Boutique national strategic communications and advocacy firm recognized by PRovoke Media as the best new public affairs agency in North America, welcoming veteran diplomat and global strategic communications leader Janice Laurente as Executive Vice President of Public Affairs alongside two rising team members

NEW YORK, NY (May 6, 2026) - Moxie Strategies - the boutique national strategic communications and advocacy firm built for highly regulated industries and high-stakes issues - marked its two-year anniversary this week with a major industry honor: PRovoke Media named them The Best New Agency in North America, recognizing two years of extraordinary growth, category-defining client work, and a senior-led model that is redefining what a public affairs firm can be. The firm marked the milestone by welcoming the newest members of their team.

The recognition comes on the heels of remarkable growth. In just two years, Moxie has completed more than 100 client engagements in 20 states reaching over 40 million Americans, including reaching 90,000 key stakeholders with bespoke content. This honor builds on a slate of awards for the young firm with a unique people-first culture, including their Aimi by Moxie polling platform winning Best AI Product at the Innovation SABRE Awards, being named one of the Top 40 Public Affairs Firm in the World, a finalist for the NJBiz Business of the Year, and to the PRNet 100.

Moxie also announced the addition of Janice Laurente as Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, bringing one of the most experienced and respected voices in strategic communications into the firm. Laurente brings more than two decades of experience advising governments, global organizations, and corporate leaders on high-stakes policy, reputational, and crisis challenges. A former U.S. diplomat and federal spokesperson, she has led communications efforts during congressional investigations, geopolitical crises, natural disasters, and public health emergencies. Her background includes senior roles at USAID and the Peace Corps, and she has led global initiatives across more than 50 countries, helping organizations navigate scrutiny, translate complex policy into clear narratives, and execute large-scale campaigns that drive real outcomes. At Moxie, she will play a central role in expanding the firm’s national presence and deepening its ability to support clients operating where the stakes are highest.

Moxie continues to invest in its pipeline, promoting members of its Junior Associate program and reinforcing a culture that develops talent from within. From day one, the firm has focused on building not just a team—but a group of people who can think, move, and lead at a high level.

“This milestone reflects the strength of our work helping clients navigate complex, highly regulated environments and high-stakes moments,” said Maggie Moran, Founder and CEO of Moxie Strategies. “Being recognized as North America’s top new agency underscores the impact of our strategic, tailored communications in reaching key stakeholders and driving critical decisions. As we continue to grow and expand our team with experienced leaders like Janice, we remain focused on delivering clarity, precision, and results for clients operating where the stakes are highest.”

Meet the New Team Members:

Janice Laurente | Executive Vice President of Public Affairs
Janice M. Laurente joins Moxie as the Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, where she will advise clients in highly regulated industries and high-stakes environments on complex policy, reputational, and stakeholder challenges. A former U.S. diplomat and federal spokesperson, she is a trusted strategist to governments, foundations, nonprofits, and political leaders, known for developing integrated campaigns that shape public narratives, influence decision-makers, and drive meaningful change. She brings deep expertise in translating complex regulatory, scientific, and environmental issues into clear, persuasive communications, and has led efforts during congressional investigations, geopolitical crises, natural disasters, and public health emergencies.

Prior to Moxie, Janice directed strategic communications for U.S. government energy programs valued at more than $500 million across more than 50 countries, advancing clean energy adoption and strengthening energy security. Her experience also includes senior roles with Tetra Tech, the Peace Corps, the U.S. Senate, and Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, and the U.S. Agency for International Development. She has advised leading organizations including the Gates Foundation, ACLU, NRDC, Business Software Alliance, and Monterey Bay Aquarium. She holds a B.A. from Rutgers University and is based in Washington, D.C.

Siobhan Dillon | Associate

Siobhan Dillon is being promoted to Associate at Moxie Strategies, where she will support clients across sectors in developing strategic messaging, coordinating creative campaigns, advancing advocacy initiatives, and contributing to coalition-building efforts. With a passion for storytelling and relationship-building, she brings creativity, enthusiasm, and a thoughtful approach to her work, drawing on experience in social media strategy, digital storytelling, and brand development. Prior to joining Moxie, she worked with Vote For Your Daughter, enhancing its digital presence, and with Geniemode, supporting international partnerships and marketing efforts. Based in Pearl River, New York, Siobhan enjoys painting, spending time with her dogs, and cheering on Villanova basketball.

Sophia Malinsky | Special Projects & Executive Associate

Sophia Malinsky is Moxie's Special Projects & Executive Associate, bringing a background that cuts across law, policy, and government relations. A former Junior Associate at Moxie and recent Rutgers University graduate with degrees in Political Science and Russian Studies, Sophia has contributed to legislative research and government affairs initiatives across the legal, consulting, and policy sectors. Her academic foundation in international affairs and national security gives her a sharp, analytical lens, and a genuine instinct for the kind of cross-disciplinary, high-stakes problem solving Moxie was built for.

About Moxie Strategies

Moxie Strategies is a boutique national strategic communications and advocacy firm built for highly regulated industries and high-stakes issues. We work at the intersection of intelligence, strategy, and advocacy - in the environments where the stakes are highest, the regulations tightest, and the margin for error smallest. Senior-led by design, Moxie brings former government officials, seasoned strategists, and creative communicators to lead every engagement, every day. A majority women-, Black-, and LGBTQIA+-owned firm with offices in Asbury Park, NJ and New York, NY, Moxie operates nationwide. Learn more at moxiestrategies.com.