Avoq

Avoq is a strategic communications, government relations and advertising firm that goes beyond what works to reach what wins — that moment of clarity that makes

[Avoq @TeamAvoq]

We're excited to welcome Jillian Goger as Senior Vice President, Group Creative Director, and Owen Lang as VP, Group Creative Director, Video, to Avoq's award-winning creative team.

Jillian brings experience from TBWA\Chiat\Day, Droga5 and McCann New York, where she helped shape iconic work for brands including Peloton, Hilton and the U.S. Army. Owen joins as we continue expanding our in-house production and post-production capabilities, helping us deliver integrated creative work with even greater speed and impact.

Their arrival comes during an exciting chapter for our creative practice. From a national Gold ADDY Award for our work with PBS to PRovoke SABRE and Communicator Awards recognition for our work with PBS and Booz Allen, our team continues to create campaigns that connect with audiences and drive meaningful results.

As we continue to grow, we're investing in the people and capabilities that help our clients tell stories that matter.

Learn more: https://t.co/1ykRkmDGEF

[Avoq @TeamAvoq]

Congratulations to Amanda Finney on being named a winner at the 2026 @WWPR Emerging Leaders Awards!

Amanda's strategic leadership, dedication to clients and commitment to mentoring colleagues make her an invaluable part of Avoq.

We're thrilled to see her recognized with this well-deserved honor alongside this year's exceptional class of emerging leaders.

[Avoq @TeamAvoq]

Sure, Washingtonian named Cedric Grant one of D.C.'s 500 Most Influential People. But awards and lists tell one story. Colleagues tell another.

As a Partner and Government Relations Co-Lead, Cedric specializes in connecting corporate clients with House Democratic Leadership and the Congressional Black Caucus, helping them navigate complex policy issues and build meaningful relationships in Washington.

Here's what the people who know him best had to say.

[Avoq @TeamAvoq]

We're excited to celebrate three Avoq colleagues who were named to @INSIDER__NJ's 2026 Rising Generations list: Vin Ciniello and Erin Howard from our Public Affairs team and Jonathan Scharff from our Insights team.

Their recognition reflects the expertise, leadership and strategic thinking they bring to clients every day. From uncovering insights and shaping narratives to building partnerships and driving meaningful engagement. Congratulations, Vin, Erin and Jonathan, on this well-deserved honor!

[Avoq @TeamAvoq]

Nonprofits are now being asked to do more, defend more and prove more with fewer resources and less margin for error.

In a new piece for @Provoke_News, Senior Director Josh Rosenfeld argues that mission and impact alone are no longer enough. The organizations that will endure will be the ones that build and wield influence—evolving from service providers into agenda-setters that shape conversations and policy, and drive lasting change for the communities they serve.

A timely read on why communications and influence can no longer be treated as a supporting function for nonprofits, but as a core strategic imperative instead. https://t.co/oQtZLVJ79w

[Avoq @TeamAvoq]

Congratulations to Partner and Public Affairs Lead Jeff Smokler on being featured in @prweek's 2026 Pride in PR series!

In his profile, Jeff reflects on coming out later in life, the importance of visibility in leadership and what Pride means to him today.

Thanks to PRWeek for highlighting his story alongside other LGBTQ+ leaders across the communications industry. Check it out: https://t.co/JDqqC8BGAX

[Avoq @TeamAvoq]

From the D.C. award show to the national stage.

We’re excited to share that @PBS and Avoq have been recognized at the @AAFNational ADDY Awards for our Viewers Like Me campaign. The campaign was built to elevate the voices of PBS viewers and celebrate the essential role public media plays in communities across the country.

Winning at the national level is an incredible honor and a testament to the power of strong partnerships and storytelling that puts audiences at the center.

Congratulations to our team and our partners at PBS for bringing this work to life. Watch the campaign here: https://t.co/1NJn6IGlkV

[Avoq @TeamAvoq]

In her recent conversation with @CapitolCom, CEO Kelli Parsons shared perspectives that reflect both her leadership journey and the forces shaping our industry today.

A few that stood out:
• Leadership starts with people. As Kelli puts it, "My job is to inspire our people to do their best work" and create the conditions for teams to succeed together on behalf of clients.
• Engagement matters. Especially when we disagree. Progress requires listening before asserting, respecting differences and finding common ground where possible.
• Communications is evolving from a talent business into a talent-and-technology business. As AI reshapes our industry, firms have an opportunity—and responsibility—to rethink how they create value for clients.

Kelli's ultimate advice is simple: be empathetic, be measured and be decisive.

Read the full interview: https://t.co/9AEqVO0hHD

[Avoq @TeamAvoq]

"Rebuilding trust is a sustained investment in inclusive workplaces, meaningful community partnerships and leadership that recognizes inclusion not as a trend, but as a long-term commitment tied to culture, credibility and business performance."

In a new @CityAndStateNY op-ed, Vice President Matthew Di Taranto explores how companies can rebuild trust with LGBTQ+ communities through authentic engagement and consistent action.

Read the full article: https://t.co/IllpQw8fHJ

[Avoq @TeamAvoq]

From leading communications at the White House and the U.S. Department of Energy to developing award-winning storytelling campaigns at Microsoft and advising clients on reputation management at Avoq, Amanda Finney has built an impressive career grounded in strategic leadership, authentic storytelling and mentorship.

That's why we're excited to share that Amanda has been named a finalist for the 2026 @WWPR Emerging Leaders Awards.

We're proud to see her recognized among this year's rising communications leaders and look forward to cheering her on alongside the other outstanding finalists! https://t.co/Uk6WzeIih9

[Avoq @TeamAvoq]

“We have an opportunity to reframe a company’s objectives through a different governing lens.”

In @Provoke_News, Partner and Government Relations Co-lead Cedric Grant discusses how companies can position themselves as constructive participants in a potentially Democratic-led policy environment—and what they should be prioritizing ahead of shifting oversight and policy dynamics. Read the full article here: https://t.co/GpFZCHp9lO

[Avoq @TeamAvoq]

Celebrating two wins at the @Provoke_News North America SABRE Awards this week!

Proud to see these campaigns recognized:
• @PBS, Viewers Like Me for the Educational & Cultural Institutions category — highlighting the vital role PBS plays in communities across the country.
• @BoozAllen, It’s In Our Code for the Institutional Image category — positioning Booz Allen Hamilton as an advanced technology company.

Grateful to work on meaningful campaigns with incredible partners and proud of the team behind the work.

[Avoq @TeamAvoq]

An inspiring evening celebrating the next generation of public health leaders at the 2026 Youth Advocates of the Year Awards. Proud to stand alongside @TobaccoFreeKids and the @IncubatorGHAI in recognizing young advocates creating meaningful change around the world.

Congratulations to this year’s outstanding honorees. #YAYA2026

[Avoq @TeamAvoq]

Crisis response is rarely just crisis response anymore—it’s political, too.

At @PRWeekUS' Crisis Communications Conference, @jaclynroth breaks down how communicators can stay grounded when the pressure to “take a stand” is high. Her advice: start with your values and what your business truly needs to deliver.

[Avoq @TeamAvoq]

What separates acting early in a crisis from freezing?

At @PRWeekUS' Crisis Communications Conference, Mike Melia points to one thing: strong reporter relationships.

When trust is built ahead of time, communicators aren’t starting from scratch, they’re picking up the phone and helping shape the narrative.

[Avoq @TeamAvoq]

Lindsey Seidman walks the walk (of life). Now as SVP of Government Relations, she’s using her vast experience on Capitol Hill to support a range of clients.

With more than two decades of experience in the U.S. Senate, and having just celebrated her one-year anniversary at Avoq, Lindsey uses her expertise to help clients successfully navigate a complex legislative landscape. As Congress dives into reconciliation, appropriations, and affordability initiatives, she’s positioning clients to take advantage of opportunities now, while helping them stay ahead of what’s next.

[Avoq @TeamAvoq]

We start onboarding early. #TakeYourKidToWorkDay was all smiles across our offices!

[Avoq @TeamAvoq]

We’re proud to celebrate Partner & Government Relations Co-lead Cedric Grant for once again being named to @washingtonian Magazine’s “500 Most Influential People,” earning a spot on the 2026 list. This recognition highlights top experts and advocates outside of government who are shaping the most important policy conversations in Washington.

A former Chief of Staff to House Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, Cedric brings deep experience and trusted relationships on Capitol Hill to his work advising clients.

“Cedric’s deep relationships and expertise on the Hill make him an invaluable advisor to clients and a strong leader at Avoq. At a moment when Washington is preparing for a potential shift in House control, his insight and counsel is critical in helping clients anticipate and prepare for the policy and political landscape ahead." - Steve Elmendorf

Congratulations, Cedric, on this well-deserved honor—again!

[Avoq @TeamAvoq]

On the Inside Influence podcast, Co-founder and Managing Partner Steve Elmendorf shares what clients should be thinking about when engaging in today’s political environment: Clients need to think about the evolving ways members of Congress get information—what they’re paying attention to and what’s motivating them—and adjust how they communicate accordingly.

[Avoq @TeamAvoq]

Congratulations to Catherine Turco King, Senior Director, Public Affairs, on being named a 2026 @PRNews Top Women in PR & Communications honoree in the Agency Account Accelerator category!

This recognition honors the people who make the magic happen behind the scenes and the account leaders who go above and beyond for their clients every day. Catherine brings that to life through work that delivers real impact—from driving 17,000+ leads for a statewide teacher recruitment campaign for the Illinois State Board of Education to shaping culturally resonant storytelling with the Obama Foundation.

Well deserved, Catherine!