Search Results

EMMA BALAGUER Account Executive emma@libertysquaregroup.com She/Her/Hers ABOUT EMMA Emma Balaguer brings her public relations, government affairs and communications experience to provide strategic communication and crisis communication services to Liberty Square Group clients. Prior to joining Liberty Square Group, Emma worked at Holyoke High School as the Assistant Program Developer for the Advanced Learning Program developing the Early College and Work-Based Learning programs which were designed to break the cycle of poverty through education. In this role, Emma worked to develop and implement strategic communications plans, conduct community and student outreach, and develop engagement and incentive initiatives in order to increase student participation within the program. She also worked closely with students in the classroom to help them achieve their academic goals and navigate the college application process. Emma also interned at Englander Knabe and Allen, a nationally recognized strategic communications firm specializing in public affairs, government affairs, crisis communication, and litigation communication. In this role, Emma served as a liaison between clients and senior leadership and worked closely with a diverse array of clients to develop and implement comprehensive and strategic communications plans. Emma graduated cum laude from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a double major in Communication and Psychology.

Issue advocacy Grassroots Organizing Broad, engaged support for your initiative can be critical to a winning campaign. LSG will work with you to design and implement strategies to cast a wide net to maximize your support. Our experience developing assets and utilizing both old school tools and digital resources is without parallel. Grassroots Engagement The support of key organizational leaders is key to establishing legitimacy for your issue or campaign. Our relationships with opinion leaders throughout the region provide you a leg up on the competition. We don’t need to cold call. After decades doing this work, we are already in the door. Message Development Many organizations make the mistake of developing their message for the wrong audience – themselves. LSG will work with you to craft compelling messages for all your audiences – and the assets you need to communicate them. Our experience in politics, corporate communications and advocacy brings tremendous value to this table. Coalition Management If your campaign needs resources, a full-fledged coalition may be the answer. Managed correctly, they are a boost for any effort. Run poorly and they will sap the energy from volunteers and staff. LSG is your partner to maximize the impact of this powerful weapon.

Our Team is here to help you. We have years of experience working on the issues and problems you are facing. Since 1999, Liberty Square Group has been delivering strategic, integrated communications and public and government affairs counsel to a host of businesses, associations, political candidates and nonprofit organizations. Founded by Scott Ferson, a former press secretary to the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Liberty Square Group has drawn an impressive team of professionals from careers including public and government relations, journalism, campaign management, community development and beyond. Our deep experience in our sub-specialties ensures a higher level of expertise in delivering for clients. Ingenuity and commitment to individual attention distinguishes LSG. We help clients adapt to rapidly changing conditions and adjust in real time. We maximize your return on investment for incomparable value. Our Founder Scott Ferson President & CEO Leadership Team Respected thought leaders across all of our focuses. Judy Rakowsky Managing Director, Strategic Communications Stacey Monahan Managing Director, Public Affairs Jim Leahy Managing Director, Regional and Federal Public Affairs Tim Sullivan Managing Director, Government Relations Our Team Seasoned professionals with decades of experience. Jennifer Flanagan Senior Vice President, Government Relations Amanda Cox Associate Vice President Eric Demmers Chast Chief Operating Officer Tim DeLouchrey Associate Vice President Stella Harris Account Executive Jane McGrath Associate Vice President Theresa Mischo Account Executive & Graphic Designer Vic Vaughan Association Management Executive Andrew Parker Account Executive Tamara Paolangeli Account Executive

Eric Demmers Chast Chief Operating Officer chast@libertysquaregroup.com He/Him/His ABOUT ERIC Eric Demmers Chast is an expert in operations, budgeting & finance, and organizational behavior. He excels at finding efficiencies and building systems in rapidly changing environments, allowing entrepreneurial organizations the ability to invest the most in their team and their growth. Eric is an experienced Democratic campaign manager and nonprofit administrator. He has managed the payroll and HR compliance department of a national field campaign organization, overseen budgeting and operations for a statewide advocacy organization during which he worked lockstep with the Executive Director to maintain staffing levels and increase programming during a period of reduced funding, and with LSG, Eric revamped staff policies, procedures, and benefits, cut costs to reinvest in staff, and run day-to-day operations and budgeting. Eric has staffed, managed, or consulted on nearly 40 Democratic campaigns since joining the 2008 Obama Campaign in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. He has overseen fundraising operations of New England candidates since 2013 and served as Treasurer for local, statewide, and federal candidates. Eric lives in Leominster with his wife and two children. He holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Hult International Business School and degrees in Communications and Journalism from Appalachian State University.

Strategic Communications Media Relations Our team will strategically position you and your business among key media at the local, regional and national levels. We understand intimately how stories rise and fall. Whether your aim is to increase media attention or to kill a damaging story, our team is immersed in the media landscape and will provide the necessary insight to help achieve your goals. Strategic Communications Planning LSG will work with you to develop your message and get it to the right people at the right time. Our team is deeply in tune with the region’s media landscape, and can call upon extensive personal contacts at a moment’s notice. In a world of limitless content, we will cut through the noise to amplify your voice and achieve your goals. Thought Leadership By amplifying your voice and that of your business, you can position yourself as an authority and earn industry recognition. Whether it means polishing your social media strategy, penning op-eds or positioning you as a go-to source for the media, LSG will develop a thought leadership strategy that will elevate your brand, build your reputation and meet your business goals. Media Training No matter the industry, your leadership team should be trained to deal with the media. Our experienced team will work with you to ensure you get your message across clearly and concisely, while avoiding common traps. From radio to television to print news, we know the key players and can equip you with the tools you need to navigate any situation.

ANDREW PARKER Account Executive parker@libertysquaregroup.com He/Him/His ABOUT ANDREW Andrew Parker contributes his expertise in the Massachusetts political landscape and campaign organizing to LSG, supporting government affairs and campaign clients. Before becoming an Account Executive, Andrew was a manager for the House Victory Fund, a committee that helps incumbent State Representatives get re-elected. During his time with the Fund, Andrew supported Representatives by organizing door-knocking Days of Action, phone banks, debate preparation, and various other projects. Andrew graduated from Stonehill College, where he studied Political Science and History. While at Stonehill, Andrew spent three summers at the Massachusetts State House, interning with Representatives Josh Cutler and Mathew Muratore.

STELLA HARRIS Account Executive harris@libertysquaregroup.com She/Her/Hers ABOUT STELLA Stella Harris is an Account Executive at Liberty Square Group, where she works closely with the firm’s Strategic Communications practice. Before joining Liberty Square Group, Stella worked at Haymaker Group in New York, supporting B2B tech and software clients with media monitoring, briefing development, and thought leadership campaigns. She previously held a role at DPA Communications in Boston, where she worked with consumer packaged goods companies and local restaurants, helping to craft media advisories, pitch stories, and manage social media campaigns. Stella earned her Bachelor of Arts from New York University’s School of Professional Studies, with an academic focus on marketing, business, and creative writing. During her time at NYU, she participated in leadership and philanthropy initiatives as a member of Pi Beta Phi and studied abroad in London. While overseas, Stella interned with Live Canon Poetry Production and Publication, where she supported theatrical productions at the Omnibus Theatre and marketing efforts tied to the Edinburgh Film Festival. Her work included audience engagement, content development, and campaign strategy, helping to grow reach and drive ticket sales. Originally from Cambridge, Massachusetts, Stella’s early experience in the service and events industry instilled a commitment to high-quality work and collaborative problem-solving. Outside of the office, she is a certified Master Scuba Diver with a particular love for lobster diving on the North Shore. She also enjoys skiing in the Rockies, baking gluten-free recipes, and supporting the arts through writing, performance, and frequent trips to the theater.

Association management Membership Development Liberty Square Group is a strong partner to help grow your organization. Whether you are state specific or regional in scope, we have a record of success in the healthcare, small business, environment, education, nonprofit, and energy sectors. Our extensive network of stakeholders across the region will quickly and strategically target the right voices to add to your membership. Membership Engagement Your power comes from an active membership. Liberty Square Group will help you make the right asks at the right time, set the right expectations for membership, and empower and reward member leaders to ensure you reach your full potential. Programming and Event Management For many non-profits and professional associations, programming is critical to success. Organizations must engage in this area to both meet the needs of members and to create dependable streams of non-dues revenue. Our track record of success is proof positive that we are a dependable partner. Whether your event is large or small, virtual or in-person, you can move ahead with confidence with LSG. Leadership Development A strong leadership team is essential to succeed in today's fast paced non-profit world. LSG's senior leadership team will work with you to develop both your current Board as well as your future leaders.

OUR SERVICES As an independent strategic communications and public affairs firm, our team of experts are dedicated to working with you to realize your goals. At Liberty Square Group, we deal in public opinion. Whether you are looking to gain earned media for your business, protect your reputation, increase your clout in state capitals or D.C. or run for public office, we have the expertise to make it happen. For over twenty years, LSG and its team have been delivering for our clients across New England and beyond. Our track record of success speaks for itself. Your voice where it matters. Learn More government relations You have a story. We help you find your voice. Learn More Strategic Communications Turn your vision into a movement. Learn More Crisis & Litigation Communications Turn your vision into a movement. Learn More Campaign Management Find the local leaders that will take your project to new heights. Learn More Issue advocacy Power poses and beyond. Communicate strength. Learn More Association Management

JIM LEAHY Managing Director, Regional and Federal Public Affairs leahy@libertysquaregroup.com He/Him/His ABOUT JIM With more than 35 years of experience in lobbying, non-profit association management, and political organizing, Jim brings a wealth of knowledge and relationships to the table for LSG clients. Jim joined Liberty Square Group in 2017, although Jim and Scott have collaborated on issues for decades. Jim heads up LSG's Association Management division, overseeing a team that provides services to both national and state-based organizations. His coaching expertise is the perfect launching pad for him to focus on volunteer leadership development while also providing strategic organizational counsel. He is a Certified Association Executive, the highest level of professional achievement available from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). In 2025, the American Physical Therapy Association recognized Jim's contributions with Honorary Membership in the Association for his impact on the field of physical therapy. A fixture in the Connecticut State Capitol since 1988, Jim has represented clients in a wide variety of sectors, including healthcare, environment, education, consumer protection, budget, justice, gaming, government procurement, public safety, development, and arts & culture. His advocacy track record includes several high-profile wins, including three first-in-the-nation consumer protection laws, most notably Connecticut’s toy safety labeling law in 1991 which paved the way for federal law just a few years later. Jim takes great pride in his work with the Westport Country Playhouse to secure $5 million in state funding for the renovation of the historic theater that spawned the Rodgers & Hammerstein show, “Oklahoma.” On the criminal justice front, Jim led the successful effort for the Vera Institute of Justice, working with Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro’s office, to reinstate eligibility for Pell Grants for incarcerated individuals in 2020. A seasoned lecturer with a focus on leadership, grassroots advocacy, and communicating with public officials, Jim has addressed professionals at national, regional, and state organizations as well as students at more than a dozen New England colleges and universities. An avid soccer geek, Jim has been a player, coach, parent, administrator, referee and TV/radio broadcaster. A two-time state high school championship head coach, Jim is a member of both the Brandeis University Athletics Hall of Fame and the Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame. When not near the pitch, Jim also enjoys golf, hiking, skiing and cooking. In the winter, when not traveling for work, you can often find him at Okemo Mountain in Vermont, where he is a part-time ski instructor. A graduate of Brandeis University with a B.A. in Psychology, Jim lives in Tolland, Connecticut.

THERESA MISCHO Account Executive & Graphic Designer theresa@libertysquaregroup.com ABOUT THERESA Theresa is a graphic designer with 12 years of experience in both professional and freelance settings, graduating with a degree in Art from University of Northwestern St. Paul in 2014. She dove into the world of non-profit work with the MN chapter of the APTA in 2021, using both her project management skills and graphic design work to support the chapter. Theresa transitioned to her role with Liberty Square Group in 2024 and continues to support the non-profit management team with her graphic design experience - creating compelling social media graphics, marketing materials, and website assistance. Outside of work, Theresa has led craft time at a local early education Farm School for the past two summers, teaching art skills to young children and also does face painting for events. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, running, and being creative.

THE OWL PROJECT Do you wonder why voters vote the way they do? So do we. After years commenting on voter sentiment, and occasional bewilderment, at voter behavior we have hit the road to do the unheard of... LISTEN TO THEM. Learn More JOIN THE CREW! Subscribe to get full access to the OWL Project . Never miss an update. Enter your email here Sign Up Thanks for submitting!