Washington D.C. — Avoq today announced that Joseph Orlando and Kelly Montgomery have joined the firm, bolstering Avoq’s growing government relations (GR) and communications teams. Orlando, who brings significant experience from working with the House Energy and Commerce Committee, joined the firm’s GR team in the role of Vice President and lobbyist. Montgomery, a communications specialist who previously worked for Avoq before serving as a Congressional Press Secretary and Communications Manager at the National Restaurant Association, joined the firm’s communications team as Director, Account Leadership.
“Joe’s expertise and abilities make him the ideal addition to our team. As our clients continue to navigate the increasingly critical areas of technology, competition and energy policy, Joe will be there to guide them and lead them to positive outcomes. It’s one more step Avoq is taking to bolster our already unique mix of strategic communications offerings coupled with government relations services,” said partner Steve Elmendorf.
“Avoq is thrilled to welcome Kelly back to the firm. Her experience managing the always challenging Beltway communications news cycle speaks for itself. Kelly’s return follows several new communications team members recently joining our New York office. It exemplifies our dedication to building and expanding our team of integrated communications strategists and providing the highest quality of services for our clients,” said CEO Nicole Cornish.
Orlando has extensive experience in Congress as a policy advisor, having spent the past six years with the House Energy & Commerce Committee, most recently as a Professional Staff Member with the Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, & Commerce. In that role, he advised Members on issues related to consumer protection, data privacy, and AI. Joe also served as a Senior Policy Analyst with the panel’s Communications & Technology Subcommittee, where he focused on telecommunications issues and Section 230 matters.
A graduate of the University of Michigan, Orlando’s time on the Hill has made him an expert on the Energy and Commerce committee and its members. In his role at Avoq, he will utilize his expertise, passion and perspective to enhance Avoq’s ability to deliver integrated strategy and execution across critical sectors.
Montgomery is a communications expert who previously worked as the Communications Manager for the National Restaurant Association. There, she served as the primary communications advisor for the federal government relations and policy teams, collaborating to advance the Association’s public affairs goals.
Prior to her work at the National Restaurant Association, Montgomery served as Press Secretary for Congressman Dan Kildee. Handling day-to-day media operations for a member of House Democratic leadership allowed her to master the art of Beltway communications, while also gaining expertise on key policy issues. Montgomery also worked for Avoq (then Subject Matter) for four years, leaving the firm in 2021.
This bolstering of the firms’ government relations and communications teams follows the launch of the merged and rebranded company, positioning Avoq as a top national advocacy and communications firm.
About Avoq
Avoq is an integrated firm that combines communications and advocacy to creatively shape narratives, manage brand reputation, influence national debates, and engage the audiences you need to reach. Avoq’s 200+ employees work from offices in Washington D.C., Chicago, New York, New Jersey and Miami. Avoq is a portfolio company of Coral Tree Partners, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm focused on investments in the media, entertainment and communications sectors. Visit teamavoq.com to learn more.
