AxAdvocacy: Pennsylvania Roots With a National Presence – The Difference Maker for This Multi-Faceted Public Affairs and Government Relations Firm

AxAdvocacy was established as an answer to the “business as usual” advocacy that had long been stagnating organizations’ goals. The difference between the firm and others is a data-driven approach, with custom-tailored solutions to the challenges their clients face.

Though founded and based in the nation’s capital, AxAdvocacy drew upon deep roots in Pennsylvania from the start. The firm’s expertise spans government relations, public affairs, advocacy campaigns, crisis management, and strategic communications, with a team that features seasoned veterans of the White House, Capitol Hill, federal agencies, presidential campaigns, the Pennsylvania General Assembly, municipal offices, party positions, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, McKinsey and Company, and other leading global companies and brands.

Now one of the nation’s fastest growing and most influential public affairs and government relations firms, AxAdvocacy has launched a new practice in the Commonwealth, serving clients with Keystone State interests and offering an unparalleled breadth of experience. The firm offers services in government relations, strategic communications, grassroots outreach, public opinion research, predictive analytics, branding, public affairs campaigns, crisis management, media buying, digital advertising, and outreach to opinion leaders in Pennsylvania and around the United States.

Their clients encompass a variety of Pennsylvania stakeholders, ranging from non-profit organizations to Fortune 50 corporations, trade associations, higher education institutions, and professional organizations. AxAdvocacy’s Pennsylvania office is led by veteran lobbyist Alex Rahn, former state Rep. Tom Killion, who serves as Senior Advisor, and longtime Pennsylvania political strategist Rob Brooks, who also serves as a general consultant for Axiom Strategies while expanding his portfolio to incorporate public affairs. The firm also employs an all-star team of 25 staffers nationwide, boasting several Pennsylvania natives and those familiar with Pennsylvania politics, including:

• Ashlee Stephenson, President of AxAdvocacy: A Pittsburgh native and nationally respected strategist, pollster, and public speaker with nearly 20 years of experience working on high-level campaigns, independent expenditures, and on behalf of public affairs and corporate interests across the United States. As senior political strategist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest business organization, Stephenson has deep experience leading advocacy campaigns to support free enterprise public policy.
• Chris Pack, Principal of Communications: His previous roles include serving as Communications Director for the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), the Senate Leadership Fund (SLF), Capitol Hill, the New York State legislature, and several PA initiatives, including Governor Tom Corbett’s campaign and a PA-based independent expenditure.
• Bob Salera, Senior VP of Communications: A Pittsburgh native who, in addition to working for the NRCC and NRSC, has worked in numerous other campaign and government roles, including serving in various roles for the Republican Party of Pennsylvania and former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett.
• Gabriella Bucci, VP of Communications: A Pittsburgh native who previously served as the Director of Media Affairs at the RNC.
• Steve Chartan, Principal: A former staffer for Senator Pat Toomey who also served as Senator Ted Cruz’s Chief of Staff and inaugural Executive Director of the House Freedom Caucus.
• Noah Vehafric, Associate: A Lehigh Valley native who specializes in public policy research and analysis, supporting the team by delivering insightful results and quality products to stakeholders.

Reflecting on its Pennsylvania-specific victories, among AxAdvocacy’s signature achievements is a COVID-19 economic relief package in the 2021-22 session that was signed by then-Gov. Tom Wolf. The language the team worked to include in the law helped to stabilize tens of thousands of businesses throughout the Commonwealth and protected the job security of Pennsylvania employees during an especially challenging time.

The AxAdvocacy team is filled with veteran campaign staff, former public servants, and public relations professionals who believe that connecting with constituent communities is one of the most powerful tools available to build credibility and distribute messages around a common interest. As they move forward, their driven and knowledgeable team – which boasts more than a century of combined experience in Pennsylvania government and politics – will continue to use the skills and resources available to employ the power of grassroots advocacy and shape the best possible outcomes for their clients.

AxAdvocacy recently opened its new office in Harrisburg, having celebrated with a grand opening soiree in early May. The firm is poised and optimistic about the future and looks forward to assisting clients with 2025 priorities.

To learn more about the team and how their services can help you achieve your goals, visit www.axadvocacy.com.