Who We Are

Tom counsels CEOs, executive teams and Boards on all strategic communications matters, with a particular focus on special situations such as transactions, activist investors, crises, management changes and governance matters. He has overseen a significant expansion of Abernathy’s business over the last five years, including the launch of several new practice areas rooted in the firm’s stakeholder-oriented approach. Tom also serves as the co-Chief Executive Officer of the H/Advisors global network, which offers clients leading local market expertise with a seamless cross-border offering in all of the world’s key financial centers.​

Prior to joining Abernathy, Tom served as Editor-in-Charge of Investment Banking and Finance for Reuters North America, where he also ran the M&A and IPO desks. Earlier, he worked at CNN Financial News as a financial markets and M&A reporter.​

Representative Experience

• Cerner Corporation on its $28.3 billion merger with Oracle

• Anaplan on its revised $10.4 billion merger agreement with Thoma Bravo

• JAB on all North American communications​

• The National Women’s Soccer League on its joint investigation into alleged misconduct

• Medline Industries on its majority stake sale to Blackstone, Carlyle and Hellman & Friedman for approximately $30 billion

• DXC Technology on the unsolicited merger approach by Atos

• Comcast on Trian Fund Management’s investment in the company

Education

• Towson State University, B.A. in Mass Communications

Memberships and Affiliations

• Volunteers of America Greater New York, Board Member​

• Economic Club of New York, Member

Email: tom.johnson@h-advisors.global

She has led the communications efforts on behalf of her clients surrounding critical, often transformational, events, including mergers and acquisitions, take private transactions, initial public offerings, regulatory developments, leadership successions, hostile takeover attempts and shareholder activism. Carina also is one of the firm’s leading executive coaches, helping prepare senior leaders to effectively communicate to their stakeholders.

Prior to joining Abernathy, Carina specialized in issues management and public affairs at Edelman.

Representative Experience

• Toast on its IPO and on select corporate communications matters

• WisdomTree on transaction communications support, shareholder activism defense and investor relations

• WideOpenWest Inc. (WOW!) on its $1.8 billion sale of five service areas in two separate transactions

• SAS Institute on corporate communications advisory in connection with the company’s plan to become IPO-ready

• RE/MAX on investor relations advisory

• Signify Health on its approximately $8 billion sale to CVS

Education

• Skidmore College, B.A. in Spanish and Political Science

Memberships and Affiliations

• Women in America

• Chief

Languages

• Dutch

• Spanish

Email: carina.davidson@h-advisors.global

Prior to joining Abernathy, Peter spent almost ten years as the Controller for Publicis Groupe ReSources Americas. During his tenure, he was instrumental in building out the finance business support capabilities and function at the firm’s Information Technology and Shared Services Center. Before that, he spent over nine years in banking at JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America. Peter also has over nine years of distinguished service as an officer in the United States Navy.

Education

• Loyola University of Chicago, M.B.A. in Finance

• Norwich University, B.S. in Business Administration

Email: peter.lee@h-advisors.global

Prior to joining Abernathy in 2004, Chuck held communications positions at Broadgate Consultants, Nasdaq-listed Knight Capital Group (now part of Virtu Financial) and Edelman.​

Representative Experience

• Multi-engagement communications advisory to Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R), Madison Dearborn Partners, Eurazeo and JMI Equity, among other private equity investment firms of various investment strategies and sizes

• EVO Payments on its $4 billion acquisition by Global Payments

• Complex financial restructurings, including the City of Detroit’s Chapter 9, Dex Media’s Chapter 11 and post-emergence combination with YP Holdings, TOMS in its transfer of ownership from Bain Capital to creditors and Travelport on its agreement with an Ad Hoc Group of Lenders during the initial lockdown phase of the COVID-19 pandemic

• SJW Group on its $1.1 billion merger with Connecticut Water Service, a process in which both publicly traded water utility companies received separate, unsolicited acquisition proposals and multi-state regulatory scrutiny

• Shuanghui International (now known as WH Group) on its $4.7 billion acquisition of Smithfield Foods, which at the time was the largest acquisition of a U.S. domiciled and listed company by a Chinese company

• A global biopharmaceutical company on executive communications, ESG initiatives, philanthropy and public commentary surrounding topical socioeconomic issues

• Numerous public and private companies on executive transitions, staff relocations and reductions and various crisis matters​

Education

• College of the Holy Cross, B.A. in History​

• Universidad de Sevilla, Academic Year of Study​

• London School of Economics, Hansard Society Scholars​

Email: chuck.dohrenwend@h-advisors.global

Sydney joined H/Advisors Abernathy in 2005 in the firm’s Los Angeles office and subsequently founded the Houston office. She was named one of the 50 most influential leaders in corporate governance in 2022 by the National Association of Corporate Directors. She is a frequent speaker on topics ranging from crisis management to investor activism defense. She is also a member of the firm’s six-person Leadership Team.

Representative Experience

• Centuri Group on its corporate repositioning as its parent company evaluated strategic alternatives under activist shareholder pressure

• ConocoPhillips on its $9.7 billion acquisition of Concho Resources

• Frank’s International on its merger with Expro Group

• Stratus Properties on its successful proxy contest against Oasis Management

• Texas Pacific Land Trust on its proxy contest and related litigation

• Xcel Energy on its crisis planning and response

• A chemicals manufacturer on its management of a ransomware crisis

Memberships and Affiliations

• Board of Directors, YMCA of Greater Houston

• Honoree, Directorship 100

• Advisory Board, National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Texas Tricities Chapter

• National Investor Relations Institute, former Houston Chapter Board member, Southwest Conference Chair and co-Chair

• Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, Troop Leader

• Turnaround Management Association, Houston Chapter, former President

• Center for Houston’s Future’s Business / Civic Leadership Forum, Graduate

Email: sydney.isaacs@h-advisors.global

Kate has nearly twenty years of experience in strategic communications and public affairs, working across sectors, including tech, industrials and consumer goods, on high profile M&A, bankruptcies and restructurings, IPOs, investor relations, executive transitions and corporate reputation initiatives. After beginning her career at Abernathy, Kate served as Communications Director and Deputy Chief of Staff for the New Orleans City Council President post-Hurricane Katrina, leading all communications initiatives and advising on policy. She also has experience managing profile raising and public relations campaigns for prominent foundations and non-profits.

Education

• University of Michigan, B.A. in Political Science

Email: kate.schneiderman@h-advisors.global

Prior to joining Abernathy, Ian served 12 years as Senior Vice President and CCO of Great Western Financial Corporation. Before that, he served as Deputy Director of the California Department of Commerce under Governor George Deukmejian.

Representative Experience

• Bank of the West on its pending sale to BMO for $16.3 billion

• California Resources Corporation on its filing for and emergence from bankruptcy

• AECOM on its activism defense against Starboard Value

• Flex on corporate, investor and crisis communications matters

• SJW Group on its $1.1 billion merger with Connecticut Water Service, a process in which both publicly • traded water utility companies received separate, unsolicited acquisition proposals and multi-state regulatory scrutiny

• Xcel Energy on environmental, regulatory and natural disaster communications

• Edison International on a statewide campaign to reform the way California addresses wildfire prevention, suppression and liabilities in the face of climate change

Education 

• Occidental College, M.A. in Urban Studies

• Coro Foundation, Fellow

• Pomona College, B.A. in Government (Magna Cum Laude)

Memberships and Affiliations

• Coro Southern California, Chair, Honorary Board

• USC School of Law Institute for Corporate Counsel

• California Parks and Recreation Commission, Chairman (Past)

Email: ian.campbell@h-advisors.global

Jim and his partner James Abernathy founded the firm in 1985. Jim was H Advisors Abernathy’s Managing Partner until 2000, President until 2005 and Vice Chairman thereafter. Earlier he had been a reporter and editor at The Wall Street Journal and an executive at CBS and American Broadcasting Cos.

Education

• Case Western Reserve University, M.B.A. in Business Management

• Princeton University, B.A. in Economics

Memberships and Affiliations

• Southampton Hospital Association, Board Member

• Peconic Land Trust, Board Member

• Daily Princetonian Publishing Co., Former Chair

• Location One, Inc., Chair

Email: james.macgregor@h-advisors.global

She is a frequent speaker on crisis communications and crisis management throughout the United States and Europe. Many national and international insurance companies have selected Rhonda, on behalf of their policyholders, for crisis communications and management advisory in complex situations.

Representative Experience

• Non-profits, hospitals, schools and other institutions on sensitive crisis issues in energy, medicine, finance, entertainment, technology, human resources and natural disasters

Education 

• University of Michigan, M.A. in Urban Planning

• University of Rochester, B.A. in English

Email: rhonda.barnat@h-advisors.global

Before joining Abernathy in 1994, Chuck focused on media and investor relations at Ogilvy Adams & Rinehart, where he advised financial services clients such as Deutsche Bank, New York Life, Chemical Bank and FGIC. Previously, he served in the press office of Senator John Warner (VA).

Representative Experience

• Sanofi on its $19.5 billion acquisition of Genzyme

• Alaska Air on its $4 billion acquisition of Virgin America

• International Seaways on its $2 billion acquisition of Diamond S Shipping

• ZF on its $13.5 billion acquisition of TRW

• The City of Detroit on its historic Chapter 9 bankruptcy filing

Education

• University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School, Executive Education Program

• Georgetown University, B.A. in English and Government (Cum Laude)

Memberships and Affiliations

• Associació Barcelona Global

• VIP Community Services, Chair Emeritus

Languages

• German

Email: chuck.burgess@h-advisors.global

Eileen retired from JP Morgan as a Managing Director in 2018, a position she held since 2001. At JP Morgan, she served as Chair of the North America Governance Committee and led the firm’s corporate engagement activities. Eileen was also a Senior Client Portfolio Manager and a proven expert in investment consulting, portfolio management and financial communications. Prior to joining JP Morgan, Eileen was a partner at Invesco, formerly Chancellor Capital, where she held various roles, including Portfolio Manager, Head of Asset Allocation and Head of Client Services.

Representative Experience

• Comcast on its proxy format

• Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) on an activism vulnerabilities assessment, defense preparation and ongoing monitoring

• BuzzFeed on investor relations advisory including ESG disclosure strategy

• An IPO client on ESG disclosures

Education

• City University of New York, M.B.A. in Finance and Economics

• Queens College, City University of New York, B.A. in Economics

Memberships and Affiliations

• NYU School of Professional Studies, Adjunct Professor, Governance and Ethics

• 2017 NACD Directorship 100

• National Grid Foundation, Chair

• ESG Center of the Conference Board, Senior Fellow

Email: eileen.cohen@h-advisors.global

Prior to joining H/Advisors Abernathy, Carl headed global corporate communications for the media company Viacom Inc, from 1994 to 2016, serving the company’s chief public relations strategist and spokesperson and responsible for the company’s philanthropic and corporate social responsibility programs, as well as overall communication activities. He joined Viacom following the company’s acquisition of Paramount Communications Inc. (formerly Gulf+Western Industries, Inc.), where he held various communications roles of increasing responsibility since 1984. He began his career at Ruder & Finn, a leading independent PR firm, in 1979.

Representative Experience

• Scholastic Corporation on financial communications advisory and crisis counsel

• IMAX Corporation on communications and investor relations

• Lionsgate Entertainment on financial communications

• The Big3 Basketball League on its bid for Fox Regional Sports Networks

• Olympic Eagle on litigation support and media relations

• Gibson Brands on its bankruptcy emergence and leadership transition

• The creators of the popular TV series The Walking Dead for litigation support and media relations

Education

• ​Boston University, B.A. in Communication; Recipient of the school’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 1998

Memberships and Affiliations

• New York University, Adjunct Professor of Communication​

• Literacy, Inc., Director and former Board Chair​

• Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, Board of Directors​

• Patrick’s Cathedral, New York City, Board of Trustees​

• Get Schooled, Director, Former Board Chair and Founder​

• Staying Alive Foundation, Board of Advisors

Email: carl.folta@h-advisors.global

Before joining Abernathy, David was Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications and an Executive Officer at Health Net, Inc., one of the nation’s largest publicly traded managed health care companies. At Health Net, he was responsible for the company’s investor relations, internal and external communications and government relations. Previously, David was Vice President, Corporate Communications at National Medical Enterprises, Inc. a leading hospital company.

Education

• Washington and Lee University, B.A. in English

Memberships and Affiliations

• National Investor Relations Institute, Former Board Member

Email: david.olson@h-advisors.global

Prior to joining H/Advisors Abernathy, Eric was the Global Head of Communications for a publicly traded technology company in Los Angeles, for which he managed all external and internal communications. Before that, Eric was the Corporate / Financial Communications lead for Burson-Marsteller’s L.A. office. Eric began his career in financial communications at Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher, where he spent eight years, most recently as a Director in the firm’s New York office.

Representative Experience

• Oversight Board (Meta) on global positioning and reputation management

• Toast on its IPO and on select corporate communications matters

• Univision on its $4.8 billion acquisition of Groupo Televisa’s content assets

• Forbes Global Media on its attempted merger with SPAC Magnum Opus Acquisition Limited

• ConocoPhillips on its $9.7 billion acquisition of Concho Resources

• U.S. Steel on its transformative investment in Big River Steel

• NXP Semiconductors on the termination of its planned sale to Qualcomm

Education

• University of Colorado at Boulder, B.S. in Political Science

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Memberships and Affiliations

• Tightlined Conservation Coalition, Board Member and Secretary​

Email: eric.bonach@h-advisors.global

Prior to joining Abernathy in 2004, Chuck held communications positions at Broadgate Consultants, Nasdaq-listed Knight Capital Group (now part of Virtu Financial) and Edelman.​

Representative Experience

• Multi-engagement communications advisory to Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R), Madison Dearborn Partners, Eurazeo and JMI Equity, among other private equity investment firms of various investment strategies and sizes

• EVO Payments on its $4 billion acquisition by Global Payments

• Complex financial restructurings, including the City of Detroit’s Chapter 9, Dex Media’s Chapter 11 and post-emergence combination with YP Holdings, TOMS in its transfer of ownership from Bain Capital to creditors and Travelport on its agreement with an Ad Hoc Group of Lenders during the initial lockdown phase of the COVID-19 pandemic

• SJW Group on its $1.1 billion merger with Connecticut Water Service, a process in which both publicly traded water utility companies received separate, unsolicited acquisition proposals and multi-state regulatory scrutiny

• Shuanghui International (now known as WH Group) on its $4.7 billion acquisition of Smithfield Foods, which at the time was the largest acquisition of a U.S. domiciled and listed company by a Chinese company

• A global biopharmaceutical company on executive communications, ESG initiatives, philanthropy and public commentary surrounding topical socioeconomic issues

• Numerous public and private companies on executive transitions, staff relocations and reductions and various crisis matters​

Education

• College of the Holy Cross, B.A. in History​

• Universidad de Sevilla, Academic Year of Study​

• London School of Economics, Hansard Society Scholars​

Email: chuck.dohrenwend@h-advisors.global

Sheila brings to her strategic communications practice more than 20 years of equity capital markets experience as a sell side analyst and investment banker at technology-focused investment banks. In her 30-year career, she has advised on hundreds of IPOs and follow-on offerings, as well as dozens of M&A assignments as a sell-side research analyst, senior banker and strategic communications advisor.

Representative Experience

• Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) on an activism vulnerabilities assessment, defense preparation and ongoing monitoring

• GitLab on crisis preparation and response

• Avnet on ongoing investor relations advisory

• Shopify on periodic investor relations advisory

• Planet.com PBC on ongoing investor relations advisory

• Mozilla on litigation support and media relations

• Forbes Global Media on its attempted merger with SPAC Magnum Opus Acquisition Limited

Education

• Brown University, B.A. in Law and Society

Memberships and Affiliations

• National Investor Relations Institute – San Francisco and Silicon Valley Chapters

Email: sheila.ennis@h-advisors.global

Kendell also advises on mergers and acquisitions, shareholder activism, public affairs and high-profile executive changes. Clients frequently turn to her for specialized media and presentation training, as well as to develop and implement reputation management programs. Kendell joined the firm in 2012.

Representative Experience

• Major U.S. corporations on employee activism and business disruption​

• Corporations on data breaches, cyber-attacks and other privacy issues​

• Management teams and Boards during C-Suite changes and surprise announcements, including investigations and allegations of misconduct​

• Companies and institutions after a physical disaster or mass casualty incident​

• Multinational corporations during product liability issues and mass recalls​

• Corporations and non-profits on regulatory inquiries, investigations and sanctions​

• Insurance companies during complex situations on behalf of their policyholders​

Education

• ​Syracuse University, Newhouse School of Public Communications, B.S. in Public Relations

Memberships and Affiliations

• Women in America (WIA)

Email: kendell.fitter@h-advisors.global

Dana also advises executive teams and Boards of Directors of public and private companies across industries on corporate reputation management, event-driven situations and strategic profile-raising initiatives. His experience spans M&A, shareholder activism defense, crisis management and response and restructuring and bankruptcy.

Representative Experience

• Strategic communications advisory to a number of private equity investment firms, including Siris, New Mountain Capital, LS Power Equity Advisors and Vauban Infrastructure Partners, on transactions, fundraising announcements and other strategic matters involving the firms and their portfolio companies

• M&A involving publicly traded and privately held companies, including Cloudmed on its sale to R1 RCM, Vestiaire Collective on its acquisition of Tradesy, Univision Communications on its merger with Televisa’s media, content and production assets to form Televisa-Univision and Valaris on its acquisitions of Rowan, Atwood Oceanics and Pride International

• Multi-stakeholder communications in relation to Chapter 11 filings, including those involving Valaris, Parker Drilling and Heritage Home Group

• Sagard Capital on its acquisition, along with Fairfax Financial, of substantially all the assets of Performance Sports Group out of Chapter 11

• The City of Detroit on its historic Chapter 9 bankruptcy filing

• PGi on an agreement with its first lien lenders

• Travelport on an agreement with its Ad Hoc Group of Lenders

Education

• University of Richmond, B.A. in Journalism and Spanish

Email: dana.gorman@h-advisors.global

Since joining the firm, Blair has counseled dozens of clients on special situations, including mergers and acquisitions, crises and issues management, litigation, shareholder activism defense and governance matters. She has deep M&A experience advising companies on complex transactions including contested and hostile situations. In addition, she leads many ongoing profile-raising and reputation management programs for U.S. and multi-national clients.

Representative Experience 

• Symbotic on its SPAC transaction with Softbank-backed SVFC Investment Corp. 3 and subsequent public listing

• T-Mobile on its $59 billion acquisition of Sprint

• Intuit on its $8.1 billion acquisition of Credit Karma

• SunTrust (now Truist) on its $66 billion merger of equals with BB&T

• Henkel AG on issues management, corporate positioning, M&A and integration communications

• A global biopharmaceutical company on executive communications, ESG initiatives, philanthropy and public commentary surrounding topical socioeconomic issues

• A variety of organizations on C-Suite changes and surprise announcements

Education

• University of Richmond, B.A. in Leadership Studies (Magna Cum Laude)

Email: blair.hennessy@h-advisors.global

Prior to joining H/Advisors Abernathy, Mike served as a Vice President at PhRMA. Before that, he was a senior leader at a Washington-based public affairs firm. Early in his career, he was also an advocate for legal reform at the state and federal levels.

Representative Experience 

• A national pharmaceutical distributor on its prescription opioid litigation and subsequent settlement

• A top-10 U.S. commercial bank whose CEO appeared at two consecutive days of House and Senate oversight hearings

• A NYSE-listed company facing a three-plus year SEC investigation and subsequent settlement

• A national retailer facing a federal agency investigation over its labor practices

• Signify Health on its approximately $8 billion sale to CVS

• Intuit on its $8.1 billion acquisition of Credit Karma

Education 

• Syracuse University, B.A. in History

Email: michael.hotra@h-advisors.global

Sydney joined H/Advisors Abernathy in 2005 in the firm’s Los Angeles office and subsequently founded the Houston office. She was named one of the 50 most influential leaders in corporate governance in 2022 by the National Association of Corporate Directors. She is a frequent speaker on topics ranging from crisis management to investor activism defense. She is also a member of the firm’s six-person Leadership Team.

Representative Experience

• Centuri Group on its corporate repositioning as its parent company evaluated strategic alternatives under activist shareholder pressure

• ConocoPhillips on its $9.7 billion acquisition of Concho Resources

• Frank’s International on its merger with Expro Group

• Stratus Properties on its successful proxy contest against Oasis Management

• Texas Pacific Land Trust on its proxy contest and related litigation

• Xcel Energy on its crisis planning and response

• A chemicals manufacturer on its management of a ransomware crisis

Memberships and Affiliations

• Board of Directors, YMCA of Greater Houston

• Honoree, Directorship 100

• Advisory Board, National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Texas Tricities Chapter

• National Investor Relations Institute, former Houston Chapter Board member, Southwest Conference Chair and co-Chair

• Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, Troop Leader

• Turnaround Management Association, Houston Chapter, former President

• Center for Houston’s Future’s Business / Civic Leadership Forum, Graduate

Email: sydney.isaacs@h-advisors.global

Prior to joining H/Advisors Abernathy, Jeremy was a Senior Vice President at FleishmanHillard, where he supported M&A, corporate governance and financial communications for the firm’s worldwide network. He previously spent 10 years at Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher. Before beginning his career in financial communications, Jeremy taught English literature and writing at the University of Pittsburgh.

Representative Experience

• WisdomTree on transaction communications support, shareholder activism defense and investor relations

• SAS Institute on corporate communications advisory in connection with the company’s plan to become IPO-ready

• Stratus Properties on its successful proxy contest against Oasis Management

• RentPath on its $608 million acquisition by Redfin, following the termination of its transaction with CoStar Group

• S. Steel on its transformative investment in Big River Steel

• NXP Semiconductors on the termination of its planned sale to Qualcomm

• J. Rodgers, founder of Cypress Semiconductors, on his successful campaign to replace conflicted directors on the board

Education

• University of Pittsburgh, M.A. in English Literature​

• Duke University, B.A. in English Literature

Memberships and Affiliations

• Public Relations Society of America – New York and National Capital Chapters

Email: jeremy.jacobs@h-advisors.global

Prior to joining H/Advisors Abernathy, Sarah spent over 14 years at Altria, where she held numerous senior leadership roles including Vice President, Government Affairs and Public Policy; Vice President, Brand; and Vice President, Investor Relations. She also served as Tax Counsel at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and worked at KPMG’s Washington National Tax Practice.

Representative Experience

• E*TRADE on public affairs support relating to specific legislative objectives

• Cerner Corporation on its $28.3 billion merger with Oracle

• Amherst Group on strategic profile raising and ongoing corporate affairs support

• A large international bank with public affairs support surrounding the ramifications of a major hedge fund implosion

• A gaming company on preparation for state licensing hearings​

• An international retailer on ongoing patent litigation issues

• Several new and established companies on the development and execution of investor programs and analyst days​

Education

• Loyola University Chicago, J.D.​

• Miami University, B.S. in Accountancy

Email: sarah.knakmuhs@h-advisors.global

Shawn began his career in the hedge fund industry at Soros Fund Management (SFM), where he was one of the first internal public relations specialists at a hedge fund group. At SFM, Shawn served as the press secretary for its Chairman, Mr. George Soros, and directed the communications for the then $22 billion fund group and its Chief Investment Officer, Mr. Stanley Druckenmiller. Prior to joining Abernathy, Shawn managed the communications activities of The Robin Hood Foundation, a not-for-profit group dedicated to fighting poverty in New York City.

Education

• Georgetown University, M.S. in Foreign Service

• University of Southern California, B.A. in International Relations

Email: shawn.pattison@h-advisors.global

Prior to joining H/Advisors Abernathy, Matt served as Managing Director and co-head of the Los Angeles office of Sard Verbinnen & Co. Previously, he was Senior Vice President, External Affairs for BSA | The Software Alliance, the leading global trade association for the software industry, where he oversaw global communications and government relations. He has also held senior corporate communications and public affairs roles at several leading global PR firms and started his career working on high-profile political campaigns.

Representative Experience

• Google on corporate communications and public affairs matters

• Cerner Corporation on its $28.3 billion merger with Oracle

• Providence Health on communications counsel and issues management

• Realty Income on transaction communications and crisis support

• Pro bono litigation communications support for Jarvis Masters, an innocent man on San Quentin’s death row

• Litigation communications counsel for a well-known family foundation, a major Northern California public agency, a global technology company and a prominent blockchain company, among others

• Incident response support and cybersecurity planning for multiple companies and organizations, including a leading chemical manufacturer, a third-party health administrator, a major pharmaceutical company and an industrial manufacturer, among others

Education

• University of Nevada, Reno, B.A. in English

Memberships and Affiliations

• Alzheimer’s Los Angeles, Board Member Emeritus, Past Board Chair and Member, Board Marketing Committee

Email: matt.reid@h-advisors.global

Kate has nearly twenty years of experience in strategic communications and public affairs, working across sectors, including tech, industrials and consumer goods, on high profile M&A, bankruptcies and restructurings, IPOs, investor relations, executive transitions and corporate reputation initiatives. After beginning her career at Abernathy, Kate served as Communications Director and Deputy Chief of Staff for the New Orleans City Council President post-Hurricane Katrina, leading all communications initiatives and advising on policy. She also has experience managing profile raising and public relations campaigns for prominent foundations and non-profits.

Education

• University of Michigan, B.A. in Political Science

Email: kate.schneiderman@h-advisors.global

Prior to joining Abernathy, Dan was a senior media relations professional at a New York-based communications firm, where he led award-winning media and thought leadership programs for clients in the financial technology, insurance and asset management industries.​

Representative Experience

• T-Mobile on its $59 billion acquisition of Sprint

• Starwood Capital on its joint venture with Blackstone to acquire Extended Stay America for approximately $6 billion

• International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) on its $45 billion Reverse Morris Trust combination with DuPont’s Nutrition & Biosciences business

• Symbotic on its SPAC transaction with Softbank-backed SVFC Investment Corp. 3 and subsequent public listing

• Boston Beer Company’s $300 million acquisition of Dogfish Head Brewery

• Silicon Motion on its $3.8 billion cross-border transaction with MaxLinear

• Numerous corporate clients in private and public engagements against activist investors including Carl Icahn, Elliott Management, JANA, Mantle Ridge, Pershing Square, Sachem Head and Starboard Value, among others

Education

• Syracuse University, B.S. in Newspaper Journalism

Email: dan.scorpio@h-advisors.global

Before joining H/Advisors Abernathy, Liz led U.S. Communications for BP – managing both internal and external engagement – for more than five years, as the company sought to recover its reputation and business following Deepwater Horizon. Liz began her career as an Associated Press journalist, where she covered presidential, congressional and statewide campaigns, the White House, Congress and geopolitics for over 15 years for a range of formats, and, ultimately, became the international news cooperative’s chief political correspondent and editor.

Representative Experience

• Oversight Board (Meta) on global positioning and reputation management

• Whole Foods Market on corporate communications and issues management

• Google on corporate communications and public affairs

• SEACOR Marine on crisis communications, public affairs and ESG initiatives

• Conservation International on public affairs and reputation management

• International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) on global crisis management and public affairs

• A national pharmaceutical distributor on its prescription opioid litigation and subsequent settlement

Education

• Ohio University, E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, B.S. in Journalism

Memberships and Affiliations

• Georgetown University, McCourt School of Public Policy, Adjunct Faculty Member

• Close Up Foundation, Advisory Board Member

• National Press Foundation, Advisory Committee Member

• Running Start, Advisory Council Member

Email: liz.sidoti@h-advisors.global

Prior to joining H/Advisors Abernathy, Alan held senior executive positions in the telecommunications, electric utility and mining industries, as well as several strategic communications consultancies, where he led engagements for clients in the energy and industrials sectors, including Chevron Corporation and General Electric. Other industries in which he has direct experience include financial services, logistics, healthcare, business services, real estate and alternative asset management (including private equity).

Representative Experience

• Power Corporation of Canada and IGM Financial on the consolidation of their ownership stake in China Asset Management Co.

• AES Corporation on communications strategy related to its international investments and environmental sustainability

• Cano Health on investor relations strategy development after closing its $4.4 billion de-SPAC transaction with Jaws Acquisition Corp.

• WideOpenWest Inc. (WOW!) on its $1.8 billion sale of five service areas in two separate transactions

• Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior (Bladex) on investor relations strategy

• Great-West Lifeco on its $1 billion acquisition of Personal Capital

• Altaba Inc. (formerly Yahoo! Inc.) on its $70 billion liquidation transactions and ongoing engagement with activist hedge funds including TCI, Elliott, Starboard and Third Point

Education

• University of Arizona, M.B.A. in Finance and Accounting

• University of Idaho, B.S. in Mining Engineering

Memberships and Affiliations

• National Investor Relations Institute, Member

• Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, New York Section, Executive Committee Member and Treasurer

• Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada, Member

Email: alan.oshiki@h-advisors.global

Before joining H/Advisors Abernathy, Akeem served as a Director at Brunswick, where he led digital and social strategy development out of the firm’s Chicago office. He is also a former award-winning multi-media journalist, serving as a producer at WJBK FOX 2 Detroit and a reporter for the Tallahassee Democrat, a Gannett newspaper.

Representative Experience

• Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) on a variety of transactions, profile raising activities, and other initiatives on behalf of the firm and its portfolio companies

• A global biopharmaceutical company on executive communications, ESG initiatives, philanthropy and public commentary surrounding topical socioeconomic issues

• Over the course of his career, Akeem has also supported:

○ Weber on its IPO

○ WEJO on its SPAC offering

○ Scotts Miracle-Gro on the preservation of its corporate reputation

○ Synchrony on its CEO transition

○ Meredith Corporation on its corporate restructuring

Education

• Florida A&M University, B.S. in Newspaper Journalism

Email: akeem.anderson@h-advisors.global

James has advised a number of the world’s largest companies as they navigate rapidly changing industry environments and face complex threats. In his transaction work, James has supported dozens of mergers and acquisitions with a total value of more than $160 billion. His experience also includes advising clients facing public short attacks, dissenting founders and contentious proxy contests with formidable shareholder activists, including Elliott Management, JANA Partners and Starboard Value.

Representative Experience

• Google on corporate communications and public affairs matters

• Oversight Board (Meta) on global positioning and reputation management

• Univision on its $4.8 billion acquisition of Groupo Televisa’s content assets

• Edison International on a statewide campaign to reform the way California addresses wildfire prevention, suppression and liabilities in the face of climate change

• A respected higher-ed institution as it separated with a faculty member involved in the events of January 6, 2021

Education

• Colgate University, B.A. in International Relations

Email: james.bourne@h-advisors.global

Will also has extensive experience providing counsel to companies in transformative and special situations, working closely with clients to develop and execute communications strategies that optimize outcomes for stakeholders and achieve business objectives. His advisory work includes mergers and acquisitions, financial communications, leadership transitions, corporate crises and other high-profile situations.

Representative Experience

• Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) on a variety of transactions, profile raising activities, and other initiatives on behalf of the firm and its portfolio companies

• Eurazeo on profile raising initiatives in the United States, including media relations, conference appearances and investment communications

• Cerner Corporation on its $28.3 billion merger with Oracle

• Medline Industries on its majority stake sale to Blackstone, Carlyle and Hellman & Friedman for approximately $30 billion

• GCM Grosvenor on its SPAC transaction with CF Finance Acquisition Corp.

• A global long/short equity manager on its wind down and return of investor capital

• An equities investment management firm on an investor perception survey and related strategic initiatives

Education

• Wake Forest University, B.A. in English and Entrepreneurship & Social Enterprise

Email: will.braun@h-advisors.global

Claire brings 15 years of experience to her strategic communications practice, leveraging her unique background as in-house expert for California’s third largest employer and an investigative journalist. Previously the chief communications architect for the University of California (UC), Claire directed system-wide communications, public affairs and crisis response. She also served as the University’s primary media strategist and spokesperson, representing a combined half-million employees and students across 10 renowned campuses and six top-ranked academic medical centers. Claire spearheaded communications strategies on a myriad of high-profile matters, including standardized testing, state audits, immigration, sexual harassment and UC’s DACA lawsuit against the Trump administration. Claire’s media expertise also draws from her years of hard-news reporting, which has been honored with an Emmy Award and two Edward R. Murrow Awards.

Representative Experience

• GitLab on crisis preparation and response

• Providence Health on communications counsel and issues management

• A large public utilities company on a discrimination lawsuit from employees

• Pro bono litigation communications support for Jarvis Masters, an innocent man on San Quentin’s death row

• Over the course of her career, Claire has also supported:

○ The University of California during the Accellion data breach and Varsity Blues admissions scandal

Education 

• Harvard Business School Executive Education, Crisis Leadership in Higher Education

• Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, M.S. in Journalism

• University of California, Berkeley, B.A. in Mass Communications

Memberships and Affiliations

• Arthur W. Page Society

Languages

• Vietnamese

Email: claire.doan@h-advisors.global

Josh has over twelve years of experience in Accounting and Finance. Prior to joining Abernathy, he was responsible for filing 10-Q and 10-K reports on behalf of investment funds to the SEC.
 

Education

• University of Colorado at Boulder, B.A. in Accounting

Languages

• Korean

Email: joshua.pak@h-advisors.global

Amal has over ten years’ experience in research and data journalism. She served as editor and co-head of data and research at Absolute Return, a US-focused hedge fund publication. While there, she spearheaded the expansion of the Billion Dollar Club, an industry-leading flagship survey, and wrote several research features that were cited in leading media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg. Prior to this, she managed hedge fund databases and introduced several performance-boosting measures for data capturing and analysis.

Education

• Goldsmiths College, University of London, M.A. in Comparative Literature

• Goldsmiths College, University of London, B.A. in English Literature

Email: amal.robleh@h-advisors.global

In addition to her special situations work, Eliza is passionate about advising clients on the implementation of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) communications and disclosure programs. Eliza brings extensive experience advising clients on the development of ESG reports, assessing ESG ratings and rankings, helping clients enhance ESG disclosure, implementing reporting frameworks and supporting constructive engagement with shareholders on ESG issues and proposals.
 

Representative Experience

• Great-West Lifeco on its $1 billion acquisition of Personal Capital

• Intuit on its $8.1 billion acquisition of Credit Karma

• T-Mobile on its $59 billion acquisition of Sprint

• Keurig Green Mountain on its $26 billion acquisition of Dr Pepper Snapple

• JAB on its acquisitions of Panera Bread and Krispy Kreme

• Tapestry on its $2.4 billion acquisition of Kate Spade

• CSX on its defense against Mantle Ridge

Education

• Wesleyan University, B.A. in Spanish Literature

Languages

• Spanish

Email: eliza.ruggiero@h-advisors.global

Jake works with companies and investment firms to manage complex situations and achieve overall business objectives. He brings significant expertise in the consumer goods space, including advising emerging and purpose-driven brands, as well as established manufacturers and retailers through business transformations. Jake develops and implements thoughtful and creative strategies to reach the audiences that matter most, including shareholders, employees, customers, government officials and the media.

Representative Experience

• Advising on TMT transactions, including: T-Mobile on its merger with Sprint; Comcast on its unsolicited bid for assets of 21st Century Fox; WOW! on its sale of service areas to Atlantic Broadband and Astound Broadband; LogMeIn on its RMT with Citrix’s GoTo business

• Advising on healthcare transactions, including: Cerner on the company’s sale to Oracle; Signify Health on its sale to CVS Health; NVA on its investments in Ethos and SAGE Veterinary

• Advising on consumer/retail transactions, including: Callaway Golf on its merger with Topgolf Entertainment Group; Boston Beer Company on its merger with Dogfish Head; Keurig Green Mountain on its merger with Dr Pepper Snapple Group

• Supporting private equity clients including JAB, Madison Dearborn Partners and TPG on transactions and other matters

• Counseling corporate clients across industries on engagements with notable activists, including Elliott Management, JANA Partners, Starboard Value, Icahn Enterprises and Sachem Head Capital

• Advising clients on preserving value and reputation through financial restructurings, including J.Crew, Brookstone and Philadelphia Energy Solutions

• Numerous public and private companies in navigating executive transitions, labor matters and various crisis situations

Education 

• Trinity College, B.A. in Public Policy and Law

Email: jake.yanulis@h-advisors.global

Matthew specializes in advising leading private equity firms and hedge funds on matters such as transaction communications and private placements, LP communications, strategic media relations, reputation management and long-term corporate positioning.
 

Representative Experience

• Medline Industries on its majority stake sale to Blackstone, Carlyle and Hellman & Friedman for approximately $30 billion

• New Mountain Capital on corporate positioning, transaction support and the completion of fundraising for its most recent funds

• JAB on North American communications matters, including its investments in National Veterinary Associates and Independence Pet Group

• Anaplan on its revised $10.4 billion merger agreement with Thoma Bravo

• NXP Semiconductors on its investor day, executive transitions and ongoing communications matters

• F5 Networks on its engagement with Elliott Management

• Ted Segal on his acquisition of a majority stake in Houston Dynamo FC

Education

• Trinity College, B.A. in Economics

Memberships and Affiliations

• Portledge School Alumni Council

Email: matthew.butler@h-advisors.global

Alexa regularly advises clients on media and investor relations practices, quarterly earnings, financial messaging, corporate profile-raising and opportunities to raise executives’ visibility. She also helps her clients maintain their reputations during transformative and potentially disruptive situations, such as industry-defining transactions, proxy contests with aggressive dissidents and global restructurings.
 

Representative Experience

• Atlas Air on its $5.2 billion take-private transaction by an investor group led by Apollo

• WisdomTree on transaction communications support, shareholder activism defense and investor relations

• Symbotic on its SPAC transaction with Softbank-backed SVFC Investment Corp. 3 and subsequent public listing

• Valaris on its Chapter 11 filing process and emergence

• Frank’s International on its merger with Expro Group

• Stratus Properties on its successful proxy contest against Oasis Management

• International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) on its $45 billion Reverse Morris Trust combination with DuPont’s Nutrition & Biosciences business

Education

• University of Lugano, Switzerland, M.S. in Corporate Communication (Magna Cum Laude)

• Franklin University Switzerland, B.A. in Communication and Media Studies

Memberships and Affiliations

• NIRI Houston, VP, Programming

• Avenue, Board Member

• Lawndale Arts and Performance Center, Board Member

Email: alexandra.clements@h-advisors.global

Prior to joining H/Advisors Abernathy, Marlies was a Senior Account Executive at Rubenstein Public Relations. Before that, she worked for BPC Action in Washington, D.C., where she engaged in aggressive advocacy and provided critical support to lobbyists focused on federal issues.
 

Representative Experience

• Media relations for financial services, health care, telecommunications, social media and psychedelic companies

• Issues management and crisis planning for a private school, police department, automotive and video gaming company

• C-Suite changes and personnel announcements for U.S. organizations

• Over the course of her career, Marlies has also supported:

○ Media positioning and strategy development for foreign governments in Asia and the Middle East

○ Media engagement on behalf of Fortune 500 companies in the online retail, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries – producing over half a billion impressions for clients

○ Communications initiatives for major U.S. corporations experiencing data breaches, cyber-attacks and other privacy issues

○ DE&I and ESG initiatives for a number of corporations

Education

• American University, B.A. in International Relations and Business

Email: marlies.dikkers@h-advisors.global

Sydney is particularly skilled in transaction and investor-focused communications, media relations, corporate reputation management and executive positioning programs. She brings significant experience in helping clients achieve their business objectives, while protecting their reputations during pivotal times of change.

Representative Experience

• Cerner Corporation on its $28.3 billion merger with Oracle

• International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) on its $45 billion Reverse Morris
Trust combination with DuPont’s Nutrition & Biosciences business

• Realty Income on its $11 billion merger with VEREIT

• SEAKR Engineering on its sale to Raytheon Technologies

• Medline Industries on its majority stake sale to Blackstone, Carlyle and Hellman & Friedman for approximately $30 billion

• A global long/short equity manager on its wind down and return of investor capital

• A global biopharmaceutical company on executive communications, ESG initiatives, philanthropy and public commentary surrounding topical socioeconomic issues

Education

• Tulane University, B.A. in Public Health

Email: sydney.gever@h-advisors.global

Since joining the firm, Lauren has counseled dozens of clients on complex situations, including mergers and acquisitions, activism defense, executive transitions and sensitive crisis matters. As a member of H/Advisors Abernathy’s Crisis Committee, Lauren specializes in crisis preparation and response, having counseled public and private companies through product recalls, lawsuits and facility disruptions, among other high-stakes situations. She has also supported several clients on ongoing profile-raising and reputation management initiatives. Lauren is also a member of the firm’s DE&I Council.
 

Representative Experience

• International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) on its $45 billion Reverse Morris Trust combination with DuPont’s Nutrition & Biosciences business

• Intuit on its $8.1 billion acquisition of Credit Karma

• Atlas Air on its $5.2 billion take-private transaction by an investor group led by Apollo

• Symbotic on its SPAC transaction with Softbank-backed SVFC Investment Corp. 3 and subsequent public listing

• Comcast on Trian Fund Management’s investment in the company

• Whole Foods Market on corporate communications and issues management

• The Board of Directors of a luxury goods company on an unexpected CEO transition

Education

• Clemson University, B.A. in Communications and Economics (Summa Cum Laude)

Email: lauren.hilliker@h-advisors.global

In addition to her transaction experience, Kyla has counseled clients through executive transitions, bankruptcies and crises, including product recalls and data breaches. In her role, Kyla frequently develops and implements comprehensive media relations, corporate communication and public affairs campaigns and strategies. Additionally, she has served in an interim in-house capacity for clients, where she supported internal and external communications, executive visibility strategies and corporate media relations efforts.

Representative Experience

• EVO Payments on its $4 billion acquisition by Global Payments

• Atlas Air on its $5.2 billion take-private transaction by an investor group led by Apollo

• Google on corporate communications and public affairs matters

• Pritzker Private Capital on the completion of its $2.7 billion family investment vehicle

• Callaway on its $2.6 billion acquisition of Top Golf

• T-Mobile on its $59 billion acquisition of Sprint

• A national pharmaceutical distributor on the rollout of its government-contracted COVID-19 vaccine distribution program and the development of an executive thought leadership program

Education

• Boston College, B.S. in Economics and Communication

Email: kyla.maclennan@h-advisors.global

Prior to joining H/Advisors Abernathy, Sohana worked as an Account Manager at a financial services start-up, providing operational support to healthcare organizations, non-profits and higher education clients during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Before that, Sohana served as a Communications Manager at a notable non-profit, a top aide to a District Attorney and worked with public sector agencies on numerous higher education, social justice and corporate giving initiatives throughout Southern California.
 

Representative Experience

• Pro bono litigation communications support for Jarvis Masters, an innocent man on San Quentin’s death row

• Over the course of her career, Sohana has also supported:

○ iHeartRadio on community outreach initiatives

○ Ford Motors on its OC GRIP partnership

○ Boys & Girls Club on its college bound & workforce development programs

○ University of California & California Community Colleges on educational equity initiatives

○ Orange County Healthcare Agency on improving healthcare access

○ Iranian American Community Group on immigrant affairs

Education

• University of California at Irvine, B.A. in Psychology and Social Behavior

Memberships and Affiliations

• TiE SoCal

• Girls Inc.

• Women on the Move

• Phi Alpha Delta

• UCI Alumni Association

Languages

• Hindi

• Urdu

Email: sohana.mohan@h-advisors.global

Prior to joining Abernathy, Chris served as the Digital Director at FOX in Houston, managing digital strategies across several platforms, including website, mobile apps, social media, YouTube, OTT platforms and email newsletters, among others. Prior to that, Chris served as a Digital/Social Media Manager at Tegna, where he created a digital brand that brought in approximately one million livestream views per week with a digital reach of 900,000 followers across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Over the last decade, Chris has helped develop digital strategies around some of the largest announcements in the public and private sector and was a featured panelist at the 2021 National Association of Black Journalists Convention.
 

Representative Experience

• Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) on a variety of transactions, profile raising activities, and other initiatives on behalf of the firm and its portfolio companies

• Aviat Networks in its unsolicited premium proposal to acquire Ceragon Networks and its related proxy contest

• Pro bono litigation communications support for Jarvis Masters, an innocent man on San Quentin’s death row

• A global biopharmaceutical company on executive communications, ESG initiatives, philanthropy and public commentary surrounding topical socioeconomic issues

• A specialty biopharmaceutical company on activism preparation and response

Education

• University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, B.A. in Multimedia

Email: christopher.patterson@h-advisors.global

Lisa has advised clients in the energy, healthcare, technology and consumer products sectors during pivotal moments in their growth trajectories. She has also advised clients on profile-raising and media relations in increasingly complex earned and social media environments.

Representative Experience

• Toast on its IPO and on select corporate communications matters

• Myovant Sciences on its proposed sale to Sumitovant Biopharma valuing the company at $2.9 billion

• Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) on a variety of transactions, digital media activities, and other initiatives on behalf of the firm and its portfolio companies

• ConocoPhillips on its $9.7 billion acquisition of Concho Resources

• California Resources Corporation on its filing for and emergence from bankruptcy

• Forbes Global Media on its attempted merger with SPAC Magnum Opus Acquisition Limited

• A mental healthcare company on an investor perception study, executive leadership transition and other ongoing communications matters

Education

• Carnegie Mellon University, M.A. in English Literature

• University of Delaware, B.A. in History

Memberships and Affiliations

• Turnaround Management Association, Member

• Economic Club of New York, Member

Email: lisa.pham@h-advisors.global

Prior to joining H/Advisors Abernathy, Emma served as a Senior Analyst at Kekst CNC, a global strategic communications consultancy. Prior to that, she was a Senior Media Strategist at Goldin Solutions, a communications firm providing public relations, media strategy and crisis control.

Representative Experience

• Silicon Motion on its $3.8 billion cross-border transaction with MaxLinear

• Jack Creek Investment Corp. on its pending combination with Bridger Aerospace

• WisdomTree on transaction communications support, shareholder activism defense and investor relations

• Over the course of her career, Emma has also supported:

○ A Japanese multinational conglomerate on its spinoff

○ A New York luxury home goods retailer on its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing

○ A global timeshare company on internal and external communications throughout the COVID-19 pandemic

○ An electric utility company on a federal investigation and shareholder activism

Education

• Tufts University, B.S. in International Relations

• The Brearley School

Memberships and Affiliations

• Tufts Admissions Network

• God’s Love We Deliver

Email: emma.prenn-vasilakis@h-advisors.global

Abigail has also worked with a number of clients on financial communications and issues management, including activism response, proxy contests, investor relations and reputational assessments. She is also a member of the firm’s Crisis, Cybersecurity, Litigation and Public Affairs Committees.
 

Representative Experience

• T-Mobile on its $59 billion acquisition of Sprint

• Univision on its $4.8 billion acquisition of Groupo Televisa’s content assets

• Signify Health on its approximately $8 billion sale to CVS

• Mobile on its consumer data breach

• A national pharmaceutical distributor on the rollout of its government-contracted COVID-19 vaccine distribution program and the development of an executive thought leadership program

• A global biopharmaceutical company on executive communications, ESG initiatives, philanthropy and public commentary surrounding topical socioeconomic issues

• A large public utilities company on a discrimination lawsuit from employees

Education

• University of California, Berkeley, B.S. in Rhetoric

Email: abigail.ruck@h-advisors.global

Deirdre maintains notable expertise in working with professional sports teams and leagues, sports investors and sports-focused brands to manage their reputations. Her relevant sports advisory work includes supporting individual and institutional investors in building and strengthening their reputations ahead of investments into new sports markets. She has also supported brands, teams and leagues as they’ve navigated reputational challenges driven by investigations, employee misconduct and the growing intersection between sports and social issues.

Representative Experience

• The National Women’s Soccer League on its joint investigation into alleged misconduct

• Ted Segal on his acquisition of a majority stake in Houston Dynamo FC

• Avnet on ongoing investor relations advisory

• A sports and pop culture brand on building a business and financial media profile ahead of its multi-million-dollar equity stake sale

• The Board of Directors of a luxury goods company on an unexpected CEO transition

• An education brand in managing an intensified media spotlight following the passing of its Chairman and CEO

• A major cruise line in its communications response to all stakeholders amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

Education

• Skidmore College, B.S. in Management and Business

Email: deirdre.walsh@h-advisors.global

Prior to joining H/Advisors Abernathy, Mark was a consultant at Seven Letter, a D.C.-based strategic communications and public affairs firm, where he focused on labor crises, corporate profile raising and public affairs engagements in the aerospace and defense industries.

Representative Experience

• Google on corporate communications and public affairs matters

• Summit Carbon Solutions on reputation management, public affairs and targeted national profile raising

• LS Power on reputation management, crisis preparation and management, and media relations

• Amherst Group on strategic profile raising and ongoing corporate affairs support

• Over the course of his career, Mark has also supported:

○ An aerospace and defense contractor’s public affairs engagement on the future of strategic deterrence and the nuclear triad

○ A foreign government’s public affairs engagement regarding the construction of an energy pipeline

○ A professional sports league, supporting the office of the commissioner through two labor negotiations

Education

• The George Washington University, B.A. in Political Science

Email: mark.detlor@h-advisors.global

Kathryn takes a thoughtful approach to dynamic public affairs issues, building carefully crafted messaging to engage priority stakeholders. She regularly supports clients in enhancing their overall communications strategy through crisis preparedness and response initiatives, profile-raising efforts, reputational analysis research and media and presentation training.

Representative Experience

• Oversight Board (Meta) on global positioning and reputation management

• Whole Foods Market on corporate communications and issues management

• USA Truck on its combination with DB Schenker

• A national pharmaceutical distributor on the rollout of its government-contracted COVID-19 vaccine distribution program and the development of an executive thought leadership program

• A national retailer facing a federal agency investigation over its labor practices

Education

• University of Richmond, B.A. in Leadership Studies

Email: kathryn.lynch@h-advisors.global

Caroline works closely with leadership teams and Boards of Directors to develop communications materials that reach key stakeholders, including employees, investors, customers and business partners. She has significant experience working with private equity clients and other financial services firms, as well as clients operating in the healthcare sector. Caroline is also a member of the firm’s Private Equity Committee.

Representative Experience

• Cerner Corporation on its $28.3 billion merger with Oracle

• Realty Income on its $11 billion merger with VEREIT

• Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) on a variety of transactions, profile raising activities, and other initiatives on behalf of the firm and its portfolio companies

• Eurazeo on profile raising initiatives in the United States, including media relations, conference appearances and investment communications

• Kenco Logistics on its sale to Pritzker Private Capital

• WideOpenWest Inc. (WOW!) on its $1.8 billion sale of five service areas in two separate transactions

• A mental healthcare company on an investor perception study, executive leadership transition and other ongoing communications matters

Education

• Washington University in St. Louis, B.A. in History and English

Email: caroline.roseman@h-advisors.global

Prior to joining H/Advisors Abernathy, Meera completed a Juris Doctor degree in Ontario, Canada, and worked in multiple law firms handling multijurisdictional corporate and real estate matters. She then transitioned into a role in government relations in Ottawa, Canada, before joining Edelman’s financial communications and capital markets practice in Chicago, Illinois, supporting high-profile private equity and venture capital firms in a public relations capacity.

Representative Experience

• A leading oil and natural gas producer through an IT system collapse

• Over the course of her career, Meera has also supported:

○ A healthcare software-as-a-service company in a proxy contest

○ A national consumer goods franchise on its quarterly investor relations activities

○ Profile raising, media relations and crisis management programs for venture capital firms and their partners

Education

• University of Ottawa, Juris Doctor

• University of Ottawa, B. Comm. in Management

Languages

• French

• Spanish

Email: meera.sundaresan@h-advisors.global

Owain has extensive experience planning and executing profile-raising initiatives, especially around social issues such as DE&I and philanthropy. He has also supported clients involved in an array of complex situations, including mergers and acquisitions, shareholder activism, crises, litigation and executive transitions. His experience spans multiple industries, including healthcare, energy, technology, media, private equity and real estate. Owain is also a member of the firm’s Private Equity Committee.

Representative Experience

• Atlas Air on its $5.2 billion take-private transaction by an investor group led by Apollo

• Silicon Motion on its $3.8 billion cross-border transaction with MaxLinear

• Forbes Global Media on its attempted merger with SPAC Magnum Opus Acquisition Limited

• Ted Segal on his acquisition of a majority stake in Houston Dynamo FC

• JMI Equity on fundraising and transaction communications

• Aviat Networks in its unsolicited premium proposal to acquire Ceragon Networks and its related proxy contest

• A global biopharmaceutical company on executive communications, ESG initiatives, philanthropy and public commentary surrounding topical socioeconomic issues

Education

• Emory University, Goizueta Business School, B.B.A. in Business Administration

Email: owain.thorogood@h-advisors.global

Rohan has significant experience working with asset managers, including hedge funds and private equity firms, on both short-term and long-term initiatives. He specializes in developing profile-raising and reputation management strategies for investment firms and their portfolio companies that both emphasize media and investor relations and consider the concerns of various stakeholder groups, including employees, customers and regulators.

Representative Experience

• Myovant Sciences on its proposed sale to Sumitovant Biopharma valuing the company at $2.9 billion

• Arch Capital on its $700 million acquisition of Watford Holdings against a competing bid from Enstar Group

• Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) on a variety of transactions, profile raising activities, and other initiatives on behalf of the firm and its portfolio companies

• Madison Dearborn Partners on the appointment of its new leadership team

• Starwood Capital on the close of its $10 billion SOF XII fund

• An international financial holding company on reputation management after the collapse of an important client

• A medical devices company following the announcement of an FDA recall

Education

• American University, M.P.A. in Public Administration

• Cornell University, B.A. in Chemistry

Email: rohan.yaradi@h-advisors.global

Deven has extensive experience working with asset managers, helping manage day-to-day media relations, reputational concerns and longer-term initiatives. He brings significant expertise helping clients achieve their business objectives while protecting their corporate reputation. Deven is also a member of the firm’s Crisis Committee and DE&I Council.

Representative Experience

• Cerner Corporation on its $28.3 billion merger with Oracle

• Eurazeo on profile raising initiatives in the United States, including media relations, conference appearances and investment communications

• Kenco Logistics on its sale to Pritzker Private Capital

• Aviat Networks in its unsolicited premium proposal to acquire Ceragon Networks and its related proxy contest

• A leading Fortune 500 CPG company on an international facility closure

• Profile raising, media relations and investor communications support for several hedge funds and their managers

Education

• Trinity College, B.A. in Philosophy

Languages

• German

• Italian

• French

Email: deven.anand@h-advisors.global

Prior to joining H/Advisors Abernathy, Julia served as a Digital Producer for a digital marketing agency where she specialized in paid digital media buying, campaign management and optimization across several industries, including hospitality, political, social, healthcare and financial.

Representative Experience

• Sixth Street on its podcast promotion

• Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) on an activism vulnerabilities assessment, defense preparation and ongoing monitoring

• Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) on a variety of transactions, profile raising activities, and other initiatives on behalf of the firm and its portfolio companies

• A national restaurant chain on its social media strategy

• A large health services company on reputation management

• Pro bono litigation communications support for Jarvis Masters, an innocent man on San Quentin’s death row

Education

• State University of New York at Geneseo, B.S. in Political Science and Philosophy

Memberships and Affiliations

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Contributing Member

Email: julia.boyer@h-advisors.global

Callum has deep experience working with clients in the financial, retail and healthcare industries, having helped several companies navigate multifaceted, high-stakes situations demanding communications support. In addition, Callum frequently conducts trend monitoring and analyzes traditional and social media coverage to inform his teams’ communications strategies, approach and counsel.

Representative Experience

• Silicon Motion on its $3.8 billion cross-border transaction with MaxLinear

• Jack Creek Investment Corp. on its pending combination with Bridger Aerospace

• AES Corporation on communications strategy related to its international investments and environmental sustainability

• Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) on an activism vulnerabilities assessment, defense preparation and ongoing monitoring

• Siris on corporate reputation, transaction communications and digital communications initiatives

• A global biopharmaceutical company on executive communications, ESG initiatives, philanthropy and public commentary surrounding topical socioeconomic issues

• Select crypto, healthcare, retail, fintech and philanthropic organizations on ongoing litigation matters

Education

• Pepperdine University, B.A. in Public Relations

Email: callum.cunningham@h-advisors.global

Haven has helped support several billion dollar-plus acquisitions and has contributed to the development of extensive media relations campaigns for Fortune 500 companies. Haven is also a member of the firm’s Cybersecurity Committee and DE&I Council.

Representative Experience

• Silicon Motion on its $3.8 billion cross-border transaction with MaxLinear

• FTS International on its $407.5 million sale to ProFrac Holdings

• Cloudmed on its sale to R1 RCM valuing the company at approximately $4.1 billion

• Anaplan on its revised $10.4 billion merger agreement with Thoma Bravo

• New Mountain Capital on corporate positioning, transaction support and the completion of fundraising for its most recent funds

• JMI Equity on fundraising and transaction communications

• A top-10 U.S. commercial bank with ongoing communications announcements, issues preparation and management, investor relations and ESG strategy development

Education

• Trinity College, B.A. in Economics

Email: haven.cutko@h-advisors.global

Julia works closely with leadership teams and Boards of Directors to enhance clients’ public perceptions and reputations by implementing tailored communications strategies that reach the audiences that matter most.

Representative Experience

• Atlas Air on its $5.2 billion take-private transaction by an investor group led by Apollo

• USA Truck on its combination with DB Schenker

• Forbes Global Media on its attempted merger with SPAC Magnum Opus Acquisition Limited

• Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) on an activism vulnerabilities assessment, defense preparation and ongoing monitoring

• GitLab on crisis preparation and response

• A luxury goods and mental healthcare company on complex leadership transitions

Education

• Bowdoin College, B.A. in Sociology

Languages

• Spanish

• Portuguese

Email: julia.marangoni@h-advisors.global

Representative Experience

• Symbotic on its SPAC transaction with Softbank-backed SVFC Investment Corp. 3 and subsequent public listing

• EVO Payments on its $4 billion acquisition by Global Payments

• Chamberlain Group on its $5 billion acquisition by Blackstone funds

• Oversight Board (Meta) on global positioning and reputation management

• Scholastic Corporation on financial communications advisory and crisis counsel

• A top-10 U.S. commercial bank with ongoing communications announcements, issues preparation and management, investor relations and ESG strategy development

• A national pharmaceutical distributor on its prescription opioid litigation and subsequent settlement

Education

• New York University, B.A. in Political Science and Spanish, Latin American Literatures and Cultures (Summa Cum Laude)

Memberships and Affiliations

• Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society

Languages

• Spanish

Email: jesse.rachelle@h-advisors.global

Representative Experience

• Google on corporate communications and public affairs matters

• Oversight Board (Meta) on global positioning and reputation management

• The Hershey Company on corporate communications and reputational management matters

• Bank of the West on its pending sale to BMO for $16.3 billion

• HII (formerly Huntington-Ingalls) on investor relations

• A global biopharmaceutical company on executive communications, ESG initiatives, philanthropy and public commentary surrounding topical socioeconomic issues

Education

• University of Cambridge, MPhil in Land Economy

• University of Southern California, B.S. in Business Administration

Email: sean.walsh@h-advisors.global

Since joining H/Advisors Abernathy, Meghan has worked on several public affairs- and M&A-based accounts, on which she has applied her drafting and media analysis expertise. Meghan is also a member of the firm’s Litigation Committee.

Representative Experience

• Kenco Logistics on its sale to Pritzker Private Capital

• A top-10 U.S. commercial bank with ongoing communications announcements, issues preparation and management, investor relations and ESG strategy development

• A top-10 U.S. commercial bank whose CEO appeared at two consecutive days of House and Senate oversight hearings

• A national restaurant chain on issues and reputation management

• A consumer packaged goods manufacturer on ESG strategy development

Education

• Scripps College, B.A. in English Literature

Email: meghan.condas@h-advisors.global

Prior to joining H/Advisors Abernathy, Jonathan served as a Senior Content Manager and Strategist for a New Orleans-based e-commerce startup, where he helped develop and manage the company’s digital marketing and community engagement strategies.

Representative Experience

• SAS Institute on corporate communications advisory in connection with the company’s plan to become IPO-ready

• Google on corporate communications and public affairs matters

• A top-10 U.S. commercial bank with ongoing communications announcements, issues preparation and management, investor relations and ESG strategy development

• A NYSE-listed company facing a three-plus year SEC investigation and subsequent settlement

Education

• Tulane University, B.A in Political Economy and History

Email: jonathan.dari@h-advisors.global

Representative Experience

• Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) on a variety of transactions, profile raising activities, and other initiatives on behalf of the firm and its portfolio companies

• Armstrong Transport Group on the relocation of its corporate headquarters

• Pro bono litigation communications support for Jarvis Masters, an innocent man on San Quentin’s death row

• A specialty biopharmaceutical company on activism preparation and response

• A private equity firm on transaction communications

Education

• Mount Holyoke College, B.A. in Economics and English

Languages

• Hindi

Email: shloka.gidwani@h-advisors.global

Since joining H/Advisors Abernathy, Mallory has supported several of the firm’s high-profile hedge fund clients by providing real-time media monitoring and analysis, targeted research and daily industry insights. Operating in a high-stakes environment, she helps clients achieve their business objectives while protecting their reputations.

Representative Experience

• Signify Health on its approximately $8 billion sale to CVS

• A technology company on a patent dispute settlement with an aggressive competitor

• Profile raising, media relations and investor communications support for several hedge funds and their managers

Education

• University of Virginia, B.A. in Economics

Memberships and Affiliations

• North Carolina Society of New York

Email: mallory.griffin@h-advisors.global

Prior to joining H/Advisors Abernathy, Annie worked as a Communications and Research Assistant at The Wilson Center for Science and Justice and also served as an Events Assistant for the DeWitt Wallace Center for Democracy and Media.

Representative Experience

• Myovant Sciences on its proposed sale to Sumitovant Biopharma valuing the company at $2.9 billion

• GitLab on crisis preparation and response

• BuzzFeed on investor relations advisory including ESG disclosure strategy

• Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) on an activism vulnerabilities assessment, defense preparation and ongoing monitoring

• Amherst Group on strategic profile raising and ongoing corporate affairs support

Education

• Duke University, B.S. in Economics, B.A. in Psychology

Languages

• Korean

• Italian

Email: annie.han@h-advisors.global

Representative Experience

• Madison Dearborn Partners on transaction communications

• Eurazeo on profile raising initiatives in the United States, including media relations, conference appearances and investment communications

• Whole Foods Market on corporate communications and issues management

• Public affairs work for a national pharmaceutical distributor

Education

• Bowdoin College, B.A. in Political Science and Visual Arts

Email: anika.helmke@h-advisors.global

Representative Experience

• Xcel Energy on environmental, regulatory and natural disaster communications

• A leading oil and natural gas producer through an IT system collapse

Education

• Texas Christian University, B.S. in Strategic Communications

Email: bob.mccarthy@h-advisors.global

Representative Experience

• Siris on corporate reputation, transaction communications and digital communications initiatives

• The National Women’s Soccer League on its joint investigation into alleged misconduct

• Pro bono litigation communications support for Jarvis Masters, an innocent man on San Quentin’s death row

Education

• Georgetown University, B.S. in Foreign Service

Languages

• Chinese

Email: anika.sanghvi@h-advisors.global

Representative Experience

• NXP Semiconductors on its investor day, executive transitions and ongoing communications matters

• Pro bono litigation communications support for Jarvis Masters, an innocent man on San Quentin’s death row

Education

• St. John’s University, B.S. in Public Relations (Magna Cum Laude)

Memberships and Affiliations

• Public Relations Society of America, Member

Email: naomi.thomas@h-advisors.global

Prior to joining H/Advisors Abernathy, Robert was a research assistant at the City University of New York Graduate Center, where he led marketing and communications efforts for an online resource center. Before that, Robert worked in the finance department of a large media agency.

Representative Experience

• PennyMac on media and investor relations

• Pro bono litigation communications support for Jarvis Masters, an innocent man on San Quentin’s death row

• A prominent blockchain company with litigation communications support

Education

• Baruch College, Zicklin School of Business, B.B.A. in Finance

Memberships and Affiliations

• New York Urban League – Young Professionals

• Black Public Relations Society (BPRS)

Email: robert.weathers@h-advisors.global

Amal has over ten years’ experience in research and data journalism. She served as editor and co-head of data and research at Absolute Return, a US-focused hedge fund publication. While there, she spearheaded the expansion of the Billion Dollar Club, an industry-leading flagship survey, and wrote several research features that were cited in leading media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg. Prior to this, she managed hedge fund databases and introduced several performance-boosting measures for data capturing and analysis.

Education

• Goldsmiths College, University of London, M.A. in Comparative Literature

• Goldsmiths College, University of London, B.A. in English Literature

Email: amal.robleh@h-advisors.global

Previously, Trevor interned at Cerrell, a Los Angeles-based government affairs and public relations agency, and with the City of Los Angeles in the Oil & Gas and Recreation & Parks departments. In college, Trevor was a pitcher for the Cornell University and Johns Hopkins University baseball teams.

Education

• Johns Hopkins University, Carey Business School, M.S. in Marketing

• Cornell University, B.A. in Government

Email: trevor.davis@h-advisors.global

Emilee has nearly ten years of experience working within the strategic communications industry. As a researcher, she supports clients with a wide range of research initiatives for both short- and long-term projects, including extensive fundamentals-based industry research, comprehensive media monitoring, as well as analysis. She leverages a suite of market-leading databases, tools and her analytical expertise to generate actionable insights that both answer business-critical questions across situations and proactively identify new opportunities for clients.

Education

• Ohio State University, Fisher College of Business, B.S. in Business Administration

Memberships and Affiliations

• Ellevate Network

Email: emilee.hanson@h-advisors.global

Prior to joining Abernathy, Lawrence was Creative Director at Weber Shandwick, where he led the visual design team responsible for all global new business initiatives, encompassing 125 offices over six continents. He has also held director level roles in the advertising industry, having worked for TBWA\Worldwide and the Young & Rubicam Group.

Education

• University of Colorado, Boulder, B.A. in Journalism and Advertising

Email: lawrence.leung@h-advisors.global

Prior to joining Abernathy, Peter spent almost ten years as the Controller for Publicis Groupe ReSources Americas. During his tenure, he was instrumental in building out the finance business support capabilities and function at the firm’s Information Technology and Shared Services Center. Before that, he spent over nine years in banking at JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America. Peter also has over nine years of distinguished service as an officer in the United States Navy.

Education

• Loyola University of Chicago, M.B.A. in Finance

• Norwich University, B.S. in Business Administration

Email: peter.lee@h-advisors.global

Bill has extensive experience designing and overseeing complex IT infrastructures and has deep knowledge of security and compliance measures. He has worked in corporate communications for over ten years and previously worked in the publishing and content delivery industry.
 

Education

• Baruch College, City University of New York, B.A. in Business Administration

• SUNY Farmingdale, A.A.S.

Email: bill.dana@h-advisors.global

Email: mary-ann.hernandez@h-advisors.global

Prior to joining Abernathy, Eddie held several different roles at another communications firm.
 

Education

• LaGuardia Community College, A.S. in Computer Science

Email: eddie.nazario@h-advisors.global

Prior to joining the firm, Nelson served as a tutor to pre-calculus students at Bronx Community College.
 

Education

• Bronx Community College, A.S. in Business Administration – Accounting

Email: nelson.abreu@h-advisors.global

Ernesto has served as Abernathy’s New York EA since 2019. Prior to that, he served as our Co-Founder Jim Abernathy’s Executive Assistant for more than two decades.
 

Education

• University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, B.A. in Spanish Literature

Languages

• Spanish

Email: ernesto.aguilar@h-advisors.global

Since joining the firm, Maria has held several additional roles, including Administrative Assistant, Executive Assistant and Talent & Operations Manager. In these roles, Maria has spearheaded the planning and execution of several internal and external events, including speaking programs, dinners and social functions.
 

Education

• State University of New York at Albany, B.S. in Physics

Languages

• Spanish

• Italian

Email: maria.benvenuti@h-advisors.global

Lawrence has over 30 years of experience in the technology support field. Prior to joining Abernathy, he served as a Support Specialist in Colgate-Palmolive’s Legal department for 19 years. Prior to that, he worked in site support tech at a Clifford Chance (formerly Rogers & Wells) location in New York City.
 

Education

• Technical Career Institute, A.A. in Communication Electronics

Email: lawrence.braylock@h-advisors.global

Alicia has over 20 years of experience in the accounting field. Prior to joining the firm, she spent three years as an Accounting Assistant for the Educational Records Bureau. Before assuming her current position at H/Advisors Abernathy, Alicia served as the firm’s Accounts Payable Coordinator and Client Billing Manager.
 

Education

• Pace University, Lubin School of Business, M.B.A. in Marketing

• Joseph’s College, B.S. in Business Administration

Email: alicia.dewar@h-advisors.global

Education

• University of Arizona, B.A. in Business Administration and Anthropology

Languages

• Spanish

Email: andres.doran@h-advisors.global

Recognized as a versatile, broad-based executive administrator, Mia has over 25 years of comprehensive expertise in the areas of C-Suite Executive Support, Office Management and Administration, Human Resources, Marketing and Events Management across multiple business sectors. She served as Office Manager at John Laing USA Limited, a leading international investor across a range of infrastructure sectors. While there, she provided high level executive support to its Senior Investment and Asset Management Team, as well as seven offices and project teams across North America. Prior to this, Mia was an Executive Administrator and HR Manager at one of the country’s top public accounting firms.

Email: mia.figueroa@h-advisors.global

Prior to joining Abernathy, Carl managed Reuben H. Donnelly’s mailroom for five years.
 

Education

• College of Staten Island, A.A.S. in Business Management

Email: carl.garris@h-advisors.global

Education

• Berkeley College, B.A. in Business Management and Administration

Languages

• Spanish

• ASL

Email: jazmin.martorell@h-advisors.global

Josh has over twelve years of experience in Accounting and Finance. Prior to joining Abernathy, he was responsible for filing 10-Q and 10-K reports on behalf of investment funds to the SEC.
 

Education

• University of Colorado at Boulder, B.A. in Accounting

Languages

• Korean

Email: joshua.pak@h-advisors.global

Prior to becoming a Human Resources Supervisor, Jessica served as Abernathy’s New York receptionist. Before joining the firm, Jessica was a Senior Client Advisor for a luxury brand.
 

Education

• Berkeley College, B.S in Criminal Justice

Languages

• Spanish

Email: jessica.santos@h-advisors.global

Prior to assuming his current role, Ravi served as the firm’s Accounting Associate.
 

Education

• Baruch College, B.B.A. in Accounting

• Bronx Community College, A.S. in Accounting

Email: ravi.tulsi@h-advisors.global

Greg’s day-to-day responsibilities include preparing the firm’s cash position report and analyzing data to improve the firm’s overall financial performance.
 

Education

• New York University, B.A. in Economics

Email: greg.zheng@h-advisors.global