Influencer Strategy, What AI Is (Really) Doing & Member Moves

Hi, AAPC Insiders!

 

We’re tracking shifts across the industry—from how campaigns are integrating digital creators more strategically, to what real-world adoption of AI looks like behind the scenes. We’re also spotlighting member moves, upcoming regional events, and a new honor for one of the field’s most respected pros, Maria Cino.

 

Thanks for being part of the community that makes this work—and this field—better.

 

Anna Ross

Membership Marketing & Communications Manager

 

In this issue…

  • Member Moves
  • Maria Cino: 2025 Trailblazer Honoree
  • Campaigns + Creators
  • How Consultants are Actually Using AI
  • New & Returning Members this Month
  • Don’t Miss

Member Moves

  • Molly O’Shaughnessy has been named CEO of EMC Research.
  • Ascent Strategic welcomes Rachel Mecham as Senior Graphic Designer.

Trailblazer Spotlight: Maria Cino

At this year’s Pollies, AAPC launched the to recognize professionals whose work has changed how we practice political consulting. One of the first recipients: Maria Cino, founder of Cino & Company, LLC.

 

Maria’s track record—from national campaigns to senior roles in government and industry—has set a standard for strategic thinking, coalition-building, and adapting to shifting political landscapes. Her early work in cross-channel outreach and inclusive messaging laid the groundwork for many of today’s best practices.

 

Her advice for the next generation? “Follow your passion, work hard because you love what you do, and learn from wins and losses. Listen to others, be collaborative, and never be afraid to lead where others haven’t yet ventured.”

 

Maria Cino is the founder of Cino & Company, LLC and a veteran strategist whose career spans the campaign trail, Capitol Hill, and the C-suite. She has served as Deputy Secretary of Transportation, CEO of the 2008 Republican National Convention, and held senior roles at Pfizer and HP. Known for bridging policy and politics, Maria has shaped strategy at the highest levels while mentoring the next generation of consultants—earning her reputation as a true Trailblazer in the field.

Campaigns + Creators: What’s Next?

By 2024, campaigns across the aisle were treating digital creators—not just as add-ons, but as critical persuasion tools. The best results came when influencers were treated as real collaborators, not just media buys.

“Influencers aren’t just amplifiers—they’re culture translators. The campaigns that win are the ones that bring them to the table early.”

 

— From AAPC Podcast

The shift toward working with digital creators isn’t new—but it's evolving fast. In our recent podcast episode, "," we explored how campaigns are building more strategic, authentic partnerships with influencers. Now, we’re taking that conversation further with a timely that looks ahead to 2026 and offers practical insights on getting these collaborations right.

 

Takeaways you'll hear from experts like:

  • Courtney Weaver (IMGE): “Bring creators in early. Let them help shape strategy, not just output.”
  • Lena Katz (Trilogy Interactive): “Focus your messaging. Let creators tell you what resonates.”
  • Daria Grastara (Direct Persuasion): “It’s not a content transaction. It’s a strategic partnership—treat it like one.”

 

Whether you’re building a statewide plan or advising down-ballot races, this session offers practical advice on working smarter with creators.

 

🎙 Engaging Influencers: A 2024 Recap + 2026 Preview

📅 July 15

🕑 2-3 PM ET

AI in the Field: What's Really Happening

In our latest podcast, Julie Sweet (AAPC) and Blane Wallace (Normington Petts) dig into results from a new co-commissioned by the AAPC Foundation.

 

Key finding: AI isn’t an emerging trend—it’s already embedded in the workflow of most consultants, from creative testing to idea generation and inbox management.

But it’s not all smooth sailing. The tools are evolving, and many still fall short when it comes to replicating voice, tone, or originality. Wallace notes: “Senior strategists are using AI to pressure-test ideas quickly. It’s becoming a brainstorming partner—not a replacement.”

 

🎧 Listen for all the details and subscribe to the podcast .

 

📍 Catch the full research briefing and AI panel at the (June 24) and again at (July 10).

New & Returning Members this Month

Patti Morris (Tigre Strategics), Jared Volz (SENECA CLARK, LLC), Beyant Bawa (GMMB), Michael Parker (IAS), Todd Sheffer (Tigre Strategics), Carrie Bock (Convergence Media), Tyler Anderson (NationBuilder), Matt Trujillo (NationBuilder), Irene Lee (NationBuilder), Lindsay Pennella (GtP Media), Dillon Jones (Imperator Ltd), Sarah McCord (NationBuilder), Lauren Dikis (New Blue Interactive), Claudia Lazaro (Evinco Strategies), Matt Mccann (Imperator), John Burrell (Wick), David Smith (alignco), Mike Muller (Digilant), Greg Pfundstein (RumbleUp), Paul Olson (GOCO Partners LLC), Jason Mendeloff (Political Marketing and Media), Albert Eisenberg (BlueStateRed, LLC), Ethan Gehrke (Acme Strategies), Kellen Arno (Murmuration), Jason Mashburn (Mash Dynamo), Andrew Yolles (LG Ad Solutions), Tyger Roch (Bolder Fundraising), Dean Barnett (Southland Better Government), Chris Ryan (Hearst), Kara Gibbs (Viant Technology), Danny Dikovsky (Yahoo DSP), Schuyler Williams (Viant Technology), Ryan Kurtis (Viant Technology), Ann Bremer (Viewpoint Media), Rebecca Philp (The Trade Desk), Jeffrey Rich (Yahoo DSP), Michael Parsons (Resonate), Samira Parker (Resonate), Peter McQuade (Equativ), Dean Levitan (Four Lions Media), Jason Miller (The Pivot Group), Mariafernanda Zacarias (GPS Impact), Cory Allen (Mosaic Public Affairs & Campaigns), Ehab James (Sole Strategies), Triston Foster (NRCC), David Hamilton (GtP Media), Joy Friedman (L2, Inc), Emily Suttle-Braun (WKQ Media), Jazmin May (Landslide Political), Henri Makembe (Four Lions Media), Brian Pantle (Landslide Political), Johnny Drake (The Hamilton Campaign Network), Brendan Kara (EMC Research, Inc.), Colin Delgado (Get Out The Lists), Bradley Crate (Red Curve Solutions), Kalley Erickson (Politexts), Brittany Mitchell (Entravision Communications), Molly Smathers (Yahoo DSP), Sebastian Hernandez (Sole Strategies), Maddie McConkey (Clipbook), Rick Dennis (Caelen Communications), Michael Medema (Keono), Kayla Berube (Dynata), Zach Mandelblatt (COMPETE Digital LLC), Bert Katz (Infobip), Tyler Foote (Arena Mail+Digital), Matthew Hewitt (Red Tag Mail), Becky Bravo Escos (Caelen Communications), Kara Ullmann (Seedtag), Molly Donlin (Regent Strategies), Patrick Reynolds (Congress Majority PAC), Michael Hafner (TLC Political), Ashley Stewart (EveryLibrary), Patrick Dellinger (FlexPoint Media), Alec Sears (Wise Digital Strategies, LLC), Anna Quint (Campaign Verify), Kimberly Gordon (Healing Politics), Jacqueline Clark (DeSales University), Bruce Nilson (Red Curve), Meghan Claar (LocalFactor Group), Josephine Carter (Carter Consulting Services), Kevin Broghamer (Broghamer Compliance), Sarah Sterner (Independent Consultant), Jonathan Bash (California Progress Lab LLC), Matthew Johnson (Data Trust), Stan Adkins (Adkins & Associates Inc), David Gulugian-Taylor (Cross Screen Media), Moncello Stewart (Trident Strategy Group), Aaron Guiterman (Edelman), Michaela Fritzsche (Swing Strategies), Hilary Borris (COMPETE Digital LLC), Eriberto Velazquez (COMPETE Digital LLC).

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