News

A note from our founders, Ron Bonjean and Rodell Mollineau

This year marks a major milestone for ROKK Solutions because 2025 is our tenth anniversary. When we founded ROKK in 2015, our vision was clear: to provide bipartisan solutions that authentically integrate perspectives from both sides of the aisle. A decade later, we’ve grown into a full-service firm of battle-tested experts, strategists and practitioners, helping the world’s most influential companies, nonprofits and associations navigate and win the toughest battles inside and outside Washington.

Much has changed over the past ten years—five Speakers of the House, three Presidents (one serving twice), an evolving media landscape and an explosion of new platforms. But one thing has remained constant: our commitment to our core mission. At ROKK, “bipartisan” isn’t just a buzzword—it’s in our DNA. We take pride in our team’s diversity of thought and experience, continuously strengthening our award-winning, innovative firm to meet our clients’ dynamic needs.

As we celebrate a decade of growth and success, we are even more energized about the future. The shifting media and political landscape presents new opportunities, and as an established leader in Washington, ROKK is poised to evolve and expand. To stay ahead of the curve, we are committed to:

• Expanding our research, data, and analysis capabilities with cutting-edge proprietary technologies
• Elevating our best-in-class creative services
• Advancing our digital and paid media solutions to reach audiences more effectively and efficiently
• Further growing our presence into additional state and local markets

None of this would be possible without you—our clients and partners—whose trust in ROKK has been instrumental to our success. We are also deeply grateful to our incredible team of over 50 professionals, whose talent and dedication drive our work every day.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to the next ten years!

ROKK Solutions, the award-winning bipartisan public affairs firm operating at the intersection of policy, politics and communications, is pleased to announce the addition of Annaleigh Mills as Director of Data & Insights.

In this role, Mills will lead ROKK’s data science and analytics practice, empowering clients with cutting-edge enterprise tools and insights, including ROKK’s proprietary RADIUS platform. She will spearhead the integration of advanced technologies to activate, measure, and optimize campaign performance, further enhancing the impact of ROKK’s strategic communications programs.

“Annaleigh is a tremendous addition to the ROKK team as we continue to elevate our data, insights, and technology capabilities,” said Ashley Carpenter, Chief Business Officer at ROKK Solutions. “Her extensive industry expertise, entrepreneurial mindset, and meticulous approach will be instrumental in driving greater efficiency and effectiveness for our clients.”

Mills joins ROKK from APCO Worldwide’s AI & Intelligence division, where she developed innovative, data-informed strategies to address a broad spectrum of communications and analytics challenges. A Raleigh, NC native, Mills holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Government with a concentration in Public Policy from North Carolina State University.

Her arrival comes at a time of strong momentum for ROKK Solutions. As the firm marks its 10th anniversary, it has been recognized with numerous industry honors, including Strategic Communications Team of the Year by the Reed Awards, Gold for Midsize Agency of the Year from Bulldog PR, and inclusion on PRovoke Media’s list of the top 80 U.S. agencies—all while continuing to deliver award-winning results for some of the world’s most influential organizations.

ROKK Solutions partnered with news publisher Axios to host the Communicators Live Washington event at the International Spy Museum, convening industry leaders for conversations looking at the challenges and opportunity shaping the media landscape in the age of Trump 2.0. 

Axios journalists conducted interviews with Karoline Leavitt, the Trump White House Press Secretary, and Jay Carney, currently Global Head of Policy and Communications for AirBnB and former White House Press Secretary under President Barack Obama.

In addition to the interviews with Leavitt and Carney, ROKK Co-founders and Partners Ron Bonjean and Rodell Mollineau joined Axios’ Nicholas Johnston for a wide-ranging “View from the Top.” Topics included how communicators should navigate Washington’s new media landscape, how to have authentic messaging and insights from ROKK’s first ten years as a company.

Watch the full event here and read the Axios recap article here.

Interested in learning how ROKK can help navigate Washington’s new media landscape? Get in touch.

Photo credit: Cameron Smith on behalf of Axios

ROKK Solutions, the award-winning bipartisan public affairs powerhouse at the crossroads of policy, politics and communications, is proud to announce the promotion of Ashley Carpenter to Chief Business Officer.

In this elevated role, Carpenter will lead the firm’s bold growth strategy—driving innovation, launching new service lines and expanding ROKK’s reach as it enters a landmark 10th year. She will continue to shape the firm’s business development engine, providing strategic insights on emerging platforms and technologies, while overseeing all marketing, partnerships, sponsorships, events and external engagement initiatives.

“Ashley brings vision, creativity, and relentless energy to everything she touches,” said Co-Founder and Partner Rodell Mollineau. “She’s already made a tremendous impact, and her leadership will be essential as we double down on new ideas and ambitious growth in 2025 and beyond.”

“Promoting Ashley is more than a title change—it’s a statement about where we’re headed,” said Co-Founder and Partner Ron Bonjean. “She’s a force for innovation and growth, and we’re thrilled to have her leading this next phase of ROKK’s evolution.”

Carpenter joined ROKK in 2024 as Executive Vice President following more than 20 years at The Washington Post, where she led high-level policy partnerships and helped shape the media landscape. Her deep industry experience, sharp strategic thinking and trusted relationships have already been pivotal in ROKK’s continued rise.

As the firm celebrates a decade in business, ROKK Solutions is riding a wave of momentum. In recent months, the agency was named Strategic Communications Team of the Year by the Reed Awards, earned Gold for Midsize Agency of the Year from Bulldog PR and was recognized by PRovoke Media as one of the top 80 agencies in the U.S.—all while continuing to deliver award-winning results for some of the world’s most influential companies and organizations.

ROKK Solutions welcomes Rebecca Matwijkow to the firm as Vice President of Digital and Paid Media.

Matwijkow will work with the firm’s Digital and Paid Media team, leveraging her deep experience developing and executing sophisticated omni-channel media strategies to help ROKK’s clients achieve their policy and communications goals. 

“Adding Rebecca to our Digital and Paid Media team will be a great benefit to our client programs,” said Executive Vice President of Digital and Paid Media, Rachel Winer. “We are excited to welcome her to ROKK and integrate her deep insights into our paid media campaigns.”

With experience working on local ballot measures, coalitions, presidential campaigns and Fortune 100 brands, Matwijkow has been a strategic thought partner for clients facing their biggest challenges in Washington.

“After nearly a decade in DC paid media, I’m happy to call ROKK my new home,” shared Matwijkow. “I’m excited to work with ROKK’s clients in a wide range of industries.”

As ROKK enters its tenth year of operations, the firm continues to strategically strengthen its team and has experienced considerable year-over-year growth since its founding in 2015. ROKK was named PRovoke Media’s 2024 Public Affairs Agency of the Year in addition to winning multiple awards and recognition for both client work and company performance. With in-house capabilities in digital and paid media, creative, crisis communications, social impact analysis and response, communications and more, ROKK is a sought-after agency for Fortune 100 organizations, nonprofits and associations looking to build relationships and impact change in Washington and State and local legislatures.

ROKK Solutions welcomes Kevin Vernimb to the firm as Director of Marketing.

Vernimb will lead the firm’s external marketing efforts, playing a key role in shaping ROKK’s comprehensive strategy across paid, earned, shared and owned media. He will work closely with senior leadership to further position ROKK as the leading bipartisan public affairs firm in Washington with an unmatched team of battle-tested strategists, communicators, advertisers and creatives.

“We’re excited to bring Kevin on to support our growth, and as we celebrate our ten-year anniversary,” said Co-founder and Partner, Ron Bonjean. “We’re confident his combination of B2B and B2C marketing experience will help us spread the word in and outside Washington in innovative ways.”

Vernimb brings nearly a decade of marketing experience to ROKK across stints with Marriott International and REQ, an Agital company. Vernimb earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with concentrations in Marketing and Management from the Kogod School of Business at American University in Washington, DC.

“I’m thrilled to join ROKK at such an exciting time for the firm as they celebrate their ten-year anniversary,” shared Vernimb. “I’m looking forward to working with the Partners and the entire team. I have already seen ROKK in action and am thoroughly impressed by the breadth and quality of work.”

As ROKK enters its tenth year of operations, the firm continues to strategically strengthen its team and has experienced considerable year-over-year growth since its founding in 2015. ROKK was named PRovoke Media’s 2024 Public Affairs Agency of the Year in addition to winning multiple awards and recognition for both client work and company performance. With in-house capabilities in digital and paid media, creative, crisis communications, social impact analysis and response, communications and more, ROKK is a sought-after agency for Fortune 100 organizations, nonprofits and associations looking to build relationships and impact change in Washington and State and local legislatures.

ROKK Solutions welcomes Annie Clark to our leadership team as Senior Vice President.

Annie spent more than a decade working on Capitol Hill. Most recently, she was the Communications Director for Senator Susan Collins (R–ME) and the Senate Appropriations Committee. Annie also served as the Campaign Communications Director for Senator Collins’ 2020 reelection bid.

“We are excited that Annie Clark is joining our growing team of seasoned communicators,” said Co-Founder and Partner Ron Bonjean. “Her extensive experience on Capitol Hill along with deep relationships with the media and extensive crisis management insights will be invaluable assets to assist our clients with their communications goals.

“Annie spent years as a top communications expert on Capitol Hill,” said Partner Kristen Hawn. “Her expertise and keen understanding of how to shape a narrative will help our clients navigate the ever-evolving political landscape.”

“Annie has made her mark on Capitol Hill, where she is universally known as a seasoned communicator and valued advisor to one of the most powerful senators in the Republican Party. More importantly, she understands the bipartisan culture we have built here and will contribute greatly to it,” said Co-Founder and Partner Rodell Mollineau. “I look forward to Annie utilizing her valuable experience for a wide array of clients as they navigate the new power dynamics in Washington D.C.”

“I’ve spent the last ten years in the center of some of the most intense political battles, and I’ve learned what it takes to win – especially when the odds are stacked against you,” said Annie Clark. “Ron, Rodell and Kristen have assembled an exceptional team at ROKK, and I’m excited to help our clients win debates, tell their stories, and successfully navigate crises in today’s rapidly changing media environment.”

In 2024, The Hill named Annie one of 25 staffers who make Capitol Hill run. The newspaper noted that Annie is “tough when she clashes with a reporter, but she’s accessible, always armed with the facts, and always out in front of developing stories…She’s been battle-tested in a way that few have been on Capitol Hill.”

Prior to her nearly ten years with Senator Collins, Annie served as the Communications Director for Congressman Mike Turner (R-OH) and the Director of TV and Radio at the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC). Originally from Leawood, Kansas, Annie is a graduate of Miami University in Oxford, OH.

ROKK Solutions announced today that seasoned former Disney public affairs strategist Kristin Nolt Wingard has joined the firm as a Senior Advisor.

With more than 30 years of high-level experience advising CEOs and elected officials in Washington, DC and California, developing new market entry strategies, positioning companies and managing issues, Kristin is based in California representing ROKK with clients who have business interests on the West Coast and on a national level. 

“Kristin is a battle-tested strategic advisor, and a great friend,” said Co-Founder and Partner Ron Bonjean. “She has held demanding leadership roles in both the public and private sectors and brings to ROKK a breadth and depth of experience that will greatly benefit our clients.”

“We are so excited to have Kristin join our team,” said Partner Kristen Hawn.  “She understands the intersection of business, policy, and politics, and how effective public affairs and communications strategies can engage stakeholders, win debates, protect brands and enhance reputations.” 

As founder and president of her own consultancy, Kristin provides C-suite executives and companies with expertise on strategic communications, issues/reputation management, executive and company positioning and leadership consulting

Before starting her own company five years ago, Kristin spent 14 years in top public affairs and communications roles at The Walt Disney Company. She ran worldwide public affairs and communications for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts during one of its largest periods of growth and expansion, and was a trusted advisor to two different chairmen. Kristin led external communications, public relations, media events, internal communications, executive communications, government and industry relations, community relations and corporate citizenship, managing a team of more than 500 people spanning six locations around the globe. 

While at Disney, she also devised multi-year strategies that positioned brands, enhanced the company’s reputation on a national and global scale and drove sustainable business growth. Kristin also has mitigated complex, high-profile issues and crises — often managing several simultaneously around the world. Additionally, she spent eight years working on Shanghai Disney Resort, from the entry into mainland China and groundbreaking to the grand opening and first year of operations. 

Prior to her promotion to the global Disney role, Kristin was SVP, Public Affairs for the Disneyland Resort for six years. She has served on the boards and executive committees of non-profit, industry and government organizations. 

Before being recruited to Disney, she spent 12 years in senior roles on and off Capitol Hill. Kristin was head of marketing, communications and media relations at the National Restaurant Association and was a legislative assistant, press secretary and campaign manager for former Delaware Governor and U.S. Congressman Mike Castle, working in both his gubernatorial and congressional offices.

ROKK Solutions sponsored this session entitled, “Pendulum Whiplash — How Companies Maneuver through Political Uncertainty,” at PRWeek’s Crisis Comms day-long conference in Washington, D.C. in April 2024.

The panel featured Lisa Hanna of Delta Air Lines, Ron Bonjean of ROKK Solutions and Steve Rochlin of IMPACT ROI, and was moderated by Steve Clemons of Semafor.

During the lively conversation, panelists talked about how the charged political environment, lack of certainty from government institutions and ever-changing societal expectations have eroded the boundaries between corporate communications and public affairs. To help companies better navigate issues, ROKK Solutions developed a service called STAR – Social Threat Analysis & Response). 
Learn more about STAR and read the full panel recap (page 13) from PRWeek.

Communicators are looking at the rise of AI as a massive opportunity for the field, but they are also factoring in the potential risks the technology could bring for corporate reputation and political communication in a high-stakes election year.

Why it matters: Companies are working on crafting guidelines for disclosing AI use as well as thinking on how to respond to potential comms risks and crises involving AI, high-level communicators told Axios’ Eleanor Hawkins and Nathan Bomey at an Expert Voices roundtable discussion event.

Learn more about the exclusive luncheon of industry leaders that was sponsored by ROKK Solutions, WE Communications and Salesforce.