Author: ally

PPHC Appoints Chief Administrative Officer

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Public Policy Holding Company, Inc., (Nasdaq: PPHC) (AIM: PPHC), a leading global strategic communications provider, offering a comprehensive range of advisory services in the areas of government relations, public affairs, and corporate communications, announces the appointment of Matthew Mazzanti as Chief Administrative Officer (“CAO”), effective 20 March 2026.  

Matthew is promoted from his current position, where he has led the Group’s corporate communications and investor relations functions and supported corporate development activities. He has played a central role in a broad range of PPHC initiatives, including providing support to the senior leadership team and member firm leadership.

As CAO, Matthew will continue to report directly to Stewart Hall, Chief Executive Officer. He will maintain his existing responsibilities while taking on broader responsibility for supporting the execution of the Company’s strategic priorities, strengthening coordination throughout the holding company, and driving operational efficiency across the platform.

Matthew joined Crossroads Strategies, one of the Group’s founding member firms, seven years ago before progressing to a cross-functional position with PPHC. He was involved in the Company’s AIM IPO in 2021 and played a key role in the recent listing on the Nasdaq Global Market.

The position of Chief Administrative Officer has been vacant since the retirement of Bill Chess in July 2024.

Stewart Hall, CEO of PPHC, commented:

“As PPHC continues to expand globally and enhance its suite of services and portfolio companies, the CAO position is increasingly important for the Company. Matthew has played critical roles going back to our AIM listing over four years ago in investor relations, intercompany relations, talent management, M&A, and business development. His knowledge of each of our member companies, their services and people is unmatched, and I am pleased to elevate him to the position with the Board’s approval. Filling the CAO position will allow us to continue to drive intercompany synergies and support our number one asset – our talented and skilled practitioners across the globe.”

Lucas Public Affairs Celebrates 20 Years of Helping Clients Win

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SACRAMENTO, CA — Lucas Public Affairs (LPA), a leading California public affairs firm, this week celebrates its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of guiding high-stakes campaigns, advancing public policy initiatives and delivering strategic counsel – and wins – to clients throughout the state.

Founded in 2006 by Chief Executive Officer Donna Lucas, the Sacramento-based, women-led firm has grown into one of California’s most respected public affairs practices, advising a wide array of corporate, nonprofit, and public entity clients, including climate, energy, insurance, education, tourism, transportation, state and local government and nonprofit organizations.

Led by Lucas and President Cassandra Pye, veterans of gubernatorial administrations and long-time leaders in Capitol politics and policy, LPA has built a talented team respected for top-tier strategy, bipartisan credibility and deep relationships across California’s political and legislative landscape.

“The fact that we’re celebrating 20 years is more than a reflection of our work, it’s emblematic of our relationships with clients, colleagues and partners who have supported us along the way,” said Lucas. “We’ve had the opportunity to work on consequential issues that have made our state stronger and bolstered its success, and I’m deeply grateful to all those who have worked with us and trusted us to help them succeed.”

Read the full press release from LPA.

PPHC Expands Strategic Advisory Platform with Appointment of TrailRunner Sports President

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WASHINGTON, Mar. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Public Policy Holding Company, Inc. (“PPHC” or “the Company”) (Nasdaq: PPHC), a leading global provider of strategic communications services, today announced that TrailRunner International (“TrailRunner”), one of the Company’s member firms, has named Alden Mitchell as President of TrailRunner Sports, its global sports advisory business.

The appointment reflects PPHC’s continued investment in high-value growth areas across its platform. As the global sports industry grows in scale and institutional complexity, leagues, teams, ownership groups, universities, and brands increasingly require the same strategic communications and advisory capabilities that PPHC’s member firms deliver across corporate reputation, financial communications, crisis, and strategic advisory services.

TrailRunner Sports was established in 2023 to meet this demand. Since launch, the business has built a client roster spanning major professional teams in the United States and abroad, sports teams, universities, collegiate conferences, and brands. A joint venture with Legends, the global premium experiences company, TrailRunner Sports advises on crisis and reputation management, league expansions, media rights negotiations, litigation communications, and other significant transactions. The appointment of a dedicated President signals the next phase of investment in the platform as client demand continues to grow.

Mitchell joins from Stanford Athletics, where she served as Chief Operating Officer and Interim Athletics Director, overseeing capital projects, external relations, facilities and operations, finance, human resources, and revenue-generating initiatives. As Interim Athletics Director, she led the organization through a period of competitive and commercial success while driving fundraising growth, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing financial discipline.

Previously, Mitchell led Uber’s Consumer Business Development team from 2021 to 2024, spearheading strategic partnerships with the NFL, Live Nation, Marriott, Instacart, and others. Earlier in her career, she served as Senior Vice President of Distribution at the Pac-12 Networks and as Head of Global Partnerships and Content Strategy at Crunchyroll, the global anime streaming platform. She brings more than two decades of senior leadership experience across sports, media, and technology.

Mitchell joins a strong and growing team of sports leaders at TrailRunner, including Jamie Zaninovich, who will serve as Vice Chair of TrailRunner Sports, partnering closely with Mitchell. Mitchell will report directly to Jim Wilkinson, Founder and Executive Chairman of TrailRunner International.

Zaninovich, who has helped launch TrailRunner’s sports business and brings three decades of experience across collegiate athletics and conference leadership, will focus on strategy and business development in his role as Vice Chair of TrailRunner Sports. He will continue to advise select clients and focus on strategic growth initiatives in partnership with Mitchell.

Stewart Hall, Chief Executive Officer of PPHC, commented:

“This is another strong example of PPHC investing behind differentiated leadership and high-value growth opportunities across our platform. TrailRunner has added important strategic and financial communications capabilities to the Group, and TrailRunner Sports extends that model into one of the most dynamic and increasingly institutionalized sectors of the global economy. Alden’s appointment strengthens an already promising business and positions it for continued growth.”

Jim Wilkinson, Founder and Executive Chairman of TrailRunner International, commented:

“The business of sports is more exciting, complex, and consequential than ever before. Alden is exactly the kind of leader we need to take this rapidly growing platform to the next level. Sports is now a major global asset class. Ownership is shifting, capital is pouring in, college athletics is being remade, women’s sports is accelerating, and media and technology are changing the way fans connect to the games they love. Alden has the experience, passion, and competitive drive to capitalize on these tremendous opportunities and help our clients win.”

Alden Mitchell commented:

“TrailRunner has built something special — a team that understands both the business and the heartbeat of sports and is determined to go above and beyond for clients and each other. The sports landscape is evolving rapidly, and the opportunity to scale a best-in-class advisory business that delivers measurable impact for clients around the world is incredibly energizing. I can’t wait to partner with Jamie and this outstanding team and get to work.”

City & State Highlights MultiState’s Denisse Girón in the 2026 Albany 40 Under 40

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Denisse Girón, Assistant Vice President at PPHC firm MultiState, has been highlighted by City & State in the organization’s annual Albany 40 Under 40 list.

The Albany 40 Under 40 list recognizes 40 individuals under the age of 40 who are rising stars in state politics and government. City & State receives hundreds of nominations for this prestigious list, and only a select few make the cut.

Denisse Girón was first introduced to local politics by her mother who helped plan an annual Central American parade on Long Island.

Girón and her family, who emigrated from Costa Rica, attended public hearings to secure funding and met Nassau County elected officials and took photos with them at the parade every year.

“It was really important for my mom to teach us about our culture,” Girón says. “Being a young Latino on Long Island, it’s hard to stay away from politics.”

Girón attended Hofstra University, where she saw Barack Obama, Mitt Romney, Donald Trump and Hillary Rodham Clinton at two presidential debates on campus. But her interest in politics grew out of her volunteer work with Planned Parenthood and a fellowship at Make the Road New York.

Read Girón’s full profile from City & State.

KP Public Affairs Celebrates 30-Year Anniversary with Third Generation Leadership

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SACRAMENTO, CA – PPHC firm KP Public Affairs is excited to celebrate its 30-year anniversary and announce its third generation leadership with a new management team.  

As one of the longest standing and consistently effective advocacy and public affairs firms in California, KP’s work continues to expand in all practice areas including legislative and regulatory advocacy, policy consulting, public relations, and procurement.  

The firm’s new management team will be led by Alison MacLeod, John Doherty, and Brian White, and will oversee day to day operations alongside partners Jon Ross, Ed Manning, Mike Burns, Jeff Sickenger, Jenny Dudikoff, Vanessa Cajina, Patrick George, and Pat Joyce. 

KP began in the mid-1990’s by combining two firms to create the largest lobbying firm in the state with clients that represented every major industry and local government sector in California. KP has evolved over the last three decades to become a full-service, integrated public affairs firm with a comprehensive public relations and regulatory consulting practice. Throughout this growth, the company has maintained a boutique feel with the highest level of service and dedication to client success. 

“We are focused on delivering client successes today, while positioning the firm for future growth with continuous expansion of our expertise and capabilities. KP has a strong foundation of clients across industry sectors and interest areas, and we have a highly talented team of professionals that are working every day to meet our clients’ goals,” said Alison MacLeod, John Doherty, and Brian White. 

Read the full story from KP Public Affairs.

Seven Letter Expands Nationwide – New Offices and Experts in Los Angeles, New York City, and Huntsville   

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Firm’s growth provides clients coast-to-coast advantages and sector-specific strengths, bolsters strategic digital capacities   

  • Seven Letter launches three new offices in LA, NYC, and Huntsville, Alabama   

  • Brandon Shaw, former Comms VP for Disney and Hulu, entertainment industry expert, will be named Seven Letter partner based in LA  

  • Longtime Seven Letter team member Holly Jackson to open Huntsville office serving defense and aerospace sectors  

  • Marley Hambourger adds NYC office and strengthens digital advertising offering   

WASHINGTON, DC – (January 8, 2026) – Seven Letter, an expertise-powered bipartisan strategic communications firm, today announced a major geographic expansion involving the addition of three new offices – Los Angeles, New York, and Huntsville – to bolster its growing nationwide offerings and emerging specialized practices. This development includes the addition of senior-level counselors to open the new offices and support the expansion.   

“Seven Letter isn’t just growing geographically, but strategically,” said Erik Smith, CEO and Founder. “This expansion allows us to be closer to the industries that are driving our growth. We have always emphasized providing senior-level counsel at every step – and now we can do so across more sectors and in more geographies. I’m excited about what’s to come for our clients and our team.”   

Read the full announcement from Seven Letter.

Seven Letter named one of PRWeek’s 2025 Best Places to Work

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For the third year in a row, Seven Letter was named one of PRWeek’s Best Places to Work. The honorees are selected from a group of nearly 100 agencies and in-house teams to showcase the companies that rise above the pack by committing to their employees’ professional and personal well-being.

From PRWeek:

Seven Letter has earned a reputation for its attention to building a successful, collaborative team. The agency places a high priority on its people. 

“It knows its people are the greatest resource and treats them that way,” explained one staffer. The value leadership places on its workforce is not only felt by employees, it’s also echoed in the way they speak about each other.  

Read the full Seven Letter profile from PRWeek.

Pagefield’s Oliver Foster recognized as one of Mace Magazine’s Top Political Consultants

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Oliver Foster, CEO of Pagefield has once again been recognized by Mace Magazine as one of the publication’s Top 100 Political Consultants for 2025/26. Peer-reviewed by top industry pros, the list covers the best advisers at the forefront of influencing politics, policy, and public affairs today.

From Mace Magazine:

Oliver Foster co-founded Pagefield after a decade working inside British and European political institutions, industry trade bodies, and high-profile listed companies. He is an integrated campaigning specialist, with over 20 years’ experience protecting, promoting and rebuilding corporate reputations through a combination of public affairs, public relations and crisis communications.

Read Oliver Foster’s full profile.

Forbes Tate Partners launches Beltway Social: digital insights made easy

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Forbes Tate launched the first edition of Beltway Social last week, analyzing conversation around the government shutdown.

Beltway Social follows over 20,000 X accounts belonging to Members of Congress and their staff, key executive branch personnel, NGO leaders, and other influencers and boldface names from around the Beltway.

We analyze the people, topics, and trends that are dominating the conversation in Washington. This index is a summary of those conversations, plus a comparison with the broader national conversation.

Youʼll get a sense of where Washington is and where itʼs going — and when the conversation inside the Beltway is completely out of touch with the country as a whole.

Keep up with new analyses released weekly on Forbes Tate’s Social Insights page.

PPHC announces unaudited interim results for the first half of 2025

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Strong organic growth reinforced by strategic M&A to deliver record revenue and EBITDA

Public Policy Holding Company, Inc., (“PPHC”, the “Company” or the “Group”),a leading global strategic communications provider, offering a comprehensive range of advisory services in the areas of Government Relations, Public Affairs, and Corporate Communications, today announces its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2025 (“H1 2025” or the “Period”).

Financial Highlights

  • H1 revenue increased by 23.6% to $87.9m (H1 2024: $71.1m), with organic growth contributing 7.6% and the balance driven by three acquisitions made in 2024 and 2025.
  • Record adjusted EBITDA1 of $21.4m, up 14.1%, achieved at a 24.4% margin.
  • Adjusted Net Income of $15.6m was up 19.9% (H1 2024: $13.0m) with an increase in finance costs offset by a more favourable effective tax rate.
  • Adjusted fully diluted EPS of $0.12 was up 13.0%, with fully diluted share count increasing by 6% (basic sharecount by 4%).
  • The Group’s balance sheet remains robust with free cash flow of $11.7m (H1 2024: $5.8m), allowing for continued progress against stated strategic goals via organic investment and earnings accretive M&A.
  • Net Debt of $42.2m (H1 2024: $28.3m) reflects a prudent leverage ratio and the allocation of $24.0m to fund the earnings accretive acquisition of TrailRunner in H1 2025.
  • The Board retains strong confidence in the Group’s outlook and has declared an interim dividend of $0.023 per Common Outstanding Share, in line with the revised dividend policy announced in January 2025.
 All in $’000, unless otherwise noted
 H1 2025H1 2024$ Change% Change
Group Revenue87,89971,13416,76523.6%
Adjusted EBITDA21,44618,7982,64814.1%
Adjusted EBITDA margin24.4%26.4%N/A(2.0)pts
Adjusted Net Income15,55112,9712,58019.9%
Adjusted EPS fully diluted$0.12$0.11$0.0113.0%
Dividend paid, per share$0.05$0.10$(0.05)(51.5)%
Net Debt at period-end(42,226)(28,294)(13,932)49.2%

Operational Highlights

  • Significant progress in line with the Group’s stated growth strategy, with earnings accretive acquisitions providing an enhanced complementary range of services to the Group’s international client base:
    • Organically, the Group recorded 7.6% growth in revenue which represents a significant step-up from the 2.7% growth in FY 2024 and the 2.0% in FY 2023, supported by a strong rebound in Corporate Communications and Public Affairs
    • Acquisition of TrailRunner significantly expands the Group’s capabilities in Corporate Communications – which includes crisis and reputation management, financial, and legal communication – providing significant revenue opportunities via referrals and joint business in conjunction with the pre-existing Group.
    • TrailRunner is headquartered in the fast-growing state of Texas (recognised as the 8th largest economy in the world), and has additional offices in New York, Northern California, Nashville, UK, UAE, and China. Back-office integration has completed.
    • Post-period, the Group also announced the acquisition of Pine Cove Strategies, a premier Texas-based strategic consulting firm, adding to the Group’s state government relations capabilities.
  • Revenue remained highly diversified with the top 10 Group clients representing 9.4% of revenue in H1 2025 versus 8.7% at the end of FY 2024 and 10.8% for FY 2023.
  • By segment:
    • Government Relations grew at 6.2% (4.1% organically).
    • Corporate Communications & Public Affairs (formerly: Public Affairs) increased by 81.2% (14.7% organically), benefiting from the rebound in demand for communication services following the conclusion of the 2024 US elections.
    • Compliance and Insights Services (formerly: Diversified Services) continued its strong growth at 19.2% (reported and organic).
    • Overall, we made significant progress on our strategy to diversify our revenue mix, with complementary service offerings, with Corporate Communications & Public Affairs increasing strongly to 32.0% of revenue (H1 2024: 21.8%) and Government Relations now representing 60.8% (H1 2024: 70.8%). Compliance and Insights Services marginally decreased to 7.1% (H1 2024: 7.4%).
  • An expansive client base of c.1,300 Group clients is supported by sustained high retention rates, with the Group directly representing approximately half of the Fortune 100 and a quarter of the Fortune 500, in addition to many more via trade associations.
  • The quality of PPHC’s operating companies in Federal Government Relations continues to be reflected in the H1 2025 Lobbying Disclosure Act (“LDA”) rankings, with Group agencies, when aggregated, topping the rankings for the period.

Stewart Hall, CEO of PPHC, commented:

“We have made continued progress in H1 2025, with significantly higher organic revenue growth of 8% and earnings accretive acquisitions delivering a strong financial performance. As anticipated, we have seen increased demand for our services following the conclusion of 2024 U.S. elections, in particular in Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, with our teams delivering critical work for our clients across multiple geographies.

“Following recent acquisitions, PPHC is now firmly established as a leading global strategic communications company and we are well placed to deliver continued growth in line with our stated strategy. 

“With strong momentum across all of our service lines and a robust pipeline of potential acquisition opportunities, we are confident in our outlook and ability to continue delivering meaningful returns to our shareholders.”

1 EBITDA definition adjusted from prior reporting to exclude M&A costs.