KP Public Affairs Partner Jon Ross Named Among California’s Top Tech Policy Influencers

We are proud to announce that KP Public Affairs Partner Jon Ross has been recognized by POLITICO as one of the “Top 20 Most Influential Players in California Tech.” This prestigious acknowledgment underscores Jon’s pivotal role in shaping the state’s technology policy landscape.​

As partner and leader of KP’s technology practice, Jon has been instrumental in guiding major tech companies through complex legislative and regulatory challenges. His efforts have significantly shaped policies on data privacy, artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, and the broader innovation economy.

Jon’s inclusion in POLITICO’s list highlights his deep expertise in tech policy and commitment to advancing forward-looking policies that support California’s dynamic tech sector.

Read the full article here: POLITICO – Top 20 Most Influential Players in California Tech

Crossroads Strategies Strengthens Offerings with Strategic Hires & Key Promotions

Crossroads Strategies announced today the addition of two new senior vice presidents, Jackson Stuteville and Stephen T. Voljavec, along with a series of promotions that ensure the firm remains well-positioned to advise clients navigating complex political and legislative waters.

Jackson Stuteville, former Congressional Liaison for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, brings a wealth of expertise in defense innovation, federal policy, and Native American advocacy. Stephen T. Voljavec joins from his role as Legislative Director for the Vice Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, where he focused on health, commerce, and appropriations. Together their diverse experience will significantly strengthen Crossroads’ continued ability to deliver impactful solutions to complex problems across key sectors.

The firm has also promoted seven current lobbyists, including elevating five executive vice presidents to the rank of principal. The newly appointed principals – Scott Brenner, Jason Gleason, Brittany Hernandez, Chris Miller, and Marc Numedahl – each bring deep expertise and a strong track record of success across diverse sectors, including defense, trade, energy, health care, and transportation.

Alongside these announcements, Crossroads elevated Salim Alameddin to executive vice president, recognizing his ability to lead clients through critical industry shifts and his deep expertise in energy and technology policy. Additionally, Lauren Chandler has been promoted to vice president, reflecting her valuable contributions to the firm’s success.

“These promotions and new hires reflect not only the individual achievements of our colleagues but also the collective success of our firm,” said Mat Lapinski, CEO of Crossroads. “As we continue to grow and evolve, our talented and tight-knit team remains the cornerstone of our success and the trust our clients place in us every day.”

See the full press release from Crossroads.

Report: Foreign Direct Investment Trends in the UK & US

PPHC is pleased to unveil a new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Report  from our team in London, Pagefield. This report provides valuable insights into the evolving investment landscape in the UK and US, based on a survey of senior business leaders actively engaged in cross-border investments conducted by fellow PPHC member company, Seven Letter.

Key findings highlight that UK businesses are increasingly looking to the Middle East, with investment interest doubling in recent years, while 91% of UK firms remain optimistic about expanding internationally despite economic headwinds. The report also underscores the need for greater government support, with 83% of UK investors calling for stronger trade policies and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

As global investment patterns shift, this report offers crucial insights for businesses and policymakers looking to navigate the evolving FDI landscape and seize emerging opportunities. For more information on winning foreign investment, reach out to the experts Christopher Clark or Josh Lambkin with the Pagefield team here.

PPHC Appoints John Green as Chief Client Officer

Public Policy Holding Company, Inc., the leading government relations and public affairs group providing a comprehensive range of advisory services, is pleased to announce the appointment of John Green as Chief Client Officer. This pivotal role underscores PPHC’s commitment to maximising cross-firm collaboration and delivering unparalleled outcomes for its clients.

Having completed four significant acquisitions since its IPO, and now with ten operating companies and over 1,200 clients based globally, John’s appointment will accelerate the Group’s  cross-referral program, fostering deeper integration and synergy and enhancing organic revenue growth.  With a focus on business development and execution, John will work to unlock new opportunities by leveraging the unique capabilities of each firm, ensuring clients benefit from the full breadth of PPHC’s expertise.

John brings over two decades of experience as a trusted advocate in the federal policy space. In addition to his new role, he will continue to serve as Chairman of Crossroads Strategies, one of PPHC’s premier federal affairs firms. Before joining Crossroads, John co-founded Federalist Group, LLC, which was later acquired by Ogilvy Public Relations and became one of the top five government relations firms in Washington, D.C. His track record reflects a deep understanding of the industry and a proven ability to drive growth and client success.

This announcement reflects PPHC’s forward-looking strategy to integrate expertise across its firms, creating value for clients and shareholders alike. The Company’s focus on collaboration and innovation continues to position it as the go-to partner for organisations navigating complex policy and reputational challenges.

Stewart Hall, CEO of PPHC, commented:

“John has an outstanding reputation and will deploy his abilities to connect the dots between our firms and create bespoke teams tailored to client needs. His deep understanding of our business portfolio and connectivity with the CEOs of our operating companies makes him the ideal person to lead this initiative. With ten companies under the Group’s umbrella and a strong M&A pipeline, this appointment signals our commitment to further harnessing our collective strengths and driving organic growth across the Group.”

John Green, CCO of PPHC, commented:

“I’m honored to take on this role and work closely with our talented teams across the Group. By fostering collaboration and innovation, we have an incredible opportunity to not only enhance client outcomes but also further solidify PPHC’s position as the leader in public affairs and government relations.”

Alpine Group Strengthens Defense and National Security Team with Abbey Overland

Top Washington Lobbying Firm Makes Strategic Hires, Bolsters its Teams Ahead of Crucial First Year of a New Administration and New Congress

WASHINGTON, DC – Alpine Group announced this week that Abbey Overland, an accomplished expert in defense and national security policy in the legislative and executive branches of government, has joined the company as a Vice President.

Most recently, Overland was an in-house lobbyist at Palantir Technologies and Ursa Major, leading their national security efforts on Capitol Hill. Prior to her work in the private sector, Overland served as the Military Legislative Assistant (MLA) to Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, where she handled her defense, veterans’ affairs and foreign affairs portfolio. She then transitioned to the Pentagon where she served as the primary congressional advisor to the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, the entity driving the Department’s science and technology strategy.

Alpine also announced the promotions of Hannah Schmidt from Director, Public Policy to Senior Director, Public Policy and Travis Fruhling from Staff Assistant to Director, Public Policy. It also announced its plans to hire Madison Gordon as a Staff Assistant from her previous role as an intern.

“Few in our industry have as much wide-ranging and relevant experience in defense and national security policy while also having the relationships to get things done as Abbey,” said Keenan Austin Reed, CEO and Managing Principal of The Alpine Group. “Her deep understanding of defense policy and inter-agency collaboration, coupled with her commitment to bipartisanship, will be instrumental in helping our clients navigate complex challenges and seize opportunities in the defense sector. We’re excited to have Abbey on board as we continue to strengthen our team and provide exceptional strategic guidance. We are also thrilled for Hannah, Travis and Madison who are playing critical roles on our team of experts.”

See the full press release from Alpine.

LPA’s Daisy Castellón elected to Sacramento Press Club’s Board of Directors

Congratulations to LPA’s Daisy Castellón, a newly elected member of the Sacramento Press Club’s board.

The Sacramento Press Club (SPC) is a nonprofit educational organization established in 1961 with the goal of uniting journalists, public relations professionals, press secretaries, political consultants, legislative staff, and members of the public interested in media and politics. Dedicated to investing in the next generation of journalists, SPC awards over $50,000 in scholarships each year.

See the full list of newly elected SPC board members and other California updates from Politico’s California Playbook.

Partner Kelly Devers-Franklin Joins Seven Letter Corporate Communications Practice, Expansion Result of Rapid Growth

Firm’s three additional hires increase the digital and strategic communications expertise

WASHINGTON, DC – Seven Letter today announced the addition of Kelly Devers-Franklin as a Partner to its growing team of communicators. The firm also announced three new hires in D.C. and Boston.

Devers-Franklin has served as a trusted advisor to public and private companies, top-tier academic institutions on corporate and crisis communications, media relations and executive positioning. She joins Seven Letter’s Boston office, located within the cradle of higher education, at a time when university leaders are under historic scrutiny from students, funders, and the public. She will play a significant role in the firm’s corporate communications practice.

“Seven Letter has seen exponential growth in our corporate communications practice, year over year. Adding Kelly to the team will allow us to continue to expand that offering,” said Founding Partner & CEO Erik Smith. “Kelly’s depth of experience in both corporate communications and higher education, paired with her roots in the public sector will make her a vital partner to all of our clients.”

Also joining the firm are Kayla Boswell as a Manager, and Danny Jackson and Jody Gallinger as Content Specialists.

Kayla Boswell is an accomplished marketing and communications professional with extensive experience in driving impactful results across the digital landscape.

Danny Jackson and Jody Gallinger both join the firm after having completed the Seven Letter Fellowship Program.

See the full press release from Seven Letter.

Alpine Group Names Keenan Austin Reed New CEO

Reed Succeeds Les Spivey Who Takes New Role as Alpine’s President

Washington, D.C. – The Alpine Group, a premier bipartisan, bicameral government affairs firm, announced today that Keenan Austin Reed will be the firm’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Effective January 1, 2025, Reed will succeed Les Spivey, who has served as CEO and Managing Principal for over five years and will transition to a new role as President, focusing on business development and strengthening relationships with existing clients.

The transition aligns with the Alpine Group’s commitment to fostering leadership that reflects the dynamic and diverse nature of the policy landscape. With Reed at the forefront, the firm is poised to continue its legacy of excellence, innovation, and impact in government affairs. Reed brings a wealth of experience and a track record of transformational leadership. As a top congressional and campaign veteran, seasoned lobbyist, and civic leader, she has proven to be a tenacious advocate in service to the Alpine Group’s clients and has made her mark by rapidly expanding its roster since joining the Group in 2021. Her innovative approach and strategic mindset have earned her recognition as one of the most influential voices in Washington by multiple industry groups.

Spivey expressed his confidence in Reed’s leadership, stating:

“Keenan is a dynamic and visionary leader who understands the intricacies of policymaking and the importance of building relationships on both sides of the aisle. I am thrilled to see her take the helm and lead the Alpine Group toward new horizons.”

Stewart Hall, CEO of Alpine’s parent company, PPHC, added:

“Keenan’s appointment as CEO marks a pivotal moment for the Alpine Group and PPHC. She has deep expertise, unerring strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to client service. I am confident that under her leadership, the Alpine Group will continue to excel and deliver impactful results for its clients.”

Spivey joined the Alpine Group eighteen years ago after having served on staff of the Senate Appropriations Committee for three different Chairmen. Under Spivey’s stewardship, the Alpine Group has developed into one of the largest and most influential lobbying firms in Washington.


I am deeply honored to take on this new role and build upon the strong foundation that Les has established here at Alpine,” said Reed. “I look forward to leading Alpine into its next chapter, advancing our mission to provide unparalleled service and advocacy for our clients. We will meet these goals while also continuing to foster an inclusive environment that reflects the full diversity of the communities we serve.

READ: Forbes Tate Partner Doug Usher’s op-ed featured in The Hill

2024 has been an ‘unprecedented’ election, but the polls are telling us another story

The campaign sprint to Election Day has begun, and as always, an inordinate amount of attention is on public polling. Those polls are telling us the real story of the campaign so far — but are we willing to listen? 

Read the full article in The Hill.

PRWeek: Three agencies on PRWeek UK’s radar this week

PRWeek spotlights agencies with a story to tell from the past seven days that we think are worth keeping an eye on.

Pagefield

Pagefield feels like an agency to watch these days. Fresh from its acquisition this summer by PPHC, the US government relations and public affairs holding company, the London firm last week announced a trio of senior appointments.

Read the full story from PRWeek.