California. Outside of work, Sydney loves exploring new restaurants and traveling. She also enjoys working out and has recently taken up running.

COLLEEN DUNN

DIRECTOR

colleen@brysongillette.com

Colleen has more than a decade of strategic communications experience advising nonprofits, Fortune 500 CEOs, and major brands. She specializes in helping clients stand out in a crowded media landscape, combining creative storytelling with data-driven strategies to ensure every campaign drives results. Career highlights include leading a $1 million dollar giving campaign for nonprofit No Kid Hungry in partnership with McCormick and Drew Barrymore, launching wine in a can, and a few crisis moments that she successfully kept from making any news at all.

In her free time you can find Colleen reading, hiking Griffith Park with her dog Cooper and traveling as much as she can.

JILLIAN HEGEDUS

DIRECTOR

jillian@brysongillette.com

Jillian is a public affairs strategist who specializes in earned media, crisis communications, and messaging that grabs audiences’ attention. During her 12-year career she has guided diverse clients, from energy companies to homeless service providers, through political challenges while elevating their profiles and helping them advance their missions. Jillian’s media engagement work for Hope the Mission has secured hundreds of local and national stories and positioned the organization as the preeminent thought leader on homelessness in Los Angeles County.

Jillian lives in Los Angeles with her two dogs, Spud and Mochi, and enjoys watching the Dodgers, running, hiking, and telling everyone who will listen why Los Angeles is the greatest city in the world. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Middle Eastern Media Communication and Arabic Studies from Texas A&M University and a masters degree in Public Diplomacy from the University of Southern California. On the weekends, you can find her at the dog park playing fetch with Spud and trying to convince Mochi that dog parks are fun.

SHRUTI VADADA

Bryson Gillette Fellow

shruti@brysongillette.com

Shruti Vadada (she/her) recently graduated from George Washington University with a BA in Public Affairs, Philosophy and Business. At GW, Shruti explored the intersections of media, law, and social impact. Her work outside the classroom included serving as managing director of the GW Undergraduate Law Review, researching justice policy at her local district attorney’s office, and authoring an article on intellectual property rights for the Center for Art Law. She has worked with several arts and justice nonprofits on strategic communications to advance cultural and legal equity. Shruti is passionate about using storytelling and advocacy to uplift marginalized voices, support creative rights, and influence meaningful policy change.

Born and raised in New York, Shruti has loved making Washington, D.C. her second home and is always exploring new neighborhoods, bookstores, and bakeries. She also enjoys traveling, playing tennis, reading novels, and watching movies in her free time.

DANNELA LAGRIMAS

FELLOW

dannela@brysongillette.com

Dannela supports Bryson Gillette’s public affairs and political verticals, advancing communications for advocacy, education, and tech reform initiatives. She has advised a first-time Congressional candidate and helped manage coalitions connecting community and industry stakeholders. She brings expertise in writing and media relations from her work with global brands, nonprofits, and grassroots initiatives.

Dannela is particularly interested in how storytelling can mobilize communities and drive change, especially in education, tech reform, and grassroots politics. Outside of work, she enjoys dominating at trivia nights, adding to her expansive set of pop culture knowledge, and hunting for the best (and greenest!) matcha lattes around LA.

AALIYAH GUZMAN

FELLOW

aaliyah@brysongillette.com

Aaliyah supports Bryson Gillette’s public affairs vertical, advancing strategic communications and media campaigns for nonprofit initiatives and policy advocacy. She has also managed crisis communications and outreach strategies for nonprofit initiatives in social justice and child safety. She brings expertise in political communication and media relations from her experience at cultural institutions, advocacy organizations, and legislative offices.

When she's not crafting compelling communications strategies, you can find Aaliyah experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, listening to her extensive record collection, or catching the latest shows at DC's vibrant arts venues.

DIANA DOLEZALOVA

FELLOW

diana.dolezalova@brysongillette.com

Diana supports Bryson Gillette’s public affairs vertical, advancing tech reform and homelessness initiatives. She has also advised on earned media strategy in California’s lawsuits against the Trump administration’s assault on democratic values and justice. She brings expertise in communications and media relations from her previous experience at public policy think tanks.

In her spare time, she enjoys trying out new cafes in Los Angeles, playing pickleball, and gaming.

OLIVIA STEIN

MANAGER

olivia@brysongillette.com

Olivia brings experience in political campaigns and public affairs to her work with nonprofit, advocacy, and philanthropic clients. She is passionate about crafting narratives that resonate and ensuring the right message reaches the right audience – especially in high-stakes moments. Olivia’s work helps to build coalitions, translate complex policy landscapes, and drive impact through clear, compelling storytelling.

Olivia is a proud alum of Tulane University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Political Science and a minor in Philosophy. She recently moved from D.C. to Los Angeles and is excited to explore a new city!

ESABELLA ROJAS

MANAGER

esabella@brysongillette.com

Esabella supports work in Bryson GIllette’s public affairs and paid media verticals. She brings a strong background in nonprofit communications and AI legislation, leveraging her expertise to shape impactful narratives and advance public policy initiatives. Esabella focuses on client management and ensuring their stories reach their target audiences, drawing on her fluency in Spanish for clients looking to engage Spanish language media markets.

Esabella is a native Angeleno based out of our Los Angeles office. When she isn't working you can find her training for the next marathon, walking her dog, or enjoying the beach.

KELLY GIBSON

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT | PAID MEDIA & POLITICAL COMMUNICATIONS

kelly@brysongillette.com

Kelly is a nationally recognized political strategist and communications expert with over 20 years of winning campaigns that shape policy and elect leaders at every level, from city hall to the U.S. Senate. She has steered high-stakes issue advocacy and electoral efforts, delivered Medicaid expansion victories in Oklahoma, Missouri, and South Dakota, and led frontline battles to protect abortion rights in Kentucky and Nebraska. Kelly has guided some of the nation’s most influential Independent Expenditure campaigns, including EMILY’s List Women Vote, HMP, and 314 Action, helping secure hundreds of races nationwide. With experience in 48 states, across every media platform and ad type, she is one of the most trusted and effective strategists in the field.

Kelly lives in Takoma Park, Maryland, with her two boys, and her forever partner Caleb. Originally from Buffalo, she is undyingly #BillsMafia and brings that level of table-breaking fandom to her kids' sporting events — much to their embarrassment.

NICOLE KOZLOWSKI

DIRECTOR

nicole@brysongillette.com

Nicole provides data-driven solutions to address clients’ issues and strategic needs. She uses research to inform communications and provide strategic guidance to clients advancing important causes, including K-12 funding, higher education access, AI safety, paid leave, guaranteed childcare, and clean energy policy. She has extensive experience with both quantitative and qualitative methodologies and works closely with clients to find the best ways to move their cause, issue, or campaign forward.

Nicole is from Michigan (Go Blue!) but now lives in Seattle, where she enjoys exploring bookstores to find a good book for the rainy days, enjoying the outdoors and looking for Mount Rainier on the clear days, and spending time with friends and family.

RAHEL ASNAKEW

Senior Associate I Operations

rahel@brysongillette.com

Rahel Asnakew brings a strong background in operations and process improvement to Bryson Gillette. Drawing on her experience in operations at a global recruiting firm, she helps design and implement efficient systems that boost team performance and drive meaningful impact. Rahel has optimized team workflows through process improvements, leveraging her attention to detail, task-streamlining expertise, and adaptability. She thrives in collaborative environments and is passionate about developing innovative solutions that align with both team and company goals. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri and now based in Los Angeles, she enjoys exploring new hiking trails, planning her next travel adventure, and discovering coffee shops around the city.

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri and now based in Los Angeles, she enjoys exploring new hiking trails, planning her next travel adventure, and discovering coffee shops around the city.

CARLIN SCRUDATO

Senior Director I Public Affairs

carlin@brysongillette.com

Carlin is an experienced strategist with a diverse background spanning roles at startups, the U.S. Senate, and leadership positions at Meta. She brings an insider’s knowledge of tech companies to her work with clients who are challenging the tech sector to act more ethically and responsibly. At CrowdTangle, Carlin worked to combat election misinformation in Latin America, assisting journalists, academics, researchers, and various industries in monitoring social media trends. She also supported global health organizations, nonprofits, and intergovernmental institutions with data analysis and messaging during the pandemic. She has helped companies navigate privacy, policy, legal, civil rights, responsible AI, data science, and ethics issues. A seasoned team leader and project manager who has collaborated with everyone from content creators to government officials, Carlin has also championed women’s health, gender-affirming care, and diversity efforts within her organizations. In addition to her tech and policy work, Carlin has bridged gaps in venture capital and is committed to shaping the future of innovation and equity.

A graduate of California State University, San Bernardino, and a former college soccer athlete, Carlin resides on the West Coast with her partner. She enjoys cooking and playing futevôlei.

PAIGE LAZARUS

DIRECTOR

paige@brysongillette.com

Paige is a storyteller and social change strategist with over a decade of experience leading campaigns across corporations, philanthropies, nonprofits, and government. She has advanced voting rights, strengthened local communities, and advised several racial justice groups – managing communications for organizations like Color of Change, Black Voters Matter, The Hub Project, and Citizens Committee for New York City. At Bryson Gillette, she draws on her journalism background and creativity to guide campaigns for foundations and social justice nonprofits.

Paige is a graduate of the Reynolds Journalism Institute at the University of Missouri where she studied broadcast journalism, Spanish and multicultural studies. She lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband, enjoys sourcing and playing vinyl records, and is a RYT200 certified yoga instructor.

EVELYN DREWS

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

evelyn@brysongillette.com

Evelyn supports Bryson Gillette’s public affairs work, advancing initiatives in tech reform, philanthropy, health equity, and education. She brings expertise in project management, research, media relations, and crisis communications to help clients successfully execute strategies, build coalitions, secure earned media coverage, and engage audiences to achieve meaningful impact.

Evelyn is originally from the Chicago area and is looking forward to exploring new parts of Los Angeles. She also enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with friends in her free time.

JASON NOBLE

SENIOR DIRECTOR

jason.noble@brysongillette.com

A proven communicator with a journalist’s skill for finding the story, Jason helps public affairs clients build narratives and share them with the world. He worked as a reporter for 12 years before taking on senior communications roles in national political organizations, state and federal legislative offices, and candidate campaigns. At Bryson Gillette, Jason has developed a speciality in tech accountability — working with policy experts, technologists, and families experiencing AI harms to share their stories and fight for change. He excels at simplifying the complicated and matching stories that need to be told to the audience that needs to hear them.

Jason lives in Des Moines, Iowa, with his wife and two kids. Come visit!

DAMARA CATLETT

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT | BG ADVOCACY

damara@brysongillette.com

Damara brings nearly two decades of experience leading issue campaigns, lobbying efforts, and strategic communications initiatives that drive meaningful change. She has advised major brands, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations across technology, media, civil rights, and social justice, helping them navigate complex policy environments and strengthen their public impact. Damara has led initiatives such as We Must Count and Second Chance on Shoot First, and has overseen large-scale civic engagement programs that reached hundreds of thousands of voters. In her role as Executive Vice President of BG Advocacy, Damara provides cross-functional expertise in advocacy campaigns, partnerships, and policy communications, developing tailored strategies to help clients amplify their most important messages.

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

LINDSEY MEARS

SENIOR DIRECTOR | BG INSIGHTS

lindsey@brysongillette.com

Lindsey is a research-driven strategist specializing in message development, audience segmentation, viability testing, and reputation management. She brings a data-driven, audience-focused approach to clients across sectors, including Native Corporations, unions, education, energy, finance, and government, as well as political campaigns and ballot initiatives. Mode-agnostic in her methods, Lindsey tailors research to client goals and is a RIVA-trained focus group moderator with extensive national experience.

Lindsey grew up in Colorado and currently resides in Seattle. If she’s not on a mountainside looking for views, you can find her by the water with her husband and dog hoping for a seal or whale sighting.

ROY LOEWENSTEIN

Senior Director I Public Affairs

roy@brysongillette.com

Roy Loewenstein joins Bryson Gillette with nearly a decade of strategic communications experience in the Biden-Harris Administration, both chambers of Congress, and on political campaigns at the federal, state, and local level. Most recently, he served as Press Secretary at the U.S. Department of Education, leading communications strategy for the Administration's student debt relief initiatives and its work to fix the student loan system as well as all congressional oversight matters involving the Department.

Prior to joining the Biden-Harris Administration, Roy served as a top spokesman for U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.) during some of the most tumultuous and productive congressional moments in recent years, including two Presidential impeachment trials, the COVID-19 pandemic, and passage of the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Some of Roy’s other past lives include serving as Communications Director for the Montana Democratic Party, Press Secretary for former Congresswoman Nita Lowey (NY-17), a crew leader for the Montana Conservation Corps helping rebuild trails in northwest Montana and Idaho, and as a camp counselor in Pennsylvania, which is still the most fun he’s ever had.

Roy spends his free time looking for excuses to drive across the country, watching movies, and trying to explain to people who aren’t familiar with Washington, DC what an English basement is.

EMILY CHING

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

emily.ching@brysongillette.com

Emi supports work in Bryson Gillette’s research and insights verticals. She brings expertise in data quality assurance and analysis, vendor management, and report development to develop actionable insights for clients. Emi’s work helps to advance education, AI safety, and the interests of minority communities, as well as advise a variety of local candidates and ballot measures.

Originally from Honolulu, Emi now lives in Los Angeles where you can find her searching for the best coffee shops, taking dance classes at the local studios, and trying to keep up with her infinite to-read list.

MICHAEL KURTZ

DIRECTOR

michael.kurtz@brysongillette.com

Michael brings over 15 years of experience leading progressive campaigns at the local, state, and national levels. He has created advertising campaigns for nonprofits focused on education and AI safety. Before joining Bryson Gillette, he served as a political advisor to Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, directed a presidential campaign in Michigan, advised a successful statewide ballot initiative, and managed a congressional race in a red-to-blue district. Michael began his career on President Obama’s ’08 campaign and later helped raise millions for candidates nationwide.

Outside the office, Michael enjoys spending time camping and exploring new vegetarian recipes and restaurants. He currently resides in Michigan with his fiancé, Megan, and their cat, Lucy.

LARRY BROWNING

Partner | President

larry@brysongillette.com

Larry Browning serves as Bryson Gillette’s chief legal counsel and also leads on finance and strategic ventures. He is a graduate of Binghamton University and Cornell Law School and has spent the past 20 years in legal and business affairs working on complex and emerging corporate, technology, entertainment, and finance matters for both U.S. and international clients at various national law firms and major corporations. Larry excels in a fast-paced, fluid environment and enjoys collaborating to solve problems and build lasting partnerships.

Larry lives with his wife, Kelley, and their three kids in New Jersey, just outside NYC. Outside of work you can find Larry hanging with his family or hiking.

ASHLEY FRENCH

SENIOR MANAGER

ashley@brysongillette.com

Ashley supports work across Bryson Gillette’s public affairs, paid, political, and advocacy verticals. She has driven communications to advance education, health equity, and AI safety initiatives, and advised Congressional and statewide candidates on advertising and digital fundraising campaigns that mobilized supporters and elevated the candidates’ profiles.

Ashley is a born and raised Angeleno currently based in DC. Outside of work, you can find her at book club, watching Jeopardy, or rallying for trivia night.

MICKI DUNCAN

SENIOR DIRECTOR

micki@brysongillette.com

Micki brings a deep expertise in helping clients navigate complex public debates, communicate with clarity, and build influence with key stakeholders. She currently focuses on advising nonprofits and mission-driven organizations working to reduce the harms of social and digital media. Building on a decade of experience supporting political campaigns and global communications agencies, Micki is passionate about partnering with clients who challenge the status quo, build coalitions, and work toward a more equitable and inclusive future.

Micki lives in the Boston area, where she enjoys going on hikes with her dog Moose, snuggling with cat Moxie, gardening, and swimming in Walden Pond.

GARRETT ARWA

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT | HEAD OF PAID MEDIA & POLITICAL COMMUNICATIONS

garrett@brysongillette.com

Garrett brings nearly 20 years of political experience across state and national campaigns as Bryson Gillette’s Senior Vice President and Head of Paid Media and Political. He has managed multi-million dollar budgets and advised high-level stakeholders including Congressional leaders, labor leaders, and statewide elected officials. His most important work at BG to date was his pivotal role in electing Kyra Harris Bolden and Kimberly Ann Thomas to the Michigan Supreme Court in 2024. Previously, he served as interim executive director of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, handling political outreach and lobbying during the last redistricting in 2021. His expertise spans paid media, organizing, non-partisan voter education, issue advocacy, candidate campaigning, and independent expenditures . His work has touched over 30 states.

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 | PUBLIC AFFAIRS

seth@brysongillette.com

Seth 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. A seasoned nonprofit executive and educator, Seth has strengthened public education, organized families in Los Angeles to win historic policy victories, co-founded a fund that supported more than 4,000 families during the pandemic, and founded a public high school in the South Bronx for youth affected 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 is a communications strategist specializing in earned media, particularly in tech reform, environmental justice, and education. From gaining national coverage for emerging initiatives to preparing spokespeople for major media opportunities, she brings a knack for creative storytelling that drives impactful narratives.

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.

REBECCA PEARCEY

PARTNER | PAID MEDIA & POLITICAL COMMUNICATIONS

rebecca@brysongillette.com

Rebecca is one of the nation’s most respected political strategists, bringing 25 years of experience leading winning campaigns at the local, state and national levels. She develops innovative media and campaign strategies that help candidates win tough races. A former political director and senior advisor for Senator Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign, she has guided hundreds of races nationwide and played a pivotal role in flipping over 400 legislative seats in 2018. Rebecca is also a dedicated mentor, training emerging diverse leaders in strategic campaign management, blending her deep expertise with a commitment to building the next generation of political talent.

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

JACQUELINE LEE RIVERA

VVICE PRESIDENT

jacqueline@brysongillette.com

Jacqueline is a strategic communications leader who develops integrated campaigns that increase visibility, build influence, and advance mission-driven goals. She advises social impact organizations, cultural leaders, and global brands on aligning messaging, media, and partnerships to achieve measurable change. Her work bridges philanthropy, entertainment, and global brands to move ideas from strategy to concrete impact and has earned recognition from the Anthem Awards, Shorty Awards, and Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas Awards for excellence in social impact.

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

Shira leads the firm’s public affairs practice and has helped grow the company from 10 employees to more than 40 in a few short years. She specializes in launching new organizations and campaigns, guiding them from bold ideas to measurable impact. Shira advises foundations, nonprofits, and changemakers on strategy, media relations, branding, and crisis planning — helping philanthropic entities navigate emerging risks, designing crisis responses for hit television shows, and advancing responsible tech through XR for good and child safety campaigns. Her career highlights include spearheading Netflix’s Crip Camp social impact campaign and pressing technology companies to remove child sexual abuse material from their platforms. In 2026, she received both the PRWeek's Women of Distinction award and PRNews' Top Women in PR and Communications Changemaker award.

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.

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.

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

With a decade of experience working at the intersection of strategic communications and political consulting, Marcos helps organizations navigate politically charged environments. From building crisis playbooks to preparing advocates for congressional hearings, he has guided clients through high-stakes moments. Marcos has trained leaders of top tech, philanthropic, and public institutions, landed op-eds in the Washington Post and USA Today, and designed communications strategies that reach audiences in both English and Spanish.

Marcos has guided candidates up and down the ballot through competitive campaigns, from Congress to school boards. In the closing weeks of the 2024 campaign, he worked at the Pennsylvania headquarters of the Harris campaign, working with senior leadership to develop Election Day communications. Marcos develops paid media campaigns that persuade and turn out voters, creates bilingual ads, and leverages research, polling, 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 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.

Message Received: Back to School Edition

Published: September 3, 2025

Recess is over. Lawmakers are back in session, parents are back in carpools, and comms teams need to show their work.

Here’s your syllabus for the week ahead.

Parents Still Back Teachers, But Doubt the System

According to EdChoice’s latest summer polling, optimism in K–12 education has slipped since spring. Half of parents still think their local district is on the right track, but that confidence drops to 44% at the state level and just 37% nationally. Across the board, sentiment is down a few points from March.

This writer believes we’ll see drops in enrollment numbers again this year - and public schools need more funding and more marketing help than ever before.

Parents aren’t turning away from the system, they’re looking higher up the ladder. Large majorities believe the federal government should play a leading role in funding low-income schools (67%), supporting special education (65%), ensuring equal opportunity (63%), enforcing accountability (60%), and protecting civil rights (60%).

Key Takeaway: With just half of parents confident in local schools, demand is growing for stronger systemic support.

Paging Dr. TikTok: The New Public Health Authority

As students head back to classrooms, healthcare messaging is facing a test of its own, and one it’s struggling to pass. Trust in traditional health info is slipping, while conspiracy theories and misinformation are showing up in the halls and online.

Recent flashpoints:

TikTok “health hacks” with zero science are outpacing CDC content.
Politicians now cite influencers over epidemiologists.
Hospital systems are hiring influencer relations teams.

For communicators:

Ditch the jargon, clarity is trust.
Recruit trusted messengers before a crisis hits.
Watch for emerging topics online, as niche ideas often go viral.

Influencer > Institution? Trust Is Getting Personal

Trust is shifting from bylines to feeds. According to Pew, 41% of U.S. adults now trust social media for news, that’s up from 34% in 2016. The rise of “near-news” influencers (think: Hank Green, Jessica Valenti, Hasan Piker) means people aren’t just reading the news, they’re watching it get interpreted.

What’s changing:

Personality beats pedigree.
Headlines come with hot takes.
Journalism and commentary? Basically roommates.

For communicators:

Repackage the win, don’t just reshare it. Make coverage work across channels and audiences.
Feed the messengers, not just the media. Give influencers and explainers material they can carry.
Fact-check the remix, not just the original. Track how your story gets clipped and reframed.
Lead with explainers, especially on nuance. Simplify complexity so amplification stays accurate.

Turning Tragedy into Change

Last week, we helped the Raine family tell the devastating story of how ChatGPT step-by-step coached their 16-year-old son Adam to suicide earlier this year.

Working alongside the Raine family, Edelson PC, Tech Justice Law Project and the Center for Humane Technology, we developed a communications approach to ensure Adam's story reached the widest possible audience and demanded accountability from OpenAI.

The story broke with exclusives in the New York Times and with NBC News and subsequently led to nearly 100 pieces of earned coverage within the first five days of the case being filed.

The case and coverage led OpenAI to issue a series of defensive public statements effectively admitting that ChatGPT — used by hundreds of millions weekly — is unsafe for people in crisis.

Share Your Wisdom

We’re back to teaching Intro to PR + Advertising at USC again. If you could put one sticky note of advice on every student’s laptop before they ever interned… what would it say?

(Bonus points if it’s something you wish someone told you before your first job.)

Until Next Time

Think of us like the friend who did the reading and saved you a seat in class. Showing up prepared is kind of our thing, so give us a ring if you need a study buddy.

–Bryson Gillette