Sophie Vardi

Risa is the Founder and CEO of HELLER, a full-service communications and public affairs consultancy with offices in New York City and Los Angeles.

Ms. Heller builds on her background in politics and crisis communications to help clients navigate the highest levels of national top-tier media as well as complex issues management environments where reputation or permission to operate is on the line. Ms. Heller’s work centers on the intersection of public affairs, issues management and front-page news. She has worked with a range of clients in varied sectors as well as a range of high-profile individuals and families in New York, Washington and Los Angeles.

Risa has served at the highest levels of government: as Communications Director to U.S. Senator Charles Schumer she served as his chief media strategist and senior spokesperson, and moved on to serve in a similar role for New York State Governor David A. Paterson. She graduated from the University of Michigan and received her M.A. in Communications from Johns Hopkins University.

Jennifer is the Chief Operating Officer at HELLER where she leads the firm’s daily business operations and serves a range of clients across various issue areas. She brings newsroom, agency and in-house corporate communications experience to her work at the firm. Her previous roles include leading corporate communications for a fintech company and serving as a communications consultant for financial, nonprofit and advocacy clients at a national public affairs firm. Jennifer started her career working in local broadcast journalism and previously worked as a researcher in the “Brainroom” at Fox News Channel, as well as a production assistant for Comedy Central and E! Entertainment Television, and an intern at The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Jennifer has a B.A. in Political Science and a B.S. in Telecommunication-News from the University of Florida, and a Master’s Degree in Elections and Campaign Management from Fordham University.

Hazel Crampton-Hays is a Senior Vice President at HELLER, specializing in crisis and strategic communications. She brings nearly a decade of experience serving at the highest levels of New York government and politics. Most recently, Hazel served as Press Secretary to Governor Kathy Hochul, leading press strategy from the Governor’s transition into office through two legislative sessions. Previously, she served as Press Secretary to New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer and First Deputy Press Secretary to Governor Andrew Cuomo. Hazel graduated from Oberlin College with a B.A. in Politics and Religion.

Nate Evans is a Senior Vice President at HELLER, where he advises companies and individuals on high-stakes crisis, corporate, and strategic communications. With a strong background in public affairs and policy, he brings extensive experience navigating complex global and domestic issues at the highest levels of government. Most recently, Nate was appointed by the White House as Principal Senior Advisor, Director of Communications, and Chief Spokesperson for the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, a member of the President’s Cabinet. In this role, he served as one of America’s primary public spokespeople at the United Nations, advised the Ambassador on policy and communications, and led messaging efforts for the Department of State on key international issues. He also served in the White House as Senior Communications Advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris during her 2024 presidential campaign. Earlier in his career, Nate held senior leadership positions in the U.S. Senate, including Deputy Chief of Staff, Communications Director, and Press Secretary for Senator Amy Klobuchar. An expert in tech and antitrust communications, he played a key role in shaping strategy for the senator’s work as Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights.
A seasoned strategist, Nate has held communications roles in five presidential campaigns and numerous high-profile races. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from The George Washington University.

Carly Holden is a Senior Vice President at HELLER, where she brings nearly 15 years of experience running communications for diverse media brands to support corporate clients and private individuals. Prior to joining RHC, Carly spent 14 years at Conde Nast, where she led a team overseeing brand, executive, B2B, and B2C communications for publications including Vanity Fair, Glamour, GQ, and more, most recently serving as Vice President of Communications. During her tenure at Conde Nast, Carly shepherded leadership transitions at six brands, oversaw the global transformations of GQ, Vanity Fair, and WIRED, transitioned Glamour to a digital-first publication, and managed organized labor relations across three publications. From conceiving of and launching a new brand direction for the world’s top men’s magazine to overseeing twenty two global events across the Conde Nast portfolio, Carly excels in devising 360 communications strategies that meld traditional and digital media, drive a strong narrative, and provide tangible results for key stakeholders. She graduated from Colgate University with a B.A. in English.

Claire is a Senior Vice President at HELLER. Since joining the firm in 2017, she has worked with a range of clients across a wide spectrum of high-profile issues. Claire joined RHC after serving as Deputy Executive Director of Global Gateway Alliance, a transportation advocacy organization, where she was responsible for developing and executing issue-based communications campaigns. She also oversaw content, policy, and social media for High Achievement New York, an education nonprofit advocating for higher learning standards in New York State. Claire graduated from Royal Holloway, University of London with a B.A. in History. In 2022, she was named to City & State’s 40 Under 40 New York City Rising Stars list.

Erika Masonhall is a Managing Director at HELLER, where she leads the firm’s Los Angeles office focused on strategic and crisis communications. Erika brings 20 years of experience representing top-tier names in entertainment, tech, news, and politics. Working across multiple industries, she has advised high-profile public figures, senior executives, and creative partners through complex issues and reputation challenges, and executed a broad range of profile-raising proactive campaigns. Most recently, Erika oversaw communications for Netflix’s content, marketing, and studio divisions. Previously based in New York, she was head of News Communications at Facebook and Vice President of Communications at NBC News before that. Masonhall started her career in Washington, D.C., where she served as press secretary to Senator Joe Lieberman during his tenure as an Independent. She earned a B.S. in Political Communication from The University of Texas at Austin.

Gwen is a Managing Director at HELLER, where she advises companies and high-profile individuals on strategic and crisis communications. Gwen brings with her 15 years of communications experience across the public and private sectors. From debate prep to drafting an S-1, Gwen has significant expertise in message development and brand positioning, executive communications, and media relations. Often described as “unflappable,” there’s no crisis Gwen hasn’t successfully navigated. Previously, Gwen served as Vice President of Corporate Communications for WeWork. She got her start working in politics for then-City Councilmember Bill de Blasio and went on to serve in senior communications roles for more than a dozen campaigns and candidates, including President Barack Obama, Secretary Hillary Clinton, former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, and Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe. Gwen has a B.A. in Economics from the University of Maryland and a Master’s in Public Administration from New York University.

Julie Wood is a Managing Director at Heller, where she advises companies and high-profile individuals on strategic and crisis communications. She has twenty years of experience advising corporate executives, leading technology brands and elected officials. Most recently, Julie served as Communications Director for New York Governor Kathy Hochul from 2021 until 2023. Prior to joining the Hochul Administration, she served as Senior Director of Communications at Lyft. She served as Press Secretary on Mike Bloomberg’s 2020 presidential campaign, as senior spokesperson on Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign, and as First Deputy Press Secretary and Digital Content Director at City Hall in the Bloomberg Administration. She also was Communications Director at Kickstarter. She holds a B.A. in English from Georgetown University and a Master’s degree in Strategic Communications from Columbia University.

James is Managing Director at HELLER and runs its Real Estate & Civic Life practice. Since joining the firm in 2014, he has led communications and served as a trusted advisor on behalf of leading developers, civic organizations and cultural institutions around public approvals, lawsuits, policy advocacy, sensitive transactions, crisis management and corporate brand building.

Previously, James was Director of Communications at New Yorkers for Parks, a citywide parks organization, and Director of Public Affairs at the Alliance for Downtown New York, a Lower Manhattan business group. He began his career as a Production and News Desk Assistant at “The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.” James earned an M.S. from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He was named to City & State’s 2015 40 Under 40 New York City Rising Stars list and serves on the boards of New Heights Youth, a sports-based youth development organization in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, and the Freshkills Park Alliance.

Linden is a Managing Director at HELLER and specializes in crisis communications, bringing nearly 15 years of communications experience managing the reputations of highly-visible individual and corporate clients, advising them on how to navigate news cycles and advance ideas. Linden brings clients a wealth of experience from the highest levels of state and federal politics, including Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and works on a range of complex issues leading today’s news—from litigation and regulatory issues, to high-stakes labor negotiations, and public affairs campaigns. Prior to joining Risa Heller Communications, Linden served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director for Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton and now-U.S. Senator Tina Smith—serving as the chief strategist and spokesman for several key initiatives and statewide emergencies. Previously, Linden held senior roles with U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, as her Communications Director and then Deputy Campaign Manager, in the House of Representatives, and on political campaigns across the country. Linden graduated with a B.A. in the Communications Honors program at Gustavus Adolphus College.

Emma is a Senior Associate with HELLER and joined the firm in May 2023. Previously, she helped execute affordable housing and commercial real estate transactions as a paralegal with the New York real estate group of a full-service law firm. She graduated from Oberlin College with a B.A in English and minors in Rhetoric and Composition and American Studies. 

Caroline is a Director at HELLER and joined the firm in May 2023. Most recently, she worked at a public affairs firm in Washington, D.C., where she developed and executed digital strategies for government agencies. Prior to that, Caroline was the Deputy Director of Digital Media for U.S. Senator Charles Schumer and helped lead digital and social media efforts for the Senator and the U.S. Senate Democrats. Before politics, she held digital and marketing roles in the media and nonprofit industries. Caroline graduated from James Madison University with a B.S. in Communications and Public Relations.

Sophia is a Senior Associate with HELLER, and joined the firm in August 2021. Previously, she helped lead media relations, social media, marketing and strategic partnerships for a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit. She graduated from American University with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations/Strategic Communication and Art History.

John joined HELLER as Vice President in April 2020. Prior to this, he served for more than a decade as Communications Director for Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. John managed press, social media and public correspondence for Borough President Diaz and served as a member of the office’s policy team. Additionally, he acted as a key liaison between the office and government agencies, non-profits, elected officials, private businesses and other entities. Earlier, John was the editor of the Bronx Press/Riverdale Review weekly newspaper group. John also served as a freelance writer and columnist on topics including politics, government and development for publications including the New York Press, Village Voice, The Wall Street Journal and The Real Deal, among others. John graduated from Fordham University with a B.A. in Communications & Media Studies in 2000. He was named to City & State’s 2014 40 Under 40 New York City Rising Stars list.

Amanda is a Director at HELLER and joined the firm in March 2020. Most recently, she worked as a communications consultant at a NYC-based public affairs firm where she executed issue campaigns for clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. Prior to that, Amanda worked on the communications team of Jessica Ramos’ successful New York State Senate campaign as part of a broader effort to elect more diverse candidates to public office. Amanda graduated from New York University with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in History.

Grace is a Senior Associate at HELLER and joined the firm in April 2023. Most recently, she worked at a global public relations firm, where she worked on corporate reputation strategy and thought leadership content for a range of companies and executives. Earlier, Grace interned at a small beauty brand in Paris, working on marketing and communication initiatives aimed at broadening global reach. She graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a B.A. in English Literature and minors in French and Creative Writing.

Lena Haime is a Senior Associate at HELLER and joined the firm in February 2025. Most recently, she worked at a full-service communications firm specializing in social impact, where she developed and executed issue campaigns for IVF access, gun safety, education and criminal justice reform. Prior to that, Lena worked on the successful campaigns of Georgia Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock and at an integrated marketing and communications agency in the hospitality and consumer packaged goods industries. Lena graduated from the George Washington University with a B.A. in American Studies.

Alexa is a Senior Associate at HELLER and joined the firm in November 2021. Most recently, she worked at a Washington D.C.-based political fundraising firm, where she helped coordinate fundraising efforts for several U.S. House of Representatives incumbents and candidates. Earlier, Alexa interned at the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, working on both the communications and organizing teams during the 2020 presidential election cycle. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with a B.S. in Political Science and Community & Nonprofit Leadership. 

Julia is a Director at HELLER and joined the firm in October 2022. Most recently, she worked at ABC News and contributed to Peabody and Emmy-award winning stories on matters of social justice and covered the 2020 presidential election.

Prior to this, she worked as Correspondent Coordinator for U.S. Senator Cory Booker and crafted messaging on topics such as immigration, debt-relief, and women’s rights. Julia graduated from Connecticut College with a B.A. in History and a minor in Government.

Danielle is an Associate at HELLER and joined the firm in July 2024. She most recently worked in government affairs at NBCUniversal, where she developed film and TV production priorities at the city, state, and international level. Previously, Danielle was a policy intern at Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development and focused on the emerging social media and AI policy landscape. Danielle graduated from New York University with a B.A. in Public Policy and minors in History and Social and Cultural Analysis.

Lindsey is a Senior Associate at HELLER and joined the firm in January 2022. Most recently, she worked for the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, where she played an integral role on the press team covering environmental & transportation legislation and related news. Prior to that, she worked as a Constituency Intern in U.S. Senator Cory Booker’s Newark office. Before politics, she worked across the nonprofit space, including time with the Delaware Nature Society. She earned a B.S. in Diplomacy & International Relations with minors in Russian Language, and Women & Gender Studies from Seton Hall University.

Michael Melinger is an associate at HELLER, where he provides strategic communications counsel and execution. He joined the firm in June 2024. He previously served as an intern at Air Mail, a digital weekly from Graydon Carter and Alessandra Stanley, where he provided editorial support. Melinger earned his B.A. degree in journalism from the University of Southern California.

Vincent Novicki is a Vice President at HELLER and specializes in crisis communications, public affairs and corporate communications. He has more than 15 years of public relations and strategic communications experience, focusing on developing and executing complex communications plans and managing a diverse set of issues for highly visible corporate, sports and entertainment brands.

Prior to joining RHC, Vincent was the Senior Director of Communications for MSG Entertainment where he drove strategic communications and media relations strategy for a range of company initiatives with a focus on crisis and reputation management, litigation, executive visibility opportunities, high-profile growth initiatives and government affairs. He also previously held positions in communications and public affairs for Seton Hall University and Washington University in St. Louis. Vincent graduated with a B.S. in Sport Management from the Stillman School of Business at Seton Hall University.

Shalini is a Director at HELLER and joined the firm in January 2021. She most recently worked at an integrated marketing and communications agency, where she was responsible for driving brand affinity and awareness through press and social media coverage for clients in the wellness and consumer product good industries. Earlier, she held an internship at a digital marketing firm where she supported clients ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to local nonprofits. Shalini graduated from Boston University with a B.A. in Communications and a minor in International Relations.

Oliver is a Senior Associate and joined the firm in December 2024. Most recently, he worked as the Head Booker at WCBS 880, developing story ideas and booking guests for the daily midday show. Earlier, he worked at 1010 WINS, holding a variety of production positions. Oliver graduated from The University of Massachusetts Amherst with a B.A. in Journalism and a minor in Political Science.

Matt Taylor joined HELLER in 2023 as a Vice President specializing in crisis communications. He brings with him nearly 15 years of high-profile communications experience, focused on reputation management and media relations in the NFL, college athletics and media industry. Matt spent six seasons leading football communications for the Miami Dolphins, serving as the primary media advisor for the head coach, GM and other executives. He also held communications roles in the front offices of the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders. On the collegiate side, he led strategic communications efforts for the University of Maryland football team, head coach and other athletic department officials. Most recently, he led communications strategy for The 33^rd Team, a football analysis content company that counts Liberty Media and the Baupost Group hedge fund as investors. Matt has a B.A. in Communications from Virginia Tech and an MBA from George Washington University.

Robbie is Chief of Staff at HELLER. Most recently, he was Director of Scheduling for New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer, where he oversaw scheduling, advance and executive operation for the Comptroller’s second term and through his Mayoral campaign. Prior to that, Robbie worked for New York State Senator Daniel Squadron, where he held a variety of roles ranging from Special Assistant to District Director. Robbie is a graduate of Oberlin College, where he earned a B.A. in Environmental Studies.