WASHINGTON, DC (February 10, 2025) – P2 Public Affairs is proud to announce the addition of six new team members, bringing top-tier experience in public affairs, strategic communications, and political strategy. These hires position P2 to further strengthen its ability to deliver results for its clients at the highest level. Leading this expansion is Chandler Smith Costello, an alum of Team Trump and Senator Thune, who is joining us as a principal and brings extensive experience in government, campaigns, and corporate communications.
Chandler Smith Costello has a wealth of experience in high-level public affairs and strategic communications. Previously, Chandler was Deputy Director of Public Affairs for the Securities and Exchange Commission during the Trump Administration. Before her time at the Commission, she spent nearly a decade on Capitol Hill, serving as National Communications Director for Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-SD), Communications Director for the Senate Republican Conference, and Communications Director for Sen. Dean Heller in both his official office and 2012 Senate campaign. A graduate of Vanderbilt University, Chandler’s expertise in public affairs and media strategy will be invaluable as P2 continues its rapid growth.
Sarah Schwirian brings her expertise to P2 as a Vice President, focusing on public affairs and strategic communications. Most recently, she served as Deputy Campaign Manager for U.S. Senator Rick Scott’s historic re-election campaign, where she played a pivotal role in shaping and executing the campaign’s communications efforts.
Will Hampson joined P2 as a Vice President, bringing a strong background in political communications and media relations. Will is a Jeff Sessions, Mo Brooks, Herschel Walker, Nancy Mace, and Rick Scott alumnus with experience crafting and executing winning press strategies. At P2, he will focus on delivering high-impact communications services for clients across a range of industries.
Macy Gardner is joining P2 as a Managing Director, helping the firm expand into media relations and political communications. Macy joins P2 after a victorious cycle at the National Republican Congressional Committee serving as their Rapid Response Director. Macy has served on statewide and presidential campaigns and is a graduate of Florida State University.
Hayley Edmonds has come on board as a Managing Director, specializing in communications strategy and project management. She has experience in local, state, and national political campaigns, having also worked for the Georgia Republican Party, Republican National Committee, and a digital and public affairs consultancy. With a background in digital strategy and campaign operations, Hayley will be instrumental in managing P2’s growing portfolio of clients.
Patrick O’Connell joins P2 as a Senior Associate providing client support as well as assisting with firm operations and compliance management. Patrick most recently served as the Operations Director on the Hovde for Senate campaign in Wisconsin. Patrick is a graduate of The College of William & Mary.
About P2 Public Affairs:
Founded in 2018 by Phil Cox, Generra Peck, and Marie Sanderson, P2 is a specialized communications and strategy firm with decades of combined experience managing and successfully delivering results for our clients. P2 recently announced the addition of P2 Insights, led by P2 Partner Ryan Tyson. Our partners and principals are battle-tested political and policy operatives who have experience winning the toughest issue advocacy campaigns across the nation and in Washington, D.C.
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