 |
MAD Global Strategy, a bipartisan public affairs firm, sets up shop in New York through its acquisition of boutique political consulting firm Millennial Strategies. Millennial co-founders Jeff Guillot and Alex Voetsch will join MAD Global as managing directors to lead the New York operation. Before joining MAD Global, Guillot oversaw Millennial’s governmental and public affairs division and Voetsch led Millennial’s campaign division. Longtime Millennial Strategies staffers Jenny Kate Schlagel and Tiffany Bryant will be joining Guillot and Voestch on the MAD Global team. “Our acquisition of Millennial Strategies not only expands our East Coast footprint, but also boosts our reach and expertise in the New York metropolitan market,” said Laura Matos, Partner, MAD Global. “Jeff and Alex’s Democratic networks and experience amplifies our firm’s capabilities to provide valuable counsel to clients on both sides of the aisle. New York is the third state in which MAD Global has opened full-time operations, joining New Jersey and Ohio as bases of operations.
 |
Gregory FCA completes a 12-month study showing that generative AI has had a positive effect on its productivity. The study, which looked at the firm’s performance from the first half of 2023 compared to the first six months of 2024 (the first full year of AI deployment), analyzed metrics across the firm’s operations, including revenue per employee, as well as client attrition and employee turnover. It found that AI increased firm productivity a healthy 10.2 percent, equating to about $2 million in additional revenue. Gregory FCA also has seen a 3.75X return on investment once license and training costs are considered. In addition, there was a 31 percent reduction in client churn, and employee attrition was down 54 percent. “This study represents the first quantitative evidence of how AI is transforming public relations by improving the quality and velocity of client work products,” said Gregory FCA CEO Greg Matusky.
 |
| Eric Wright |
D S Simon Media EVP, marketing & business development Eric Wright marks 25 years with the company. Wright, who came on board in 1999, has been instrumental in elevating D S Simon Media’s company’s brand presence and expanding its market reach while navigating the evolving landscape of economic and regulatory challenges. Before joining the company, he was director, client services at D.C.-based radio broadcasting agency North American Network. “Eric’s 25 years with D S Simon Media is a testament to his loyalty, dedication, vision, and expertise,” said D S Simon Media president & CEO Doug Simon. “His contributions have been pivotal in our growth and success. We are incredibly grateful for his leadership and look forward to many more years of continued success together.”
IPREX names Big Picture PR in San Fransico, Precision Strategies in Washington, D.C., and Tiny Mighty Communications in Nashville as its first Americas Partner Cohort... Highwire launches AcroAnswers, a proprietary AI visibility platform... Big Red Oak and Naer Communications, a Calgary-based firm, form a partnership providing integrated communications and marketing services to clean energy companies and organizations across Canada.
Matter launches its Review Visibility Management service to address a shift in how companies across verticals earn trust online... A Queens school is putting out the message about Sept. 12, 2001 when people came together to help, comfort, rebuild and unite... Directive expands its Directive Communications division, which will bring PR, organic social, influencer marketing and paid social together under one integrated organization.
Praytell expands its Influence Department—which unites media, creators and social under one team... LRJ PR & Communications and Canopy Brand Group form an alliance that the firms say will bridge the operational divide between high-end brand design and strategic public relations... Twin Minds Media, Hispanic market specialist, increases the scope of its services in an effort to help brands build deeper connections with audiences through culture, storytelling, media and experiences. 
The People Platform, part of Stagwell's The Marketing Cloud, rebrands as Numetrix... Zapwater Communications has earned 17 finalist honors across two PR competitions: eight at the 68th Annual Golden Trumpet Awards, presented by the Publicity Club of Chicago, and nine at the 2026 PRSA Chicago Skyline Awards.. The Florida Public Relations Association presented 122 awards to individuals and teams from across the state at its 69th annual Golden Image and 3rd Annual Pinnacle Awards gala.
The Motion Agency acquires Vehr Communications, a Cincinnati-based strategic communications firm, effective Oct. 1... Lyceus Group, which specializes in financial services, is named a finalist for Public Relations Campaign at the 2026 ThinkAdvisor Luminaries Awards... IPSY, a curated beauty membership platform, launches IPSY Marketing Solutions, a full-funnel marketing and sales acceleration engine. 
