Get to know us
We are a dynamic and diverse team of communications professionals, strategists and creatives working at the intersection of policy, business, media and influencers.
We serve as trusted advisors and partners to our clients in navigating their most critical communications opportunities and challenges.
Our team
A wealth of experience from across a range of disciplines.

Matthew Doering

Carol Harrison

David Fishman

MaryJo Fitzgerald

Jordan Band

Théa Iacovelli

Erik Moser

Mariana Rodrigues

Alexa Bilankov

Leah Cox

Spencer Dandes

Phoebe duBell

Michael Wick

Liz Frenaye

Abby Lau

Jesse Schatz

Allie Mason

Grace Langella

Keyuri Parab

Tayyab Rashid, MPH

Jennifer Yoder

Bridget Harshman

Jalondra Jackson

Astha Lakhankar

Sareena Roy

Maria Pinto
Matthew Doering
As CEO and Founder of Global Gateway Advisors, knowing what works and what doesn’t is important to me. Over the last 17 years, I have advised governments, non-profit organizations and private companies across industries, working closely with each to develop flexible, responsive strategies to communicate through times of crisis, transition or transformation. In the process, I have learned that effective communications counsel is grounded on two factors: knowing how to connect distinct assets, networks and ideas into solutions that resonate, and looking around the corner to anticipate when it’s time for a change. I work within the intersections of global policy, reputation management, economic development and social impact and strive to provide clients with well thought-out, comprehensive solutions that move the needle.
Carol Harrison
When it comes to client management, I believe business is personal. I approach every client as if their business is my own, working closely to understand their industry and the challenges they face. As a founding Senior Partner at Global Gateway Advisors, my goal is to build savvy teams able to provide tailored, reliable counsel grounded in experience and research. Over the last 16 years, I have advised a diverse portfolio of companies and non-profit organizations across a range of industries, including health, nutrition, education, media and technology. I am motivated by organizations committed to making a positive impact and working in partnership with clients to identify and activate the audiences and influencers driving the conversation. Prior to joining Global Gateway Advisors, I was Senior Vice President and Partner at FleishmanHillard and began my career on Capitol Hill developing and promoting legislative agendas related to healthcare and national defense policies.
David Fishman
I am passionate about helping companies and organizations develop and implement communications strategies that enhance their brand and reputation. I focus on helping clients prepare for, respond to, and recover from issues, crises and periods of change. I also help organize global conferences and events that bring together government leaders, business executives, and issues-based advocates to discuss innovative approaches to addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. For more than 10 years, I have worked with leading companies and non-profit organizations to navigate today’s fast-changing business and media environment. Prior to joining Global Gateway Advisors, I was a Vice President in the corporate communications teams at FleishmanHillard and Ruder Finn.
MaryJo Fitzgerald
I am motivated by work that has a positive impact on the world. I specialize in partnering with public and private companies, startups, and executives to translate and distill complex concepts for a wide range of stakeholders. Rooted in the technology industry, my expertise lies in finding innovative ways to bring stories to life. With more than a decade of strategic communications experience in both agency and in-house settings, I bring unique experience in executive communications and collaboration, thought leadership, public relations strategy, and data storytelling. Before joining Global Gateway Advisors, I led communications and public relations initiatives at IBM Research in New York and Glassdoor in San Francisco. Prior, at H3O Communications (acquired by Grayling), I helped early-stage startups come to market through earned media strategies. I am passionate about mentorship and career development, partnering with colleagues to build an effective, thoughtful, and highly-skilled team.
Jordan Band
Jordan works with leaders to prevent, prepare for, and address reputational threats and issues. He drives campaigns by collaborating across integrated teams from communications and marketing to product and operations. Working with Fortune 500 clients and multinational organizations, Jordan maps vulnerabilities and assesses readiness levels for a range of organizational risks. Through ongoing readiness training and audits, he ensures clients are prepared to seize market opportunities and protect their organizations.
Théa Iacovelli
Thea fosters a growth-driven culture that empowers teams to innovate, collaborate, and achieve results across diverse industries. She leads the agency’s strategic growth initiatives, shaping how Global Gateway Advisors engages new and existing clients globally. With over 20 years of experience in public relations, spanning agency, in-house, and nonprofit sectors, Thea brings a holistic perspective to business development and client relations.
Erik Moser
Erik protects clients from reputational harm through strategic risk mitigation and effective crisis communications. He has worked from the production floor to the executive suite to guide clients through crises.
Erik has led strategic communications practices for global agencies and brands and participated in some of the highest-profile incidents in recent history, including global cybersecurity events and sustained activist campaigns.
Mariana Rodrigues
With more than 12 years of experience working with Fortune 500 companies, governments and non-profit organizations in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Southeast Asia, I bring a unique cross-sector global perspective to communications strategy development and execution. I have worked closely with governments in developing countries to advocate around key global health and development issues, with international non-profits to maximize impact and with private companies to drive consumer and stakeholder buy-in across a range of industries. I have served as Communications Director for Axios International, a global health consultancy based in Paris, France, and as Vice President at FleishmanHillard.
Alexa Bilankov
With the current pace of innovation, our industry’s need for effective healthcare communications has never been in greater demand. I pride myself in being a strong, detail-oriented strategic advisor, collaborator and partner in solving challenges facing present day health companies. I bring a decade of global agency experience partnering with brands across the healthcare sector, from pharma/biotech, medical devices, professional associations, provider and payer groups, and more. I have worked in multiple therapeutic areas—including oncology, immunology and neurology—and on varied integrated communications programming, from public health and disease awareness campaigns, advocacy partnerships, issues management, product launches and data/regulatory milestones.
I am passionate about telling stories which drive distinction and success for my clients, as well as understanding and showcasing the impact of health advancements for patients and other end users. Prior to joining Global Gateway Advisors, I worked in the healthcare client experience group at Weber Shandwick.
Leah Cox
I value cultivating strong relationships and empowering others while driving growth and development within organizations. As a Certified Professional in Human Resources (SHRM-CP), I bring over a decade of well-rounded experience in operations, project management and HR. Striving for an equitable, connected and motivated culture is essential in order to grow the most important part of Global Gateway Advisors’ business – our people.
As a strategic advisor and business partner to all stakeholders, I thrive on establishing creative solutions and culture-based initiatives while providing essential tools, resources and processes. I love building a company culture that celebrates and deliberately considers how differences build a better community. Hiring and retaining strong and happy talent depends on this type of culture. Prior to Global Gateway Advisors, I have worked with other PR professionals, consultants and startups to build an open, inclusive and engaged environment.
Spencer Dandes
Spencer leads strategic communications programs centered on corporate positioning, reputation management, and thought leadership. With a decade of experience spanning healthcare, tech, and nonprofits, Spencer supports organizations with message development, executive thought leadership, and crisis and issues management.
Phoebe duBell
I am an experienced health and social impact communications professional with a passion for helping our clients unlock the value they bring to society. My background includes more than seven years of global agency experience partnering with clients spanning health, wellness, CPG, financial and nonprofit sectors. My expertise is in integrated global communications, with a focus on social impact, global public health and health equity. I’ve overseen the development of global and national campaigns, including those that target hard to reach communities in the US, Sub-Saharan Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Prior to joining Global Gateway Advisors, I worked for McCann Global Health and Weber Shandwick.
Michael Wick
Now more than ever, healthcare is at the forefront of everyday conversations, and as healthcare communicators, we play a critical role in ensuring patients, physicians and all stakeholders have the latest information at their fingertips.
For almost a decade, I’ve partnered with clients in the pharmaceutical industry across different therapeutic areas to implement disease awareness campaigns and develop strategic narratives to drive business growth. Furthermore, I’ve worked alongside leading experts at world-renowned medical research institutions to have their insights and perspectives featured in leading publications about some of the most pressing healthcare challenges we face today.
Prior to joining Global Gateway Advisors, I worked in the health sector at Hill + Knowlton Strategies.
Liz Frenaye
Liz leads Global Gateway Advisors’ media relations team, counseling clients on media strategy and executive thought leadership. She maintains close relationships with top-tier and trade journalists, including Axios, Fortune, Business Insider, CBS, CNBC, and The Wall Street Journal.
Liz works with clients to craft unique storytelling opportunities that help connect the dots for journalists eager for expert perspectives. She brings the instincts of a newsroom editor to help clients deliver their messages to their target stakeholders.
Abby Lau
Abby works with organizations to create compelling narratives and thought leadership strategies that cut through the noise in today’s crowded media landscape. She helps businesses stay relevant to their audiences, elevate their brand image, and anticipate potential risks.
With a decade of experience at top global agencies, she brings her expertise in supporting APAC communications for multinationals across diverse sectors, all while drawing on her roots in Hong Kong.
Jesse Schatz
Jesse helps clients navigate complicated global environments to strengthen their reputations, avert crises, and enhance their brands. He provides clients with the insights, research, and analysis they need to execute thought leadership and media campaigns with confidence.
Jesse lived in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia for several years as a geopolitical intelligence analyst and a communications advisor to governments.
Allie Mason
My passion lies in the art of communication and storytelling, crafting narratives that foster authentic human connections and drive meaningful change. In my journey through various communication advisory roles, I’ve dedicated my efforts to contribute to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, crafting impactful communication strategies, and enhancing operational efficiency.
I am committed to driving impactful outcomes and fostering inclusive environments. This commitment extends beyond the professional realm, as I actively seek ways to contribute to vibrant communities and amplify voices that deserve to be heard.
My holistic approach to communication encompasses both strategy and empathy, ensuring that the messages conveyed resonate authentically and inspire positive action. I’m eager to explore new avenues for collaboration and continue the journey of making a meaningful impact through effective and inclusive communication practices.
Grace Langella
Grace specializes in elevating leadership voices and maximizing the impact of executive communications. She partners with senior leaders to craft compelling thought leadership campaigns to confidently navigate high-stakes media opportunities.
Grace ensures executives can authentically engage across all platforms–-from traditional media interviews to digital channels. She helps leaders shape narratives around major announcements and external events while keeping them ahead of the curve by proactively monitoring industry developments.
Keyuri Parab
I am inspired to use effective communication, strategic thinking, empathy and storytelling to solve real world problems in ways that put people first. My background in corporate communications and journalism helps me to support clients by applying the power of words and critical thinking to drive success. I am passionate about empowering those who need a voice and making the world a more equitable, kinder place for all.
Before joining Global Gateway Advisors, I worked at Evalueserve, a global AI and business consulting firm, supporting C-suite thought leadership, PR and social media efforts.
Tayyab Rashid, MPH
I am driven by my passion for public health and communications as a vehicle to drive stronger outcomes. I enjoy sharing stories that make an impact for a better and healthier world. My work in patient advocacy, policy and health promotions shapes my understanding of the ever-changing landscape of healthcare, helping me advise clients and anticipate their evolving needs.
Before joining Global Gateway Advisors, I worked with public health organizations including the WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. I volunteer for institutional communications and public health initiatives that bring health services and education to underserved communities, including SUNY Downstate’s Maternal Care Connection program to improve obstetric care and chronic disease management in partnership with NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
Prior to Global Gateway Advisors, I worked at Global Health Strategies and SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. I received a Master of Public Health, Health Policy and Management, from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, School of Public Health.
Jennifer Yoder
Jennifer partners with organizations to amplify their biggest moments through strategic media engagement and storytelling. With established relationships across top-tier and trade media, she connects executives with the right opportunities to drive impactful thought leadership and elevate brand positioning and credibility.
Jennifer breaks down complex topics into clear, thoughtful messaging that resonates with the right audiences—whether reporters, customers, or industry stakeholders—ensuring new ideas, products, and advancements are understood and positioned to shape the broader conversation.
Bridget Harshman
Bridget specializes in media relations and corporate reputation management across various industries, including technology and healthcare. She collaborates with clients to craft communication strategies that effectively engage diverse audiences and stakeholders.
Bridget helps organizations navigate complex media environments and build a strong presence across platforms. She also creates and deploys visual storytelling assets, harnessing the power of images and video to shape narratives.
Jalondra Jackson
Jalondra specializes in media relations and deep research, helping international affairs and social impact clients boost their visibility and impact. She works with key stakeholders to create data-informed media strategies and secure media coverage that reaches their key stakeholders.
With expertise in the nonprofit sector, Jalondra ensures organizations remain competitive in a dynamic media landscape.
Astha Lakhankar
Astha conducts comprehensive research that informs clients’ thought leadership, media outreach, and other communications. With a keen attention to detail and an appreciation for the nuances of the evolving media landscape, she captures insights that shape strategic decisions.
Astha works with large international companies to drive their strategies while navigating fast-changing current events and global issues.
Sareena Roy
In a complex operating landscape, fostering genuine understanding takes effort. I believe in cultivating clear and actionable insights for companies using research and language. My experience is in corporate affairs, thought leadership, and media relations for companies, with a focus on ESG and social impact.
Previously, I was an Executive at the Mumbai office of Brunswick Group, where I cultivated direct relationships with clients in manufacturing, professional and financial services, and others. I graduated in January 2024 with a master’s degree in public relations at Boston University’s College of Communication.
Maria Pinto
I am committed to using my diverse experience and skills to provide strong client service, and build solid and trusting relationships with clients, executives and team members. I excel in problem solving, planning, goal-setting and organizational skills. I enjoy developing and implementing new systems and processes, and refining them until they are as efficient and effective as possible. I take pride in making an impact in the workplace and use my positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others. Prior to joining Global Gateway Advisors, I supported the CEO of Rhodes Associates, an executive search firm. Earlier, I played an integral role supporting the Head of Office and serving as New York office manager for a successful start-up as it grew from 2 to 15 employees.
Advisors
Our senior advisor network is made up of experienced professionals from a range of specialties and industries. They include communications executives, seasoned journalists and editors, and industry specialists. Our Advisors operate as part of our integrated team.

Cristina Aby-Azar

Samantha Choi Cadley

Ellen Gonda

Lauren Flynn

Robyn Jackson

Erin Boyd Kappelhof

Melody Kimmel

Adam Kline

Laura Lowery

Ann Melinger

Julie Meyer

Elliot Bastien Morin

Emma Murphy

David Neibart

Steven Newman

Taylor Norwood

Nina Schuermaier

Chris Tennyson

Joel Weiden

Jeff Weintraub
Cristina Aby-Azar
Cristina Aby-Azar is a Brazilian-American journalist and communications consultant with over 30 years of experience.
Raised in São Paulo, Cristina started her career in 1987 as a reporter and later editor covering the agribusiness sector for the Brazilian newspaper Gazeta Mercantil, then a reference in business and agriculture journalism. In that job, she traveled extensively throughout Brazil and other Mercosur countries visiting farms and commodities focused communities.
In 1997, Cristina was invited by The Wall Street Journal to move to New York City to lead a team of reporters and editors producing daily content for the Latin American audience in Spanish and Portuguese. During her 20 years in the job, she represented the newspaper at the Inter American Press Association, organized conferences and traveled extensively in Latin America, where she developed deep connections.
In 2017, Cristina decided to leave the newsrooms to start working as an independent communications consultant. She now lives with her husband in Bethel, an agricultural community Upstate New York.
Samantha Choi Cadley
Ellen Gonda
Lauren Flynn
Robyn Jackson
Erin Boyd Kappelhof
Melody Kimmel
Adam Kline
Laura Lowery
I am inspired by the connection between great design and communication. Strategic communications is essentially the practice of connecting people—it’s the business of helping organizations get where they want to go by engaging with the people whose attention and participation will take them there. Over the last 18 years I have advised non-profit organizations, public and private companies to help them think creatively and develop strategic communications programs that elevate ideas, deepen dialogue and create experiences that invite and lead to more genuine connection with their audiences. I am passionate about creativity, empathy, conscientious leadership, cultivating optimism and seeing the good in people first. I believe a well-designed whisper can be more powerful than a shout, and asking beautiful questions is the secret to generating exceptional ideas.