Lucas Public Affairs Expands Executive Leadership Team, Names Executive Vice Presidents Jessyca Sheehan and Travis Taylor

Lucas Public Affairs (LPA) is excited to announce additions to its executive leadership team, naming Jessyca Sheehan and Travis Taylor as executive vice presidents. They join LPA CEO Donna Lucas and President Cassandra Pye in managing the firm, with a focus on driving agency growth and innovation to enhance client strategy, business development and talent management.

Donna Lucas, CEO:

“Our corporate, nonprofit and government clients rely on us to help them navigate many of California’s toughest public policy challenges, and Jessyca and Travis have delivered time and again. They are trusted, effective strategists, and their elevation reflects their place among California’s top public affairs leaders.” 

Read the full story here.

PPHC Completes Second Cycle of Summer Fellowship Program

Pictured from left to right: Syeria Alvarado | Howard University Class of 2024, Tanner “TJ” Edwards | UNC Chapel Hill Class of 2024, Anamei Walli | University of Kentucky Class of 2026, Sadad Salahuddin | University of Southern California Class of 2024

The PPHC 2024 Summer Fellowship Program concluded this week, marking the end of its second successful rotation.  By leveraging the size and scope of expertise across PPHC’s leading member companies, this highly competitive Group-wide initiative provides a select cohort of students and recent graduates with diverse opportunities to collaborate and partner with PPHC’s leaders and industry experts. The program aims to provide an immersive experience for emerging professionals from groups who are traditionally underrepresented in the government relations and advocacy fields, to equip them with essential skills and knowledge necessary for a career in public policy, and to expose them to the unique political and professional landscape of Washington, DC.

Over the span of 12 weeks, the four distinguished fellows engaged in a comprehensive rotational experience, acquiring valuable insights and skills at PPHC member firms while being mentored by industry experts. The fellows spent a dedicated week at each participating company, including a “California week” that integrated recently acquired Lucas Public Affairs with KP Public Affairs. Additionally, the program featured designated “flex weeks,” allowing fellows to conduct focused independent research, as well as “Professional Development Week” which included career development workshops, as well as opportunities to gain insights from PPHC’s C-Suite and leadership team.  

Ron Starzman, EVP of Human Resources, PPHC:

“Diversity, in all forms, accelerates innovation.  And innovation is a critical component to long-term success. PPHC’s Fellowship Program truly reflects the richness of our diverse organization.  We are very proud of our program, as well as our very talented fellows, and we look forward to watching them continue to grow, learn, and thrive in ways that will enrich their futures and the future of our industry.”