July 9, 2025 • PPHC Talent

LPA Adds Capitol Communications Leader Niesha Fritz as Vice President

SACRAMENTO – With a continued focus on agency growth and enhanced client strategy, Lucas Public Affairs (LPA) announced that Capitol communications leader Niesha Fritz is joining its leadership team as a vice president, a move that further enhances LPA’s success as a top-tier public affairs firm.

Niesha is an effective and proven media and strategic communications expert, with 23 years of professional experience in the journalism and communications field. Niesha most recently served as senior-level staff in the California State Senate for two consecutive Senate leaders, including as director of communications for Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins and Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire.
 
In her new role at LPA, Niesha will oversee account teams, lead and manage projects, help guide clients’ communications strategies, and bolster their media presence.

“We are thrilled to welcome Niesha to Team LPA and to leverage her incredible experience to serve our clients,” said Donna Lucas, chief executive officer. “Her public policy chops, familiarity with the process and the players inside and outside the Capitol will further strengthen our ability to win for our clients. She is an exceptional fit for our firm who will undoubtedly contribute greatly to our ongoing success.”

Prior to navigating the complexities of legislative cycles, state budgets, and media related to the state Legislature and California, Niesha worked for the California Faculty Association, where she crafted messaging and media campaigns related to higher education and California State University faculty. Niesha’s deep knowledge of the news media, along with her writing and editing skills, stems from her work for The Sacramento Bee, where she was a reporter for nearly 10 years.

“The media landscape continues to evolve; however, the basics still matter,” said Cassandra Pye, president. “Niesha brings a journalism background, the ability to drive a compelling narrative and phenomenal ties to the Capitol Press Corps – all of which is so important to our work. Niesha is among the best in the business and complements an already strong group of public affairs practitioners. We’re thrilled to add this veteran talent to our dynamic team.”