News

GROKK is a unique program that offers a customized communications strategy to effectively manage security incidents

Washington, D.C. – ROKK Solutions, a bipartisan public affairs firm at the nexus of policy and politics, announced today the launch of a new program designed to proactively prepare companies for security incidents and navigate the process of communicating a breach or incident response should one arise.

GROKK will be led by Vice President Kaylin Trychon, who prior to joining ROKK helped build the cybersecurity brand at Raytheon Intelligence, Information and Services.  The program is not only a play on the company’s name, but on the term grok, which means to understand something intuitively or by empathy.

“Last spring, companies were left scrambling to put safe and secure technology systems in place as millions of employees quickly began working from home,” said Trychon. “And now we’re seeing an uptick in breaches, as hackers are finding and exploiting vulnerabilities in those systems. We created GROKK to help companies get ahead of breach communications, by proactively bringing together stakeholders across their organizations to develop a plan for when security incidents happen.”

Trychon says too often organizations are forced into a reactive posture when a security incident is made public, when they should have had a proactive communications plan in place and relationships with reporters already established.

“Companies have historically seen share prices fall after a breach, and a lot of that has to do with the way the public and the press perceive the company’s response,” she said. A proactive approach to breach communications starts well before a breach ever occurs, with the company establishing itself as a responsive and responsible steward of data.”

The launch of the GROKK program follows the strategic expansion of ROKK Solutions over the past 24 months, which is focused on delivering expanded strategic offerings for clients in the fast-moving public affairs space. “Cybersecurity is a key topic in Washington, and a strong strategy for managing security breach communications inevitably includes a public affairs focus. This is a unique offering that complements a well-rounded response strategy for breaches, and we are thrilled to have Kaylin leading this for our clients,” said co-founder and partner Ron Bonjean.

Trychon was named one of PR News’ 2019 Rising PR Stars and is a frequent contributor to Forbes.  For more information on the GROKK program, please visit rokksolutions.com/our-services/grokk/.

Washington, D.C. – ROKK Solutions, a bipartisan public affairs firm at the nexus of policy and politics, welcomes two new Account Executives to the firm and promoted another from within.

• Sammie Yeager– Yeager joined ROKK in January 2020 as an Associate Account Executive, bringing experience from Capitol Hill and the nonprofit sector. A graduate of University of Southern California, Yeager has quickly proved to be an indispensable asset to clients and team members alike.
• Bryce Bozadjian- Bozadjian, who most recently worked with Gabriel Marketing Group, brings a strong background in traditional public relations and content marketing for high-growth B2B technology companies. She holds a Bachelors of Arts from Arizona State University, where she majored in journalism and mass communications.
• Tanika Pradhan- Pradhan focuses on social impact communications as part of ROKK’s new practice area led by Lindsay Singleton. Prior to joining ROKK, Pradhan worked for Weber Shandwick on their Social Impact and Analytics teams. She also holds a Master’s degree in communications, culture & technology from Georgetown University.

“We are pleased to welcome and celebrate these stand-out associates.  At a time when so many firms are scaling back, we are fortunate that we can continue to promote and bring in the best talent to solve our clients’ toughest challenges,” said Co-founder and Partner Rodell Mollineau.

About ROKK Solutions

ROKK Solutions is a full-service, bipartisan public affairs firm at the nexus of policy, politics and communications. Having spent years counseling companies, trade associations, coalitions and non-profits, our team possesses decades of senior-level public service experience, which allows us to offer our clients a true understanding of the policymaking process and the media strategies needed to create a climate for success. And unlike many other firms, we bring a bipartisan approach to each client engagement because our experience shows it is the most effective way to ensure a clients’ objectives are achieved. 

For more information on ROKK Solutions, please contact Ryan Hughes at ryan@rokksolutions.com.

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Washington, D.C. – ROKK Solutions, a bipartisan public affairs firm at the nexus of policy and politics, announced today that Kristen Hawn will join founding partners Ron Bonjean and Rodell Mollineau as a partner at the firm.

Hawn, who has been working with ROKK since 2018 as a senior advisor, complements the firm’s existing leadership with experience leading communications efforts on Capitol Hill and on political campaigns, as well as in the private sector for coalitions, non-profit organizations and Fortune 500 companies.

“The team at ROKK Solutions is second to none, and I couldn’t be prouder of the work that we have done together over the past two years,” said Hawn.  “I’m thrilled to be joining Ron and Rodell in leading the firm as it continues to grow and take on our client’s toughest public affairs challenges.”

Prior to her relationship with ROKK, Hawn spent much of her 20-year career working in the center-left space advising Democratic members of Congress and House candidates and has a keen understanding of the current political landscape. For over five years, she served as the communications director and a political advisor for the Blue Dog Coalition, reporting directly to over 50 moderate Members of the United States House of Representatives and serving as senior advisor and spokesperson tasked with communicating the group’s priorities to all local, national and international media.

Bonjean noted that Hawn’s background and experience is essential for the growing bipartisan agency.  “ROKK was founded on the principle that the best counsel comes from bringing together diverse experiences and points of view, and Kristen has a unique perspective through her experience and many relationships on Capitol Hill that are valuable for our clients and their business goals.”

Hawn’s joining the firm follows ROKK’s strategic expansion over the past 24 months, which has resulted in double digit growth and a 360-degree integrated suite of capabilities designed to service the evolving needs of clients in the public affairs marketplace.

“Kristen has been an indispensable asset to this firm and I’m glad to not only call her my friend, but a partner as well,” said Mollineau. “She is the perfect fit to complement our leadership team as we continue to grow and diversify our offerings as a firm.”

New offer pioneers connection of policymakers with corporate social impact efforts

Washington, D.C. – ROKK Solutions, a bipartisan public affairs firm at the nexus of policy and politics, announced the launch of a new practice area in Social Impact Communications, led by Managing Director Lindsay Singleton.  This new effort will assist organizations in amplifying their social impact efforts and messaging specifically with policymakers.

Singleton, who has been with the firm since 2018, has led successful corporate social responsibility (CSR) communications campaigns at ROKK with clients including International Franchise Association, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, and Civic Responsibility Project.

“Social impact communications is a key part of a long-term public affairs strategy, and one that many businesses overlook,” said Singleton.  “By engaging advocates from different areas of the community, including investors and corporate boards as well as media, policy makers and customers, businesses can build long-lasting relationships with their communities and on Capitol Hill.”

“While many agencies offer corporate responsibility programs focused on customers, few offer strategic communications solutions focused on policymakers,” said ROKK Solutions Co-Founder and Partner Rodell Mollineau. “During an election year, businesses look for ways to build relationships with new government officials, but in reality, building the business’ reputation should be done authentically over time, and not just when new faces come to town.”

Prior to joining ROKK Solutions, Singleton consulted for Fortune 200 companies on their corporate social responsibility efforts, spearheading human rights and sustainability partnerships between multinational corporations and NGOs.  She currently sits on the board of the Civic Responsibility Project, where she lends her expertise to businesses initiating voter participation campaigns.

The launch of the Social Impact Communications practice follows the strategic expansion of ROKK Solutions over the past 24 months, which has resulted in double digit growth and a 360-degree integrated suite of capabilities designed to take on some of the toughest public affairs challenges in the marketplace today.

For more information on this practice, click here.

Washington, D.C. – ROKK Solutions, a bipartisan public affairs firm at the nexus of policy and politics, is pleased to announce the promotion of Lindsay Singleton to the newly created role of Managing Director.

Singleton joined ROKK in 2018 as a Senior Vice President, taking on a significant role in the day-to-day management and expansion of the firm.  With Singleton’s support, ROKK’s strategic expansion over the past 24 months has resulted in double digit growth and a 360-degree integrated suite of capabilities across areas including but not limited to paid media, digital strategy, campaign development, cybersecurity, and corporate social responsibility.

“Lindsay has been indispensable to the firm’s growth over the past two years,” said co-founder and partner Rodell Mollineau.  “From finding and retaining top talent to expanding the capabilities we deliver on to meet changing client needs, Lindsay is the perfect leader to continue to grow our culture and our agency.”

In her new role, Singleton will assume responsibility at the highest level for client relationships and account management within the agency, ensuring best in class strategy as well as building internal infrastructure as the firm continues to grow and diversify its offerings.

“Lindsay is a sought-after mind for our clients, bringing fresh perspective and proactive strategy to every business challenge,” said co-founder and partner Ron Bonjean.  “She motivates our teams to give 110% every day for our clients, and our account teams will continue to flourish and exceed expectations under her leadership.”

Lindsay’s career has spanned over fifteen years of international government and private sector communications roles, including six years as a foreign service officer serving throughout Latin America and successive responsibilities in the private sector as an expert on Corporate Social Responsibility. She holds a B.A. and M.A. in International Affairs from George Washington University and is fluent in Spanish and Italian and proficient in Russian.

Washington, D.C. – ROKK Solutions, a bipartisan public affairs firm at the nexus of policy and politics, today welcomed John Brandt as Vice President of Public Affairs.

Brandt was most recently the manager of policy communications and corporate responsibility for The Public Affairs Council, where he revitalized the organization’s Corporate Social Responsibility portfolio, developed and facilitated communications workshops, and provided expert counsel to members.

“John is a stellar public relations professional, with a deep understanding of congressional, corporate and non-profit communications,” said ROKK Solutions partner Ron Bonjean.  “He also brings a great background in corporate social responsibility, which we have seen to be an essential strategic lever for organizations building relationships in Washington.”

“I’ve known Ron and Rodell for years, and have watched them grow ROKK Solutions into a premier public affairs firm,” said Brandt.  “I’m excited to join them and the rest of the team to make an impact on our clients’ most pressing issues.”  

Brandt holds an M.B.A. from George Washington University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and Political Science from The Ohio State University. He spent eight years as a producer at the Fox News Channel, with a focus on Capitol Hill coverage, before accepting a role as the associate director for communications at the Graduate School of Political Management at George Washington University.  From there he joined The Public Affairs Council in 2018.

“John is a well-seasoned and innovative communicator. He has a penchant for being ahead of the curve in how to best reach audiences, which will be invaluable to our clients,” said partner Rodell Mollineau.  

ROKK has undertaken a strategic expansion over the past 24 months, resulting in double digit growth and a 360-degree integrated suite of capabilities across areas including but not limited to paid, digital, campaign development, cybersecurity, and corporate social responsibility.

(Washington, DC) June 23, 2020– ROKK Solutions, a bipartisan public affairs firm at the nexus of policy and politics, today welcomed Rachel Winer to its executive leadership team as Senior Vice President of Digital.

Winer, who most recently built and led the digital paid media practice for Ketchum North America, is charged with expanding ROKK’s existing Digital and Paid Media practice. The practice currently delivers highly targeted, multi-million-dollar campaigns across multiple channels including digital, social, OOH, television and radio. To complement those existing capabilities, Winer brings deep expertise in paid social, native, direct to publisher, paid search, display, audio, video and mobile.

“Rachel is a phenomenal addition to the ROKK team, bringing a wealth of knowledge and fresh digital media ideas to our clients,” said ROKK Solutions Partner Rodell Mollineau. “As we continue to develop integrated 360-degree campaigns, Rachel’s leadership will ensure we are delivering both cutting-edge marketing tactics and innovative public affairs strategies to our clients.”

“I’m thrilled to be joining the thriving team at ROKK Solutions,” said Winer. “ROKK’s reputation and the results its team delivers are admirable. I look forward to combining my passion for policy, and experience with deep digital and social media issues, into successful outcomes for current and future ROKK clients.” 

Winer holds an M.B.A., with a specialization in Marketing, from Wayne State University and a B.A. in Marketing from Michigan State University. She has provided leading digital and paid media strategy, management and counsel for clients including Adapt Pharma, Anthem, Capital One Auto Finance, Consumer Technology Association, Fidelity, Takeda, and Target.

With industry experience across healthcare, associations, financial services, consumer package goods and more, Winer will be instrumental in furthering ROKK’s commitment to deliver on the broader business objectives of its clients. 

ROKK Solutions partner Ron Bonjean noted that the firm has undertaken a strategic expansion over the past 24 months resulting in double digit growth and a well-rounded team with the capabilities to take on a wide range of integrated communications projects. 

“Rachel is the perfect fit for our team as our offerings evolve and we build on our efforts to deliver impactful digital campaigns for our clients,” said ROKK Solutions partner Ron Bonjean.  “But who we are as a firm remains unchanged- we are rooted in the belief that a deep, nuanced understanding of the political landscape and the ability to speak to all audiences, regardless of political affiliation, are key to winning our clients’ biggest battles in Washington and across the country.”

The past few weeks have been busy as usual at ROKK Solutions. Click below to read or watch the latest interviews and insights from our amazing team.

ROKK Solutions is excited to welcome Kaylin Trychon as Vice President. She comes to us from Raytheon’s communications team where she developed and led strategic communications campaigns for its cybersecurity and special missions business.

Known as a strategic thinker who understands the intricacies of cybersecurity and the needs of the journalists who cover it, Kaylin assisted the defense contractor to obtain a huge increase in its brand awareness. That’s why she was recently named one of PR Week’s 30 Under 30 of rising stars in communications.

She also served as a senior account executive for InkHouse Media where she was the account lead for the firm’s most prominent clients and was responsible for strategically developing and executing integrated media, thought leadership and branding campaigns for Fortune 500 companies.

Kaylin graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Political science and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in data analytics.

ROKK Solutions continues the momentous growth trajectory of its bipartisan communications client services by welcoming two new staff members and promoting two members of its staff.

“Our firm’s rapid growth can be attributed to our dedicated bipartisan team and our unique communications offerings. The team’s diverse backgrounds will allow us to engage with clients in new markets and continue to ensure a high level of outreach and accessibility,” said ROKK Solutions Partners Rodell Mollineau and Ron Bonjean.

Kaylin Trychon joins ROKK Solutions as Vice President and comes from Raytheon’s communications team where she developed and led strategic communications campaigns for its cybersecurity and special missions business.

Known as a strategic thinker who understands the intricacies of cybersecurity and the needs of the journalists who cover it, Kaylin Trychon assisted the defense contractor obtain a huge increase in its brand awareness.  That’s why she was recently named one of PR Week’s 30 Under 30 of rising stars in communications.

Trychon also served as a senior account executive for InkHouse Media where she was the account lead for the firm’s most prominent clients and was responsible for strategically developing and executing integrated media, thought leadership and branding campaigns for Fortune 500 companies.

Trychon graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Political science and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in data analytics.

Sammie Yeager joins ROKK Solutions as an Associate Account Executive where she drafts op-eds, conducts media monitoring and research, and supports senior staff on special projects. Sammie graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in International Relations and a focus on Environmental Studies. She has experience both in the non-profit sector and on Capitol Hill.The firm also promoted two seasoned staff members:

Michael Galfetti was promoted to Senior Account Executive.  As an Account Executive, Galfetti assisted in managing multi-million dollar communications projects and navigating crisis communications for the firm’s clients. Galfetti formerly worked as a Project Assistant at APCO Worldwide.

Keisha Parker was promoted to Director of Operations.  In her previous role as Executive Assistant, Parker quickly became indispensable to the firm’s marketing program and development of digital content. Parker was formerly, Constituent Services Manager for U.S. Senator Richard Burr (R-NC).