Pivot Group

From KeyWiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Pivot Group Logo

Pivot Group works on progressive election campaigns, including mailings.

Background

From the Pivot Group website:[1]

"To win campaigns you need a holistic campaign – one that thinks about you, the voters, the politics, and the context of the election. We are set up to do just that. Which is why we are more than just a mail firm. And we put our money where our mouth is. We have an in-house data analytics department, and we team up on campaigns so that you always have someone – and a diversity of people – available to help the campaign every single step of the way.

People

The following are listed as staff (with mini bios) at the Pivot Group:[2]

Account Executive
Lindsay first worked with Pivot while at the DCCC IE in 2018 and she joined the team herself in 2020, before returning again in 2022. Prior to making DC home, she worked on numerous Democratic campaigns. Lindsay graduated from Northwestern University with a BA in Political Science and is currently an MBA candidate at Georgetown McDonough School of Business. In her free time she can be found tracking the squirrels of DC with her rescue hound, Ava, reading, and enjoying breakfast food at any time of day.
Accountant
Owen grew up in Bethesda, MD before attending Penn State, where he majored in Economics. After graduating in 2013, he moved to Washington, DC, where he has lived and work since then. He worked in the finance department of a USAID-funded international health non-profit before spending the 2016 campaign season in Miami, Florida as a Field Organizer. After returning to DC, he worked for the Urban Land Institute, conducting market research and economic forecasting. He joined Pivot in 2020 as an Accountant, and is happy to be part of such a great team!
Executive Operations Manager
Aja is a community organizer at heart who believes a powerful movement is served by effective internal organization. She began her career as a campus organizer at UC Riverside. has done movement organizing on the local, statewide, and national level and has most recently been running Project Operations with A/BPartners. Aja is happiest when serving as the glue between internal departments to ensure open communication and realistic expectations. She has served as an internal organizer through Project Operation Management on the Warren Campaign, the Center of Budget and Policy Priority, The Indivisible Project, NextGen and other organizations. She is originally from Oakland CA and currently lives in Atlanta GA with her wife, baby girl, 2 dogs and cat.
Partner
Adrienne brings over 10 years of political experience to The Pivot Group. She most recently served as the Director of Defend Our Future, an initiative of the Environmental Defense Fund to engage young people in the fight against climate change. Prior to joining Defend, Adrienne served on the Democratic Convention Contract Negotiating team that selected Philadelphia at the host city for the 2016 Democratic National Convention and as the Deputy Director for Voter Expansion at the Democratic National Committee. She also served as the Deputy Director for Intergovernmental Affairs at the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Committee, the Midwest Regional Political Director at the 2012 Democratic National Convention Committee in Charlotte, North Carolina and the Deputy Director of Member Communications at the AFL-CIO. Adrienne was a member of the record-setting finance team of the 2008 Obama for America campaign and served in the Obama Administration as a Congressional Relations Liaison at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Originally from Cincinnati, OH, she graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a minor in Women’s Studies.
Account Executive
Lyndsey joined Pivot just after the 2018 cycle as a member of the team that managed successful social pressure programs targeting millions of voters from Alaska to Florida and 30 states in-between as well as the implementation of experiment-informed programs to test new methods of persuading and mobilizing voters. Prior to joining Pivot, Lyndsey worked with End Citizens United to flip the House and elect champions for reform in both chambers. Originally from the sunny beaches of St. Petersburg Florida, Lyndsey looks forward to any opportunity to relax by the water.
Graphic Designer
Nadja is a May 2021 graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelors of Science in Visual Communication Design. She recently just completed an internship with Pivot as a Graphic Design Intern, where she learned the ins and outs about the world of politics and all the ways it coincides with Design. Her time at Pivot has deepened her appreciation for collaboration and ignited an even bigger flame of altruism. Nadja has a love for all things social impact, yoga and pugs.
Account Representative
Rose grew up in Washington, DC before attending University of California, Santa Barbara where she majored in Film and Environmental Studies. After graduating, she returned home and started working as a field organizer in a House of Delegates race in Northern Virginia. She continued her work in field organizing on presidential, senatorial, gubernatorial and local campaigns that took her across the country and back. She joined Pivot in March of 2022.
Sr. Data Analyst
Jonathan joined Pivot in 2022 after spending 2.5 years working in non-profit fundraising. Before that, he held data-centric roles in education, fantasy sports, manufacturing, and political campaigns. In his free time, he likes cooking, biking, and exploring DC.
Vice President
Marie joined Pivot in 2018 after having worked in field, polling, targeting and direct mail. She has managed enormous amounts of data and big personalities. Marie has spent so much time and sweat on Florida elections that she’s almost on a first name basis with all 67 Supervisors of Election. She has a soft spot for red to blue races that can take her near Carolina Style BBQ.
Production Director
With 24 years of production experience, Sarah is a renowned expert on print and postage; her innovation is so widely recognized, other progressive mail firms often come to her for advice. She has experience in fundraising, voter registration, and political persuasion mail. At Pivot, she makes sure our pieces hit mailboxes on time, no matter how often the USPS regulations change (which, as she will tell you, is often). Sarah works from her home base in upstate New York.
Fellow
Osaro joined Pivot in 2021. Prior to joining Pivot, Osaro interned for the Baltimore City Council, where he managed social media accounts and responded to constituent requests. He is earning a BA in Political Science from Howard University, where he is a member of the HU College Democrats and has written for the award-winning student newspaper The Hilltop. Osaro lives in Washington, D.C. with his hamster Darnell, where he loves to scour used bookstores for books to add to his ever-expanding “to be read” list.
Production Manager
Michele began her career in the early ’90s, starting at the bottom of a small, high-quality printing company in Phoenix, Arizona. She has almost three decades of experience in printing, graphic design, art direction, production, and project management, and has coordinated millions of pieces of political mail since her start at MSHC in 2002. After a stint at The Campaign Workshop, she joined Pivot, where she now supports production for local, regional, and national campaigns. Outside of work, she’s active in politics in her home state; in 2016 she served as treasurer for a successful campaign for Arizona’s water conservation board.
Director of Client Services
Jen got her start on a statewide campaign in Oregon. She joined Pivot’s California office during the 2016 election, where she helped key victories in the Oregon State House, managed Planned Parenthood independent expenditure campaigns, and supported voter outreach projects in multiple states. Following her passion for equity, social justice, and her home state, Jen took a leave of absence to work for SEIU during Oregon’s legislative session, fighting for working families. Outside of work, Jen can be found scoping out different running spots in the Bay Area and petting every dog she sees.
Founding Partner
Trish is recognized as one of the top Democratic direct mail consultants in the country. With more than 25 years of experience in politics and grassroots campaigns, Trish brings an extensive background in strategic communications, media relations, and grassroots organizing to Pivot’s full-service approach. Her past campaign clients include Hillary For America; Senators Ted Kennedy (MA) and Mark Warner (VA); and Governors Jennifer Granholm (MI) and Tom Vilsack (IA); she’s also served as a consultant for the AFL-CIO, EMILY's List, and Planned Parenthood. An avid foodie, Trish’s not-so-secret dream is to open a comfort food restaurant.
Client Services Coordinator
Originally from the Bay Area, Kristin is currently based in Santa Barbara. During her time in university, she developed passions for advancing racial justice and advocating for accessibility and affordability in higher education. Kristin started her career with a local community foundation committed to progressive social change. On the weekends, Kristin enjoys frequenting new restaurants, going to the beach, and watching Formula 1. Kristin joined Pivot in February 2022.
Partner, Managing Director, California Office
Natalie’s career began at age 17 on the Clinton-Gore campaign. Today she runs Pivot’s “Best Coast” operation in her native California, where she specializes in tough red-to-blue fights for leaders including Rep. Ami Bera (CA-07) and Rep. Jerry McNerney (CA-09). She helped the Oregon House Democratic Caucus win and hold its majority, making Tina Kotek the first lesbian Speaker of any U.S. legislative body. And she’s a passionate supporter of women in office, working with EMILY's List both as a consultant and a mentor for female candidates. When she’s not working, you can find Natalie drinking good bourbon, running, or spending time with her twin toddlers and husband.
Political Data Analyst
Slayden got his start in the investment consulting world and spent 6 years managing and contributing to data and technology projects. In 2019 he decided to drive to Iowa and work for Elizabeth Warren’s primary campaign–knocking doors and making phone calls for the summer. Prior to joining Pivot he was the Deputy Data Director for the Michigan Democratic Party during the 2020 election cycle. Slayden lives in Atlanta with his wife Sarah and golden retriever Charlie. He spends most of his personal time listening to audiobooks and re-watching games from the Braves 2021 World Series run.
Office Manager
Before joining Pivot, Chase worked in local government designing emergency response plans. She also spent a few years aboard a research boat collecting data on water quality in the Finger Lakes and leading biology workshops for students. She graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Environmental Studies and a minor in Art. On the weekends, you can catch Chase playing board games, hiking, and slowly eating her way through Baltimore.
Account Representative
Elianor M.A. is a Lebanese-American journalist, author, and screenwriter. Prior to joining Pivot, Elianor published her second book, Dealing with Dramedies, which allowed her to personally interview high profile clients such as an Oscar nominee, a Netflix writer, and a New York Times bestselling author. She received a B.A. in English with a minor in Legal studies from the University of Rochester, where she was also the youngest person to complete the undergraduate honors thesis program. Elianor is an op-ed writer at the Women's Media Center and a contributing reporter at Ms. Magazine, and has made numerous appearances on radio shows and podcasts. When she’s not binge-watching the latest Netflix hit, Elianor spends her free time playing the piano, guitar, and ukulele.
Account Assistant
Dinika is a native Californian and a proud graduate of UC Davis (Go Aggies!) with a degree in political science and economics. While she is new to Pivot and the political mail world, she has previously been involved in everything from cultural event planning and political organizing to working in third-party logistics and data analysis. In her spare time, you can usually find Dinika learning a new language, painting her nails, or playing Stardew Valley.
Account Representative
Jasmine is originally from Oklahoma. There, she received her Bachelors in English from Southern Nazarene University and her Juris Doctorate from Oklahoma City University School of Law. While Jasmine is relatively new to the world of politics, she has been passionate about fighting for progressive causes since middle school. Since that time, she has put together numerous events to raise awareness for various causes, her most recent being a series at her law school (that continues to this day) about discrimination, diversity, and equity in the field of law. In her free time, she enjoys food in any and all fashions – whether she’s the one cooking/baking or exploring new places to eat in the DMV with her husband. She loves being a dog mom to Nahla (German Shepherd) and Khaleesi (Husky) and is always down for a good book.
Senior Graphic Designer
Megan is originally from Illinois and is relatively new to DC /the world of politics! She received a BFA in Graphic design at Western Michigan University (after her mom told her she would be good at it) and she was a member of the WMU Bronco Colorguard. In her free time, she loves exploring DC, watching Marvel movies, and trying to find the best pizza in the city.
Client Services Coordinator
Michael joined the team at Pivot in 2022 after spending three years at a nonproft managing several low-income housing projects in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Passionate about progressive action, he has volunteered with local labor and tenant unions, and provided pro bono consulting to nonprofits. Michael graduated from Ithaca College with a double major in Sociology and Philosophy, and continues to foster these interests in his personal and professional life. On the weekends Michael can be found listening to various political podcasts, spoiling his rescue hound, or experimenting with a new vegetarian recipe.
Partner
Jason has developed winning direct mail and interactive strategies for dozens of campaigns and advocacy organizations; his clients include SEIU, the DCCC, and successful candidates for the Virginia Senate. Jason got his start on the road: He put hundreds of thousands of miles on his car working on Democratic campaigns across the country. And when he’s not on the road, he’s in the air. Over the past decade, Jason has accumulated more than three million frequent-flyer miles—mostly through his obsessive commitment to tracking mileage promotions.
Photo Editor
Jessica joined Pivot during the 2018 election cycle as a photo editor and digital asset manager. Her MA in public history and her BA in history and gender studies help her craft engaging visual narratives through thoughtful photo selection. When she isn’t curating images for direct mail, she spends her time playing video games and trying to entice her two rescue cats to sit on her lap..
Account Executive
Based in Seattle, Devon brings over five years of campaign and project management experience to Pivot. Driven by her deep commitment to progressive candidates and causes, she started working on campaigns in 2012 with Washington State’s initiative to legalize marriage equality and went on to manage a successful state-wide campaign in 2016. For the last four years, she has served as a project manager at an international non-profit focused on increasing rural women’s access to financial resources by working with government, activists, and NGO stakeholders. Outside of work, Devon enjoys catching sunsets, surfing, and a potpourri of craft projects.
Art Director
Em brings a decade of design experience to Pivot. Her background is surprisingly varied—she’s done everything from board games to bus wraps—but she’s firmly grounded in the belief that design can be a tool for the greater good. She’s also a talented illustrator, and knows the powerful ways that imagery conveys a message. Em shares a home in Washington, D.C., with her husband and a sassy rescue pug.
Account Executive
Emilie joins Pivot after many years on the road, working for various local, state, and federal campaigns. She has experience in everything from managing and executing traditional, distributive, and relational field programs, working on political persuasion mail to managing stakeholder relationships. In 2020, she worked at the DCCC, advising both frontline and challenger campaigns on the west coast. Prior to that, she ran Katie Porter’s (CA-45) successful field program. You can find her hiking and exploring Los Angeles in her free time.
Partner, Director of Targeting and Analytics
An industry leader in data analytics and targeting, Joel is involved in shaping strategy for every Pivot client, making sure that Pivot’s mail goes to the best possible audience, and that an understanding of the audience is fully incorporated into the creative process. Joel is an active member of the Analyst Group, pioneering a range of analytic tools for campaigns and progressive groups and has built microtargeting models for the DNC, Planned Parenthood, the Voter Participation Center, and state parties around the country. He has also designed, executed and analyzed randomized experiments for Pivot clients to refine specific programs and help share best practices in the progressive community.
Graphic Designerr
Jose is a creative artist/designer that grew up in the border towns of El Paso, TX and Ciudad Juarez, MX. Jose joined the Pivot group during the 2020 election cycle bringing his creative abilities along with his passion for social and political justice to the team. Jose is currently somewhere in Rockville, MD, with his wiener dog looking for the best tacos and salsa in the DMV.
Creative Director
Nick has more than a decade of experience in advertising and design, specializing in direct mail. He’s worked on campaigns for everyone from Coca-Cola to Mitsubishi to Hillary Clinton. At Pivot, Nick is equal parts engine and visionary for our creative department, inspiring our designers and making sure every piece we produce is creative and on-target for the audience. If you can’t catch Nick in our office, you’ll find him spending time with his wife and two adorable daughters at home in Maryland.
Graphic Designer
Lesley is originally from Baltimore and has recently relocated to Los Angeles. She earned a BA in Graphic Design from the University of Maryland at College Park where she was a member of the Women’s Club Rugby team. Her experience is diverse, ranging from web design to package design. She is especially enthusiastic about illustrating (a huge fan of the Apple Pencil).
Account Executive
Meera joined Pivot in 2020. She’s a “recovering” oppo researcher, starting her career doing research at the DCCC, state parties, and campaigns. In 2018, she worked in the DCCC’s political department, becoming the committee’s first ever “Red Box Director” as they flipped the house. She then shifted gears to managing congressional campaigns, and she is a strong believer that campaigns and organizations should reflect the diversity of the Democratic Party. Meera lives outside of Boston where you can find her coloring large wall posters and perfecting recipes so she can one day open a food truck.
Senior Graphic Designer
Emily originally joined Pivot for the cycle in 2014, but loved it so much she came back in 2019 and bringing with her years of political advertising and digital experience. She adds whimsy and innovation to each design with sophistication in message and intent. Emily loves all things sci-fi and fantasy, as well as watching cartoons with her husband and potato cat.”
Account Executive
Garrett began his political career working in Southern Democratic politics — first, working on the campaign of Birmingham mayor Randall Woodfin before joining the scrappy team of a handful of recent college graduates on the Doug Jones for Senate campaign. Following that country-saving victory, Garrett took his love for Southern food to the Hill as a body man before transitioning to defense and national security policy. After dabbling in a couple more federal campaigns, Garrett has retired from moving across the country to random campaign HQs and has brought his talents to direct mail.
Vice President
Ethan is an experienced political professional who joined Pivot in 2018 after spending nearly a decade on the road managing campaigns. During the 2018 cycle, Ethan worked on direct mail programs for Congressman Antonio Delgado (NY-19), the DCCC IE, Colorado’s successful redistricting ballot amendment, and a variety of other campaigns and organizations. A talented manager and campaign strategist, Ethan began his career in politics in 2010, and he has managed congressional campaigns in Colorado, Maryland, and Wisconsin and state level campaigns in Missouri and New Jersey.
Senior Account Executive
Andy came to Pivot during the 2018 campaign cycle, working with Pivot’s senior partner for winning clients and organizations such as Tony Evers for Governor (WI), Lizzie Fletcher for Congress (TX-07), and End Citizens United IE efforts in Montana, New York and Illinois. Prior to joining Pivot, he worked as a Senate Floor reporter for Congressional Quarterly, covering the legislation of the day and parliamentary procedure. Andy then ran for the House of Delegates in Maryland, losing in the primary to a Pivot client, making him the living embodiment of “if you can’t beat them, join them.”
Chief Executive Officer
Mandy Vlasz joined Pivot in 2018 as the Chief Operating Officer. Mandy brings with her almost 20 years experience building internal processes at progressive organizations. Prior to joining Pivot, Mandy was the Director of Operations and Administration for the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center and the Director of Operations for Media Matters for America. Mandy lives in Alexandria with her husband Jonathan, their children James & Sawyer, and their pit bull Butter.
Graphic Designer
Ibby is passionate about using the intersection of design and leadership to build a more inclusive future. Before joining Pivot in April 2022, she received a BFA in Illustration and two minors in Social Innovation and Business from ArtCenter College of Design. Ibby comes from a background of working in freelance for socially-driven clients and holding leadership roles in academia. With these skills, she strives to advance progressive causes and help clients connect with their communities through empathetic design.
Account Executive
An immigrant from El Salvador, Nelson’s immigrant experience has strongly influenced his passion for progressive politics. From a young age, he followed political campaigns because he understood that election outcomes shape public policy. In both high school and college, Nelson volunteered with Democratic campaigns through door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, and voter registration drives. While in college, Nelson worked on a number of issue advocacy campaigns to enact equitable policy changes. Some of these issue campaigns included providing equitable access to higher education to formerly incarcerated individuals as well as providing more financial resources to undocumented students. Nelson's experiences with issue advocacy campaigns have provided him with a strong foundation to support Pivot and its clients. He graduated from Stetson University with a BA in English and political science. In his spare time, Nelson enjoys spending time with his cats, watching the latest Marvel movie, and going to the theme parks in Orlando. He joined Pivot in 2022.
Account Representative
Luke grew up in Seattle, Washington before moving to Eugene and attending the University of Oregon for college. After graduating with a degree in Public Relations, Luke was eager to get involved with progressive politics, working on and volunteering for various campaigns leading up to the 2020 election. Luke currently lives in San Diego, CA and can be found at the beach, in the mountains, or reading a book in his free time.
Political Data Coordinator
George Kassis is a recent graduate from the University of Rochester in New York with a degree in Neuroscience and concentrations in Electrical Engineering and Political Science. Prior to joining The Pivot Group, he served as a medical data analyst and conducted several research studies while mainly focusing on finding ways to better the access of marginalized communities to health care and research. Furthermore, he directly worked with schools in the Rochester community to guide students in their pursuit of STEM education. He also cofounded a team at the University of Rochester with the aim of developing more affordable medical prosthetics to Rochester residents. In his free time, George enjoys reading, hiking, and trying new food recipes.
Account Representative
Vishal grew up in New York after immigrating to the United States in the early 2000s. Before joining Pivot, he interned on Capitol Hill, and worked on political campaigns and at media agencies. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games and taking boxing classes.
Graphic Designer
Kailee McDade is a graphic designer and illustrator from Kalamazoo Michigan, where they got their BFA at Western Michigan University. Since then they’ve been living in Brooklyn creating a community for themselves and other trans folks wherever they can. Kailee has joined Pivot for the 2022 election cycle to bring color and illustration to political and social justice
Client Services Coordinator
Mathias has a keen interest in progressive issues, especially how they impact minorities. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Florida, in the spring of 2021. After graduation, he obtained an internship with Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21), where he was able to see firsthand how a congressional office interacts with their constituents while using his bilingual (Spanish & English) skills and enhancing his multicultural perspectives. On the weekends, Mathias can be found reffing fútbol games for boys and girls from all different age groups and cheering on the Florida Panthers as they pursue the Stanley Cup.
Design Assistant
Owen Myatt first joined Pivot as an intern in the summer of 2021, when he worked with the Graphic Design team and learned the visual language of political advertising. He returned this year to work as a Design Assistant with Pivot. Owen grew up in Hattiesburg, MS, and is currently enrolled in the Savannah College of Art & Design, where he is majoring in Animation. Through Pivot and other past employers, Owen has gained substantial experience working in graphic design, and he’s happy to return as a Design Assistant with the company. In his spare time, Owen likes to draw, hike, and visit museums.
Graphic Designer
A self-described hybrid, Laura’s working background includes more than 15 years of practical graphic design and production along with her recent MFA from University of California, Irvine. While there, she earned the Critical Theory Emphasis certificate in support of her ongoing interest in the ways language and image shape society’s beliefs about itself. A Los Angeles native, Laura resets between projects by playing experimental noise.
Account Representative
Elliot brings varied experience in electoral campaigns across the country to Pivot. He has a background in field, having organized in rural, urban, and suburban areas from Connecticut to California. He most recently managed a campaign for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. In his free time he enjoys strength sports, crossword puzzles, and putting an eye-raising amount of effort into ice cream recipes.
Accounting Clerk
Rowan graduated from James Madison University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a minor in history. She graduated from JMU (again) in June 2022 after spending 10 months in Florence, Italy pursuing a Master of Arts in political science with a concentration in European Union Policy Studies. Rowan has been passionate about all things U.S. politics and history since she was in elementary school. She is excited to be back in the U.S. and join the team for the 2022 midterm election cycle!
Account Representative
Lexi was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona where she resides today. After graduating from Arizona State University with a B.A. in communications and minors in media analysis and political science, Lexi worked on the 2020 Arizona Democratic Coordinated Campaign to elect Democrats up and down the ballot in her home state. She joined the Pivot team in March of 2022 and is eager to continue to work in this field along with this team. In her free time, Lexi enjoys watching movies, checking out local restaurants and bakeries, going on road trips, and taking her paddleboard out on the water any chance she gets.
Accountant
Hailey is a passionate designer, printmaker and textile artist based out of Brooklyn, New York. Hailey holds her MFA in Communications Design from Pratt Institute and her BFA in Studio Art from Colorado College and has over 6 years of experience in nonprofits and fundraising from the Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass Village, Colorado. Hailey enjoys exploring the city, visiting museums, going on camping trips and riding her mountain bike.
Creative Services Manager
Melinda am a Liberal Arts Major and a Photography Minor. A passionately curious person. Someone who is constantly evolving, learning, and creating. In the ever changing field of Marketing, it is crucial to have a savvy, well-seasoned individual that can personally strategize, coordinate, and implement all your marketing / branding needs and efforts. The most important thing is your vision is clearly advocated, someone with personal knowledge of your company is diligently working for you, and the success of your company is the ultimate goal. One vision, one person, one goal. My primary background has been in the field of Advertising and Marketing, with over 16 years of experience. My focus specifically concentrating on creating logos, branding, websites, personalized marketing plans, strategies, and budget proposals, specifically catered to each of my client’s needs. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of working with many clients in different industries and I absolutely love what I do.

References

  1. ↑ Our Team (accessed August 9, 2022)
  2. ↑ Our Team (accessed August 9, 2022)
Retrieved from "https://keywiki.org/index.php?title=Pivot_Group&oldid=581917"