Taylor Connolly

“What is public affairs?” To me, it’s simple: public affairs is how a business or organization communicates effectively with its most important stakeholders. This can range from partnership development and community engagement, to issues management and communication planning. It’s a big umbrella of activities that requires collaboration, innovation, and strategy, and it’s where I thrive.

For over a decade, I have operated at the intersection of public policy and the private sector. I started my career at a Boston public affairs firm where I established a strong foundation in public relations and government relations best practices. From there I jumped into city government to learn both sides of the business, and developed the ability to thrive in evolving environments with competing priorities, diverse stakeholders, and complex deliverables. Here at Castle, I’m passionate about bringing my deep experience in public policy development, stakeholder and community engagement, and strategic communications to our clients.

Although I have departed the public sector, I am still politically and civically engaged, and most recently served as communications director for a candidate for Mayor of Boston. Prior to that role, I was the first to lead communications efforts for Boston’s newly established economic development cabinet, and also served as director of communications and community engagement for the city’s environment department. During my time in public service, I led community engagement and communications campaigns around municipal aggregation and climate action policies, economic development and business attraction, and workforce development and equity initiatives.

I am a graduate of Union College and live in Boston. When I’m not working, you can find me running along the Harbor Walk, escaping for a beach day down the South Shore, or cheering on the Boston Bruins.