Briana supports clients across the public affairs practice in media relations, research, and integrated communication on social, digital, and print platforms. Before joining Avoq, Briana worked in several industries, including enterprise, cybersecurity, higher education, health, and consumer. Briana resides in Chicago and enjoys consuming media (reading, movies/TV, music, video games, etc), as well as practicing
Department: Public Affairs
Valerie Dowling
Valerie specializes in stakeholder strategy and engagement and coalition building across public, private and grassroots sectors. She has led impactful issue advocacy and grassroots campaigns, connecting with diverse domestic and global audiences to drive meaningful change. Before joining Avoq, Valerie served as director of the Women’s Democracy Network and Private Sector Engagement at the International
Patrick Hobart
Patrick specializes in strategic stakeholder engagement, campaign management and public affairs, with experience spanning national security, emerging technology and infrastructure. He has managed political operations at the national, state and local levels—bridging policy, communications and coalition-building to drive impact. Before Avoq, Patrick served as director of external programming and public engagement advisor to the secretary
Steve Aaron
Steve specializes in storytelling, media relations and messaging development. Over the years, he has advised numerous C-suite executives and cabinet-level administrators, working with clients across the public health, banking, energy and utilities sectors. Steve began his career as a broadcast journalist in radio and television. He then served as spokesman and deputy director of communications
Kelly Montgomery
Kelly is an entrepreneurial and collaborative strategic communications professional, specializing in political and policy communications. She has experience working in government and for clients in the transportation and service sectors. Before joining Avoq, Kelly worked as a communications manager at the National Restaurant Association. There, she acted as the primary communications advisor for the federal
Kate Hyland
Kate specializes in strategic communications, social media management and in-depth research for clients across various industries, including energy, nonprofits and cultural institutions. Before joining Avoq, Kate had a fellowship with the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, which advocates for the freedom of Americans held hostage abroad and promotes journalism safety. There, she promoted journalism safety
Chase Petras
Chase supports clients with strategic communications, in-depth research, message development, issue advocacy and digital campaign work. He works across sectors spanning nonprofit, corporate and government entities. Before Avoq, Chase completed his Master of Science in political psychology at the University of Kent in Canterbury, United Kingdom, where he also worked as a research analyst. Chase
Ethan Pennington
Ethan specializes in campaign management, issue advocacy and strategy development. He works with clients across industries and sectors, including nonprofits, labor organizations and consumer-facing companies. Before Avoq, Ethan worked as a compliance associate at an international food and beverage company and previously interned with Avoq on the account leadership team. Ethan is a Michigan native
Jaslynn Hodges
Utilizing her skills in public policy and communications, Jaslynn specializes in crisis management, advocacy and marketing. Since joining Avoq, she has worked with various clients in the business, government and environment industries. Prior to joining Avoq, Jaslynn worked as Marketing Communications Assistant at DePaul University where she aided the Division of Student Affairs in their
Ashley Marcinek
Ashley supports clients with strategic communications, in-depth research, social media management, and earned media efforts. She works with clients across a variety of industries and sectors including energy, nonprofits and advocacy groups. Ashley has worked on notable projects including an effort to garner support for a bill that would promote the installation of renewable energy