Public Affairs Services
EXPERT PUBLIC AFFAIRS STRATEGY & CONSULTING
Decisions aren’t made in a vacuum but rather have a significant and long-lasting impact on communities, organizations, and businesses. At Castle, we take a holistic view of Public Affairs. Our team has worn many hats, working in government, supporting candidates and ideas on the campaign trail, and engaging with communities.
We understand that while there are unique factors and considerations across all levels of the private and public sectors, from the community to the national and global stage, each is part of a larger conversation, issue, or idea. We pride ourselves on thinking boldly and embracing the fact that it is about finding and communicating the right solution, not just the simple fix. It is why we are known for shaping the conversation, building bridges amongst different communities and interests, and placing our clients in a position to move the needle on an issue. When combined, our strategies deliver results.
OUR PUBLIC AFFAIRS SERVICES
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
There are many voices in the conversation on any given issue. We help you define your voice, identify your audience, and deliver your message for maximum impact.
- Strategic Counsel
- Message Development
- Thought Leadership
- Speechwriting
- Executive Communications
- Media Engagement
- Rapid Response
PUBLIC INTEREST COMMUNICATIONS
We help you shape public opinion by connecting you with the right stakeholders and placing you at the center of the conversation.
- Bridgebuilding
- Community Relations
- Ally Recruitment & Mobilization
- Opinion Maker Identification
- Digital Advocacy
ADVOCACY
We partner with you to navigate, engage, and build relationships with relevant decision-makers across different levels of government to help you move the needle and shape public policy.
- Issue Development
- Issue Management
- Issue Advocacy
- Government Relations
- Regulatory, Grant & Procurement Guidance
- Event Development
PUBLIC AFFAIRS LEADERSHIP & EXPERIENCE
SANDY LISH
Principal/Co-founder
Sandy helps clients grow, sell, and acquire firms, successfully navigate crises and complex political issues, and tell the stories that drive progress. When she’s not working directly with clients, Sandy develops partnerships, identifies marketing opportunities, and fosters relationships across the public and private sectors.
She has served on the boards of the Center for Women and Enterprise and the WGBH Corporate Council for more than 15 years. She also serves on the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Executive Committee, the Board of Directors for the Alliance of Business Leadership, and the Executive Committee of the Public Relations Global Network. In 2018, Sandy was appointed by the governor to the Massachusetts Bay Community College Board of Trustees.
Taylor Connolly
Senior Director, Public Affairs/PR
Taylor is a veteran of the public and private sectors. She leverages over a decade of experience operating at the intersection of public policy and the private sector to spearhead Castle’s public affairs practice. Taylor has developed strategic communications and stakeholder engagement efforts from nonprofits to large corporations to position clients at the center of an issue and encourage notable change with key constituencies.
Before joining Castle, she was the inaugural communications manager for the Mayor of Boston’s Office of Economic Development and director of communications and community engagement for the Boston Environment Department. Taylor is a Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Boston Future Leaders Program graduate, a member of New England Women in Energy and the Environment, the New England Council’s Energy & Environment Committee, and helps drive Castle’s sustainability efforts.
Alex Fries
Chief of Staff, Public Relations
Alex brings a blend of experience in shaping public opinion, issue advocacy, and communicating sensitive issues across the private, public, and political sectors. As Chief of Staff, he leverages his unique insight into the intersection of government and the private sector to connect the dots for clients on affordable housing, economic development, healthcare, and other local, state, and federal levels issues.
Before joining Castle, Alex served as economic policy advisor to the Governor of New Hampshire, and the communications director and spokesperson for the state’s COVID-19 emergency relief efforts. He was also appointed the inaugural Chief of Staff & Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for New Hampshire’s cabinet-level economic development agency. Alex is a member of the New England Council’s Affordable Housing Committee.
TESTIMONIALS
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT OUR PUBLIC AFFAIRS SERVICES
THE LATEST PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTENT ON OUR BLOG
Check out the video below to hear how Castle’s cross-agency teams work together.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS FAQ
WHAT IS A FULL-SERVICE PUBLIC AFFAIRS AGENCY?
No two public affairs agencies are the same. At Castle, we leverage our cross-agency expertise to guide clients through intricate political, legislative, regulatory, and stakeholder environments. We put our clients at the center of the conversation to effectively convey their unique messages and goals. Our integrated strategic approach means we find the right solution, not just the simple fix.
WHY DO WE NEED PUBLIC AFFAIRS?
Public Affairs helps you shape public opinion on the topics you care about and are critical to your mission, build relationships and visibility, and influence policy decisions at all levels of government.
IS PUBLIC AFFAIRS THE SAME AS PUBLIC RELATIONS?
No. Public Affairs and Public Relations share some of the same tools but are fundamentally different. Public Relations helps you shape the view the world has of you, whereas Public Affairs is focused on helping you shape and interact with the world around you. Learn more about Public Affairs here.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PUBLIC POLICY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS?
Public policy is the government’s actions and rules. Public affairs is how organizations try to shape or react to them.
HOW DO I FIND A GOOD PUBLIC AFFAIRS FIRM?
There are several things to consider when seeking a public affairs firm. A reputable public affairs firm will have a strong portfolio of client work to share. Finding a firm with the right blend of experience and creativity is also essential to craft tailored strategies that meet your unique objectives. For more tips on hiring a public affairs firm, visit our blog.
HOW IS PRICING DETERMINED FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS SERVICES? (HOURLY, PROJECT, RETAINER)?
We work on a retainer basis or according to a set project scope and fee.
OUR SERVICES
GET STARTED
