Team Category: Public Relations

Jim Hurson is a Policy Analyst with BGR Public Relations and Engagement. In this role, he supports strategic communications and policy initiatives for a diverse portfolio of clients.

Jim joined BGR in 2025 after several years working in documentary film. He has produced interviews, coordinated shoots, supported post-production and developed promotion strategies for nationally distributed documentary films, including projects for The Wall Street Journal. His work has focused on political history, international affairs, and public policy, combining media storytelling with substantive research.

Before joining BGR, Jim worked under former US Agency for Global Media CEO Michael Pack at Palladium Pictures on a range of short documentary projects. Previously, Jim built a body of work through an independent media venture that explored the psychological impact of the loss of wealth in southwest West Virginia. Jim is a 2025-2026 Fellow of the Media Accelerator at the Fund for American Studies. A graduate of Davidson College with degrees in Economics and German Studies, Jim is originally from Washington, D.C.

Rae Parsons is a Policy Analyst with BGR’s Public Relations Practice. In this role, she provides communications support to BGR and its clients. She specializes in writing and curating compelling digital content for high-visibility platforms. She also has experience in social media content creation and tracking, brand management, and constituent-focused communications. 

Rae previously served as a clerk at BGR Group. She also served as an intern for ESPN and the SEC Network. In that role she published digital content for the SEC and SEC Network websites, ensuring timely and engaging coverage across multiple platforms. She also served as an intern for the College of Arts & Sciences at Mississippi State University and in the office of U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS).

Emma Vaughn, a Vice President with BGR’s Public Relations Practice, has a decade of strategic communications and public policy experience in politics and government. She is known for excelling in high stakes environments and operating at a campaign-level pace with a proven track record of delivering results.

Emma joined BGR following her time at the Republican National Committee (RNC), where she served most recently as the Deputy Communications Director. In this role, Emma oversaw the committee’s communications strategy, working closely with RNC Members, the National Republican Congressional Committee, the National Republican Senatorial Committee, elected officials, candidates, and members of the media to drive messaging and narratives in a 24-hour news cycle. Emma was previously the National Press Secretary as the RNC’s chief spokesperson, playing a pivotal role in winning a Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Emma cut her teeth in Florida, as the Communications Director and the lead on-the-record spokesperson for Trump Victory, the joint operation between the campaign and the RNC, which ultimately delivered 29 electoral votes, produced extraordinary numbers among minority communities, and flipped two congressional seats in Miami Dade County.

Emma additionally served in several communications roles in the U.S. House of Representatives for Members of Congress from Ohio and New York. During her time as Communications Director, she managed public relations outreach and organized and executed major public announcements and events.

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Emma served on the 2016 Republican National Convention’s communications team in her hometown. Emma holds a Bachelor’s degree from Loyola University of Maryland in Baltimore.

Jo Maney, Chief of Marketing and Engagement and a firm Principal, joined BGR in July 2012. She helps clients manage complex messaging challenges and execute issue advocacy campaigns that achieve results. Working with her BGR colleagues, Jo also helps manage coalitions in support of policy objectives. Additionally, she serves as President of the BGR Foundation and helps lead the firm’s marketing and public engagement efforts.

Prior to joining BGR, Jo served as the longtime Communications Director for the House Rules Committee, the influential panel that serves as the traffic cop for all significant legislation that moves through the House of Representatives. As the chief spokeswoman for the committee and Chairman David Dreier (R-Calif.) from 2000 to 2012, Jo provided strategic advice to members of Congress and staff and interacted daily with national and international television, print, online and radio reporters.

She also drafted op-eds, speeches and press releases, and organized hearings and press conferences for one of the most active committees on Capitol Hill. Additionally, as a member of the House Republican leadership staff, Jo had a role in developing communications strategies for major legislative battles including health care in 2010, the economic stimulus package in 2009 and anti-terrorism measures following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Jo came to Washington in 1997 and worked for two years for former representative Dan Miller (R-Fla.) and the U.S. House Subcommittee on the Census, which successfully fought against attempts to use sampling as the basis for the 2000 Decennial Census. She was a volunteer for the Bush-Cheney 2000 press advance team.

Liz Fontaine serves as Digital Director at BGR Group. She focuses on helping clients increase and improve their digital presence. This includes changing the clients’ narratives online, boosting their social media reach and revamping websites to promote clients’ presence and leadership in their sectors. She is also experienced in targeted advertising, brand creation and digital marketing.

Before joining BGR, Liz served as Director of Communications and Programming at the McCain Institute for International Leadership in Washington, D.C. She led a five-member team that positioned the Institute as a thought leader in foreign policy. She oversaw all print and electronic communications including newsletters, brochures, event invitations, annual reports, e-newsletters and the Institute’s online presence. The McCain Institute’s social media following more than tripled under her leadership.

She was also responsible for all Institute events, including the Sedona Forum – an annual, high-level, invitation-only foreign policy discussion. Speakers have included leaders in industry, government and philanthropy such as Tony Blair, Howard Buffett, James Clapper, Elon Musk and numerous U.S. Senators.

Prior to the McCain Institute, Liz was the Creative Director at the Center for a New American Security. She was responsible for brand management, overseeing and implementing the design and production of numerous reports and promotional materials; and coordinating events, media relations and congressional outreach.

Earlier in her career, Liz worked as a journalist in Washington state.

Alex Ellis, a Senior Director at BGR, is a seasoned professional in public relations and strategic communications, bringing a decade of experience to the firm. Since joining BGR’s Public Relations team in 2015, Alex has been instrumental in developing and executing comprehensive public relations strategies for a diverse clientele, including individuals, corporations, trade associations, and foreign governments.

Drawing on his deep understanding of media landscapes, Alex adeptly navigates political media, industry publications, and global news outlets to identify strategic opportunities and mitigate potential risks for clients. He is skilled in crafting compelling narratives, securing high-profile media placements, and effectively managing clients’ reputations during times of crisis.

Before joining BGR, Alex gained invaluable experience on Capitol Hill, serving in roles for Representative Richard Neal (D-MA) and Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS). His tenure in government provided him with firsthand insight into legislative processes and policymaking, enriching his ability to navigate complex issues on behalf of clients.

Alex holds a Master of Arts with Honours in History from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, with a focus on the Islamic world and Russia. Complementing his academic pursuits, Alex has also attended the University of Mississippi and Le College International de Cannes. A graduate of Choate Rosemary Hall, Alex is an avid explorer and a devoted fan of Scottish football.

Frank Ahrens, a Principal and Head of BGR Analytics, joined the firm in 2014. He uses data analytics to help individuals, corporations and governments identify winning strategies and employs the full range of earned- and paid-media tactics to improve clients’ profiles and protect their reputations. Working with terrific BGR colleagues, Frank builds relationships with top-tier U.S. media, creates print, digital and video content and deploys the latest SEO tactics. He helps clients land high-profile op-ed placements, score coveted TV news show bookings and produce positive, fact-based content designed to win Page 1 of Google search – an indispensable skill when crisis hits. Working with BGR’s Data Science Team, Frank established BGR Analytics in 2023, which creates data-based rankings of countries and states that give clients the intelligence they need for the most important decisions they make.

Frank has arranged client interviews with Fox News, CNN, The Washington Post and major wire services. Client op-eds have appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal. Frank’s clients have included the governments of South Korea, Panama and India, top-tier brands such as CJ Group, Bose and LSG Sky Chefs; and high-net-worth individuals in Hollywood, Europe and the Middle East.

Before coming to BGR, Frank was Vice President of Global Corporate Communications for Hyundai Motor at the automaker’s Seoul, South Korea, headquarters. He worked closely with Hyundai Motor government affairs offices in Washington and Brussels on breaking and long-range issues including labor, energy and trade. During Frank’s tenure, Hyundai was named “Fastest Growing Brand” by Interbrand in 2011 and 2012.

Frank is the author of “Seoul Man: A Memoir of Cars, Culture, Crisis, and Unexpected Hilarity Inside a Korean Corporate Titan,” the story of his three years as the only American at Hyundai Motor headquarters. It was named a Best Book of 2016 by the New York Post.

Prior to Hyundai, Frank worked for 18 years as an editor and reporter at the Washington Post. He covered the global financial crisis of 2008-2010 as well as the media and entertainment industries. Frank appeared frequently as a media industry expert on CNBC, MSNBC, PBS and other networks. He continues to write on international and industry matters, with articles appearing in Foreign Policy, Forbes, Automotive News, PR News and The Diplomat.