Maggie Moran, Founder and CEO of Moxie Strategies, is a trailblazing public affairs leader with an unparalleled reputation for delivering bold, results-driven strategies. As the founder of two award-winning public affairs firms, Maggie has redefined external affairs through her expertise in strategy development, corporate communications, public affairs campaign management, labor relations, brand management, and external affairs.

With a comprehensive background in sectors such as energy, cannabis, education, healthcare, labor, gaming, corporate, transportation/infrastructure, real estate, tech, and behavioral change campaigns, Maggie has adeptly managed complex communications challenges, especially in scenarios involving creation or management of disruption. She is well-versed in federal and state government operations, excelling in strategic communications in the modern, always-on media landscape.  Her work encompasses ballot initiatives, regulatory matters, policy objectives, business development, and public education campaigns.

Maggie’s dedication to innovation in data driven strategic communications - integrating quantitative and qualitative data with cutting edge geo-political intelligence to build best in class strategy and effective communications campaigns- has garnered recognition from numerous prestigious sources.  She was honored as a Rutgers Fellow in 2016, a distinction awarded to only 80 graduates in the 250+-year history of Rutgers alumni as having been found to represent the University well by making a significant difference in their respective field. Additionally, Maggie has been recognized by PR News, Ragan’s Top Women in Communications, City and State, ROI, the Observer, Insider NJ, NJ Globe and as City & State’s NY Above and Beyond Chairperson awarded as one of the top five businesswoman in NY State.   

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Maggie is a strong advocate for increasing political participation for women, people of color and the LGBTQIA+ community.  She resides in Belmar, NJ with her wife Amy and their four kids – Hannah, Shane, Claire, and Seamus.

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The Honorable Jeannine Frisby LaRue is a Partner at Moxie Strategies. Her journey is nothing short of extraordinary, weaving through the intricate corridors of policy, government, and politics. Jeannine also plays a pivotal role at The Zita Group, where she remains Senior Vice President. 

Her career includes a significant chapter at Rutgers University as the Vice President of Public Affairs, where she was a key member of the President's Cabinet, skillfully nurturing relationships across the public and private sectors. Her political acumen was honed as the Deputy Chief of Staff for former New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine, where she oversaw critical state offices including Appointments, Constituency Services, and Intergovernmental Affairs.

During her decade-long tenure as Senior Vice President at Saint Barnabas Health Care System, she advised the CEO and senior management on legislative and regulatory strategies. 

Jeannine’s illustrious career also includes a five-year term on the Casino Control Commission, appointed by Governor James J. Florio, overseeing New Jersey's bustling casino operations. She ultimately became Vice Chair of that Commission. 

Her roots in advocacy run deep, starting from her days as the chief lobbyist for the New Jersey Education Association, a testament to her enduring commitment to education and public service. This commitment is reflected in her roles as an English teacher, adjunct professor, college administrator, and Trustee for both Camden County College and Essex County College. Jeannine currently co-chairs Rowan University's College of Education Advisory Board. Her dedication to public service didn't stop there; she also dedicated 12 years to elective office, serving on her local school board and town council. Jeannine is one of the founding members of the New Jersey Black Caucus Foundation Board of Directors where she continues to serve. 

A trailblazer for women and children's issues, Jeannine orchestrated the groundbreaking Statewide Women’s Summit in 1992, an initiative so impactful that it was adopted by the state government and renamed the Governor's Conference for Women. That conference continued for two decades drawing thousands of participants annually.

During the COVID pandemic while most of the world was on lockdown, Jeannine rewired and created the LaRuelist Cafe’ podcast.  The Cafe’, which exists even today, brought high-level State and Federal officials to the table discussing critical issues affecting everyday lives. Sensitive topics surrounding LGBTQIA, police brutality,  mental health and more were debated at length. 

Jeannine has been a thought-leader in the advocacy space and chairs several boards, including Garden State Equality Fund and Greater Mt. Zion Community Development Corporation.

Honored by more than 70 charitable, nonprofit and business organizations, Jeannine continues to remain humble recognizing these awards don’t define her but recognize the work that she does. 

Jeannine has two children, five grandchildren and Jaxson, a fierce 7 lb Yorkie. 

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Tom Meara is a seasoned communications strategist with a reputation for executing high-impact public affairs campaigns across diverse sectors, including labor, energy, environment, and criminal justice. At Moxie Strategies, he delivers innovative solutions and strategic guidance for clients, from crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations to leading coalition building and advising on paid media strategies for legislative and communications initiatives.Tom has driven several notable campaigns to success, such as:

• Leading press and communications for a statewide effort against the constitutional convention.
• Spearheading a robust earned media strategy to pass comprehensive criminal justice reform in New York.
• Developing content and paid media strategies to advance Medical Aid in Dying legislation in New Jersey.
• Guiding the strategic direction and media efforts for a high-profile campaign to bail women and children out of Rikers Island.

Before joining Moxie Strategies, Tom was a Partner at Avōq. At Kivvit, where he spent over a decade, Tom served in key leadership roles, including Managing Director and Principal, driving award-winning campaigns. Tom began his career as a Principal at M Public Affairs, a role where he built his expertise in labor relations and coalition management, leading campaigns that secured middle-class wages for construction unions.

Tom lives in Garden City South, New York, with his wife and three children.

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Megan Cryan, Moxie Strategies' New Jersey State President and EVP of Public Affairs, is a powerhouse in strategic communications and public affairs. Known for her savvy approach to client engagement and her bold leadership style, Megan is building a formidable New Jersey team, setting the stage for impact across sectors like energy, healthcare, infrastructure, and corporate advocacy. Her role at Moxie goes beyond strategy—she’s actively expanding business, growing key client relationships, and empowering her team to deliver exceptional results on every project.

Megan previously served as Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications at Avōq, where she led high-profile campaigns across industries from clean energy to higher ed, for clients ranging from emerging innovators to Fortune 500 giants. Her impressive work earned her spots on ROI-NJ’s 2023 Influencers Power List and Women in Business Influencer List and InsiderNJ’s Power and Irish American Power Lists.

With career roots in public service and advocacy, Megan drove child hunger campaigns at No Kid Hungry across New York, supported congressional relations at the EPA and began her career working on political campaigns in New Jersey and across the country. A seasoned strategist who has worked from coast to coast, she brings her fierce dedication and expertise home to Central New Jersey, where she lives with her husband and two children.

Pearl Gabel is the Executive Vice President of Creative and Content at Moxie. Her portfolio is a kaleidoscope of award-winning creative campaigns, strategy, content and storytelling. Pearl's expertise has been the driving force behind groundbreaking projects, ranging from succinct messaging to multimillion-dollar campaigns. She has been named as one of Fortune Magazine’s 40 Under 40 and PR Week’s Top 50 Most Influential people in PR and Business.

Prior to Moxie, Pearl was the founder of Grit Strategies, a creative advocacy consultancy where she led campaign and communications strategy for nonprofit, government, and corporate clients. She was the Director of Brand Strategy at Kivvit (now Avoq), orchestrating complex campaigns for a diverse set of clients, earning her numerous industry accolades, including a New York Emmy for Public Service Ad and a Best in Show Sabre Award.

As Digital Director for the State of New Jersey, Pearl revolutionized digital and social media outreach. She was instrumental in launching accounts like NJGOV, amassing millions of followers through her bold, innovative strategies. Her work garnered international attention as well as recognition from prestigious organizations like Adweek, The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, and The New York Times. 

As Director of Video for the Mayor’s Office of the City of New York, she built a team of storytellers and pioneered a new way of telling stories about people and policy.

Pearl laid the foundations of her career as a photojournalist and reporter. Her lens and words have captured a wide array of subjects, from the Trumps to Obama to Beyonce, and she has covered historic events across the globe. Her impressive resume includes being a Staff Photographer for the New York Daily News and contributor to news organizations such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Reuters, and NBC News.

Pearl regularly volunteers her time to advocacy projects and local causes, working toward a more just and compassionate world. She lives in Lambertville with her husband, Mehdi, and son, Noah.

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Hira Shaikh is Moxie’s Senior Vice President of Client Management, where she brings a blend of campaign strategy and client expertise. Hira's path to Moxie is paved with impressive milestones and significant achievements.

Before joining the Moxie team, Hira was a key player in Outreach for the Office of Governor Phil Murphy. She built on her previous experience as the Deputy Director for AAPI and Faith-Based Outreach during the Governor’s 2021 re-election campaign.

Her leadership journey also includes a pivotal role as Chief of Staff for Assemblywoman Sadaf Jaffer, one of the first Muslim members of the State Legislature, where Hira's strategic prowess and policy expertise were on full display. She led the Assemblywoman’s staff and helped execute policy goals related to women’s health, immigrants’ rights, and education. Adding to her diverse career, she was a Principal at Kivvit, specializing in complex paid media campaigns and client management.

Apart from her professional accolades, Hira is deeply engaged in politics and advocacy, particularly in the Asian American and Muslim communities. She currently serves as the Co-Chair of the South Asian Caucus of New Jersey Young Democrats, demonstrating her commitment to progressive causes and community empowerment. As a proud Pakistani immigrant, she brings her full self to every project she works on.

Hira's career journey is a testament to her relentless advocacy for  her community  and her ability to navigate complex political landscapes with grace and effectiveness. At Moxie, she continues to be a force of innovation and strategic thinking, driving the company forward with her unique insights and unwavering dedication.

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Joe Libutti is the heartbeat of Moxie's Research and Analytics team, blending rigorous data analysis with strategic insights. With an MBA from Rutgers, Joe has built a career on making the complex accessible, the data actionable, and the strategies impactful.

From leading public affairs insights research teams to shaping law and public policy in government, Joe's journey is marked by a deep commitment to using data for real-world impact. His work spans tech, healthcare, energy, education, and other sectors, always with the goal of bringing clarity and direction to complex issues.

At Moxie, Joe's focus is on setting new standards with a quantitative-first approach, helping to build a new generation of public affairs research innovators, and ensuring our clients are not just keeping pace but leading their fields with a competitive edge. When he's not dissecting research and data, Joe's probably exploring new restaurants with his wife or geeking out over the latest tech and innovation.

Joe’s blend of expertise, leadership, and genuine passion for the work ensures clients and colleagues feel entirely confident in Moxie's data-centric ethos to drive efficiency, action, and results.

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Sam Berman is an accomplished public affairs and paid media strategist known for leading complex, large-scale campaigns that deliver powerful results. As Senior Vice President of Campaigns at Moxie Strategies,Sam brings a wealth of experience and a track record of award-winning campaigns that achieve desired outcomes for clients across diverse sectors.

Before joining Moxie Strategies, Sam was the Director ofIntegrated Campaigns at Avōq, where he played a pivotal role in driving the planning and execution of strategic, multi-faceted campaigns that shaped policy and electoral outcomes, catalyzed behavior change, improved brand reputation, and supported organizational growth. His early career included roles leading field and voter contact efforts on political campaigns in New Jersey andNevada, as well as in government.

Sam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science,Economics, and History from Rutgers University. His strategic insight, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence have made him a trusted advisor to clients looking to navigate today's complex media and political landscapes.

Katy Zielinski is a dynamic communications strategist with a proven track record of driving impactful public affairs and media relations campaigns. As Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at Moxie Strategies, Katy brings a wealth of experience from both the public and private sectors, blending innovative strategy with deep expertise in political communications and public relations.

Prior to joining Moxie Strategies, Katy served as the First Deputy Press Secretary and Deputy Communications Director for the Energy and Environment portfolio in the New York State Executive Chamber, where she played a key role in shaping the media coverage on the Governor’s priority policy issues. Her tenure at Kivvit saw her rise from Associate to Principal, where she led high-profile campaigns, managing client relationships and delivering strategic counsel across various industries.

Katy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Political Science from Marist College. Her leadership and commitment to excellence continue to define her approach at Moxie Strategies.

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Siming Hsu, Moxie’s Principal of Client Engagement, brings deep expertise in data-driven strategy and campaign management to build powerful digital movements and conversion campaigns nationwide. Previously at Mothership Strategies, Siming seamlessly integrated digital strategy with client relations, driving key wins for progressive candidates, enhancing racial diversity in Congress, and boosting voter turnout in critical battleground states.

A proud New Jersey native and Rutgers University alumna, Siming remains deeply committed to the values that define her home state.

Tara Franco is a seasoned financial strategist with a background in the construction industry, where she honed her skills in operations, contracting, procurement, and project management. As the former Controller of a construction firm, Tara expertly managed multi-million dollar projects and deftly handled the intricate web of day-to-day operations, finance, and human resources.

Her pivot to the public affairs industry has seen her apply her sharp acumen to contracts, billing, payroll, and broader operational and accounting roles. In this sector, Tara's strategic oversight extended to a variety of initiatives, including public awareness campaigns and significant education and energy projects, where she orchestrated multi-million dollar budgets for paid media, production, and project management.

A proud alumna of SUNY New Paltz, Tara now brings her wealth of experience to Moxie Strategies as the Executive Vice President of Finance and HR. She is the financial heartbeat of the team, ensuring that Moxie’s mission is met with fiscal excellence and human resources ingenuity. She lives in East Fishkill, NY, with her husband Tom, and their two kids, Joey and Jenna.

With a distinguished career that bridges law enforcement, corporate security, and library science, Amy Hackett brings a diverse and rich skill set to her role as New Jersey Operations Director at Moxie Strategies. Amy is the organizational force behind our team, ensuring we stay focused and perpetually moving forward.

Amy’s professional journey began at Douglass College, Rutgers University, where she made history as one of the institution’s first community policing officer. Her innate leadership abilities propelled her through the ranks to Sergeant and eventually Detective Lieutenant at the Rutgers Police Department. During her tenure, Amy was instrumental in developing and implementing innovative policing strategies that fostered a safer, more engaged campus. She also worked as a dispatch manager at Princeton University and as a librarian within the Hunterdon County Library system, managing information, engaging with community members, and supporting educational initiatives.

Amy’s strategic vision and pragmatic approach to problem solving ensures that our projects not only stay on track, but exceed all expectations.

Jackie LaBarbera is an energetic entrepreneur with nearly 15 years of experience in business operations, corporate event management, and public relations. As Moxie’s New York Operations Director, she leverages her diverse background to ensure smooth operations and deliver outstanding client experiences. Jackie has successfully organized large-scale corporate events, launched grassroots campaigns, and developed effective ad concepts and email marketing strategies for both political and educational initiatives.

Jackie’s entrepreneurial drive shines through in her roles as the former COO and minority owner of Butera’s Fine Foods and as the owner and operator of Kindred Yoga & Wellness, a passion project that fulfills her dream of promoting wellness and community engagement. A 300-hour Registered Yoga Teacher and Chairman of the New Resident Welcome Committee in her local government, Jackie brings a unique blend of business savvy and creativity to her work.

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