Avalon Public Affairs

Reputation management
Media Relations
Crisis Prevention and Mitigation

Issue Advocacy​

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Reputation Management

In a world where public perception can change at the click of a button, managing your organization’s reputation is not just necessary—it’s critical. With our rich experience, we grasp the intricate dynamics of public opinion…

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Reputation Management

In a world where public perception can change at the click of a button, managing your organization’s reputation is not just necessary—it’s critical. With our rich experience, we grasp the intricate dynamics of public opinion. From elevating your brand’s standing to navigating the complexities of stakeholder expectations, we ensure that your reputation is safeguarded and enhanced. By integrating high-level communication strategies with a deep understanding of policy and corporate expectations, we craft customized solutions that resonate with your values and your audience. We leverage our background with influential companies and our policy advisory expertise to build and maintain reputations that endure beyond the news cycle.

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Crisis Prevention and Mitigation

Crisis prevention and mitigation demand foresight, strategy, and the ability to act swiftly. We bring a battle-tested approach to protecting your organization from potential threats before they emerge…

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Crisis Prevention and Mitigation

Crisis prevention and mitigation demand foresight, strategy, and the ability to act swiftly. We bring a battle-tested approach to protecting your organization from potential threats before they emerge. Drawing on our extensive experience in federal policy and corporate arenas, we anticipate challenges and implement proactive measures to guard against them. And when crises do arise, our calculated and timely interventions minimize impact, ensuring a path to recovery that’s both strategic and sensitive to your stakeholders’ concerns. With our guidance, you can confidently navigate the turbulent waters of crisis management and emerge stronger on the other side.

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Media Relations

Effective media relations are more than just press releases and media coverage; it’s about crafting stories that matter and presenting them in ways that captivate. We have a proven track record of steering narratives that shape opinions and policy…

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Media Relations

Effective media relations are more than just press releases and media coverage; it’s about crafting stories that matter and presenting them in ways that captivate. We have a proven track record of steering narratives that shape opinions and policy. With an extensive network and a nuanced grasp of the media landscape, we position your message at the forefront of relevant conversations. Our strategic approach, honed through years of high-stake roles Fortune 500 companies, ensures that your voice is heard clearly and compellingly, whether it’s breaking news or an in-depth feature. Let our expertise turn your media interactions into opportunities for powerful advocacy and lasting impact.

Government relations

Issue Advocacy

In the dynamic arena of government policy, the art of issue advocacy extends well beyond the halls of Congress. Today, it’s the critical integration of strategic communication, earned and social media, and coalition building that propels policy change…

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Issue Advocacy

In the dynamic arena of government policy, the art of issue advocacy extends well beyond the halls of Congress. Today, it’s the critical integration of strategic communication, earned and social media, and coalition building that propels policy change. Our approach is deeply rooted in understanding the forces that shape public policy and influence decision-makers. We bring clarity to complex issues, crafting advocacy campaigns that resonate with both lawmakers and the communities they serve. We are adept at defining precise policy goals, outlining clear outcomes, and pursuing them with unwavering determination. With us, your voice becomes a catalyst for change, ensuring that your interests are not just heard but are instrumental in driving meaningful policy outcomes.

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Why Us?

Winning public affairs strategies must navigate an evolving external stakeholder landscape with a relentless focus on results. In a new era of complex challenges, Avalon Public Affairs delivers exceptional outcomes by thoughtfully threading the needle between the three critical and interconnected dimensions of public policy, corporate responsibility, and policy communications.

Commitment

Avalon guarantees our public affairs advantage and commits to delivering tangible results through public policy, corporate responsibility, and policy communications strategies. If we haven’t done what we promised in the timeframe of the contract, we’ll continue working at no charge until we do.

Lori Otto Punke

Lori Otto Punke: Navigating the Complex World of Public Affairs

Throughout my career, I’ve helped drive transformative results for a wide range of organizations, from Fortune 500 companies and start-ups to nonprofits and associations. I’ve guided clients through the challenging world of public affairs — tackling policy challenges, navigating the nuanced landscape of media and influencer relations, and driving thought leadership and improved reputations.

As the founder of Avalon Public Affairs, I bring a unique blend of policy knowledge, high-level communications expertise, corporate experience, and an understanding of how best to leverage corporate responsibility and ESG efforts. Clients trust me to serve as the bridge between businesses, government, and the communities they serve.

Reach out to me at lori@avalonpa.com.

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Lori Otto Punke: Navigating the Complex World of Public Affairs

Throughout my career, I’ve helped drive transformative results for a wide range of organizations, from Fortune 500 companies and start-ups to nonprofits and associations. I’ve guided clients through the challenging world of public affairs — tackling policy challenges, navigating the nuanced landscape of media and influencer relations, and driving thought leadership and improved reputations.

As the founder of Avalon Public Affairs, I bring a unique blend of policy knowledge, high-level communications expertise, corporate experience, and an understanding of how best to leverage corporate responsibility and ESG efforts. Clients trust me to serve as the bridge between businesses, government, and the communities they serve.

Innovations and strategic advancements marked my time at Starbucks Coffee Company and Microsoft Corporation. At Starbucks, I helped launch the College Achievement Plan, a game-changer providing baristas with a free college education. At Microsoft, I led the charge on U.S. Senate policy efforts, diving deep into critical areas like intellectual property rights, high-skilled immigration, and trade, as well as serving on the company’s Political Action Committee board.

In addition to my corporate experience, I spent 6 years in the U.S. Senate. As a Policy Advisor to the U.S. Senate Leadership (including creating and staffing the Senate High Tech Task Force), I served as a liaison between Senators and the tech community and drove policy for Senate tech leaders.

I currently serve as:

  • Founder and Board Member at ChangeWA, championing livability, public safety, and accountability in Washington state.
  • Fellow of the US-Japan Leadership Program, nurturing ties between the next generation of leaders from both nations.
  • President of the Washington Council on International Trade, advocating on behalf of 100 companies and organizations for Washington’s pivotal role in international trade matters.
  • Member of Pitch Your Peers, a start-up philanthropy for women that has raised nearly $1 million for unmet needs in King County, Washington.
  • Board member at Alderan international organization with a mission to ignite generational leadership.

I helped clients with a range of diverse wins, including driving communications for an initial public offering, fixing a critical first responder issue with the Small Business Administration, and launching a grassroots campaign on a major transportation project.

In addition to helping clients with their own media and influencer engagement, I speak frequently on business, trade, and policy – including testifying in Washington, DC, and Olympia, and interviews on TV and radio. I’ve also written extensively on these subjects, including in the Seattle Times, the Spokane Spokesman-Review, and the Puget Sound Business Journal.

I earned a B.A. in international relations and political science from George Washington University, which included studies in London and Madrid.

Outside of work, I’m a history and travel fan (with recent trips to Normandy and Israel) and an avid athlete, having completed numerous marathons and two Ironman distance triathlons – and most recently running Mt. Rainier’s 96-mile Wonderland Trail (but none of that running seems to help my struggling tennis game).