Washington, D.C. — Avoq announced today that public policy and strategic public affairs veteran Valerie Dowling has joined the firm as Senior Vice President. Dowling, who will work out of Avoq’s Washington, D.C. office, has spent the last two decades developing and executing comprehensive policy campaigns, crafting effective messaging and building broad-based coalitions.
“Valerie is a public affairs veteran who knows how to execute strategies to help clients achieve their goals. Her deep network, coupled with her extensive public policy background and coalitions expertise, will bolster Avoq’s already impressive public affairs and government relations capabilities,” said Partner and Co-Lead of Government Relations, Whit Askew.
Dowling has developed engagement strategies, forging key alliances and securing stakeholder buy-in through her network of business and political leaders in Washington, D.C. and around the world. Before joining Avoq, Dowling was the Director of Private Sector Engagement for the International Republican Institute (IRI), a global democracy non-profit in Washington, D.C. In that role, she launched the Business Leadership Council – which generated over $1 million in private funding in 2024 – while managing a diverse portfolio of over 150 partners across various industries.
Dowling also served as Director of the Women’s Democracy Network, a global initiative and network dedicated to promoting women’s political leadership and civic participation. There, she managed an 8-member global team, managed stakeholder relationships with policymakers around the world and oversaw a $5.9 million portfolio in grant funding. Before joining IRI, Dowling was the Director of Women’s Engagement for the Republican National Committee from 2013 to 2016. She is a graduate of Converse College (now University) where she currently serves as President of the Alumni Association Board.
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, Pennsylvania 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.
