Taryn Antigone, Research Associate

Taryn Antigone joined the Hattaway team after working at Porter Novelli, where she was part of the Strategic Planning and Research department. In addition to qualitative and quantitative research methods, she brings experience in health and social marketing and digital analytics used to measure the success of social media strategies.  At Porter Novelli, Taryn was highly involved in research for the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, as well as campaigns for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, American Lung Association and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. At Hattaway, she conducts a wide variety of research for clients such as the Harvard School of Public Health, The Woodcock Foundation and The Ford Foundation. Taryn graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2006 with a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication and a second major in psychology. She has a soft spot for animals, especially cats and horses.

RJ Bee, Vice President

RJ brings a wide range of experience in politics, strategic communications, policy research and media relations to his work with our clients. He has conducted research, developed messages and designed communications campaigns for a wide range of U.S. and international organizations, including the U.S. Agency for International Development, Halifax International Security Forum, America's Promise Alliance, Packard Foundation and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. Before joining Hattaway, RJ consulted for technology companies, political candidates and nonprofit organizations—including the National Democratic Institute, HP, Chellie Pingree for U.S. Senate and Betty Castor for U.S. Senate. RJ earned an M.A. in International Relations from the University of Chicago and a B.A. in Political Science from the Ohio State University. In his free time, RJ enjoys spending time with his wife and dogs, running, skiing, live music, Ohio State sports, the Detroit Tigers, and food and wine adventures.

Alex Cole, Vice President

Alex has more than 10 years of experience in grassroots organizing, political communications and brand development. He has managed large-scale message R&D projects, branding and advocacy campaigns for a wide range of clients, such as the Ford Foundation, U.S. Senate Democratic Caucus, CARE, SEIU, Freedom to Marry and Acumen Fund. He served as Communications Director to the Harry Teague for Congress campaign, which won a come-from-behind victory for a U.S. House seat in New Mexico. Alex also worked on Capitol Hill for Congressman Marty Meehan.  Alex has spoken about human rights issues to more than 10,000 people at colleges and universities across the country, and was the first person to speak publicly at West Point Military Academy about equal rights for gay and lesbian Americans. He serves on the Board of Directors for Public Campaign, a national organization working for comprehensive campaign finance reform. He holds a B.A. from Vassar College and a Master of Public Policy from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. For fun, Alex enjoys running, playing classical piano, and watching the highs and lows of the Boston Red Sox.

Tess Hart, Associate

Tess Hart has a wide range of experience in political and strategic communications, grassroots organizing and environmental advocacy. Tess came to Hattaway from the World Wildlife Fund, where she worked to enhance internal communications and facilitate knowledge-sharing within the global organization. She worked in the U.S. Senate for Michigan Senator Carl Levin, chair of the Armed Services Committee. She assisted both the Climate Reality Project and the National Climate Assessment with communications and public outreach. At Hattaway, she has conducted research and developed messages for a range of clients, including America’s Promise, the Victory Fund and the U.S. Senate Democratic Caucus. Tess holds a B.A in Political Science and Classics from Brown University, where she spent time nurturing her love of languages—both dead and alive. Some of the most important decisions Tess has made in her life have been influenced by whether or not they would take her closer to good Mexican food, and she is always looking for a new adventure outdoors or at the table. 

Doug Hattaway, President

Cited as an “important figure in politics” by the Washington Post’s WhoRunsGov.com, Doug has 25 years of experience serving as a spokesperson and consultant to high-profile leaders in politics, government, business, advocacy and philanthropy. He has worked closely with leaders such as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, and successful candidates for the U.S. House, Senate and Governor. He was Gore’s spokesman for the 2000 Presidential campaign and Florida recount, which was called the “political story of the century.” He has traveled to more than 30 countries to work with government leaders, political parties and civil society organizations in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Europe. Early in his career, he worked as a press secretary to a senior Member of Congress and as a foreign correspondent in South America, the Caribbean and Europe. He earned a B.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and an M.A. in English from Florida State University. For fun, he hangs out with his two awesome sons, barbecues almost anything that’s edible, and enjoys open-water swimming, mountain biking, adventure travel, travel photography and other hazardous outdoor pursuits.

Jennifer Henrichsen, Associate

Jennifer Henrichsen came to Hattaway from the Open Society Foundations, where she was a research assistant for Morton H. Halperin and a project assistant for the Democracy Coalition Project, which works to advance open democratic societies and respect for human rights around the world. She previously served as a special projects assistant to the senior vice president of the International Crisis Group. Jenn graduated from Pacific Lutheran University and received an Advanced Masters in International and European Security from the University of Geneva and the Geneva Center for Security Policy, where she was a Fulbright scholar. She wrote a book entitled, War on Words: Who Should Protect Journalists? (Published by Praeger in July 2011). At Hattaway, she is helping the Halifax International Security Forum build a global network of decision-makers in security and foreign affairs. She is an avid skier, runner, volleyball player and yogi.

Rachel Laser, Senior Vice President for Message Development

Rachel Laser has a diverse background in political strategy, message development, policy advocacy, and coalition-building. She served as Director of the Culture Program at Third Way, an influential think tank known for sophisticated research and strategic message development. At Third Way, she launched the Come Let Us Reason Together Initiative, which mobilized evangelical Christians and progressive activists to work together on social issues. A graduate of Harvard University and the University of Chicago Law School, Rachel worked as Senior Counsel at the National Women’s Law Center and General Counsel for Planned Parenthood Metropolitan Washington.  At Hattaway, she leads major message research and development initiatives, and builds coalitions that mobilize diverse constituencies to achieve common goals. Rachel enjoys spending time with her three children and serving as a mentor to young women who share her professional interests and commitment to work/family balance.

Mike Lenihan, Associate

Mike joined Hattaway Communications after working for Hillary Clinton's 2008 campaign for President. On the Presidential campaign, he was involved in grassroots mobilization, fundraising and events in 18 states. At Hattaway, he has managed a variety of projects, developing brands, conducting research and running integrated campaigns for high-profile organizations such as CARE, the Ford Foundation, Harvard School of Public Health, U.S. State Department and the NoVo Foundation. A life-long competitive swimmer and college swim team captain, he has been actively involved with Swim Across America, a national nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for cancer patients. Mike holds a B.A. in Public Policy and Law from Trinity College. On the lighter side, Mike enjoys some of life’s more sophisticated pleasures, such as slapstick comedy, barbeque and 80s music.

Tim Lewis, Designer

Tim Lewis is a designer with experience in graphic arts, video production and creative direction. He joined Hattaway Communications after graduating from Gordon College, where he studied media and sociology. During his time at Hattaway he has designed products for clients in politics, government, business, advocacy and philanthropy. In his spare time he writes fiction and short films, consumes large quantities of television dramas and comedies, and plays parent to his rescued greyhound, Dogberry. 

Nicholle Manners, Research Associate

Nicholle Manners developed her analytical and political skills working in New York politics and government. She worked as a research coordinator for the Majority Democratic Conference of the New York State Senate, conducting policy analysis, as well as electoral, legislative and opposition research.  She also worked for the Office of New York City Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, serving as a policy associate for education and social welfare issues across the city's five boroughs. Before joining Hattaway, Nicholle was involved in research, analysis and strategic planning initiatives in elementary and secondary education, women’s health, reproductive rights, and government accountability. She graduated from Yale University with a B.A. in Political Science and an Interdisciplinary Concentration in Ethnic Politics. One of Nicholle’s favorite past-times is singing karaoke; she takes requests. 

Katherine Miller, Managing Director

Katherine is an award-winning communications executive, campaign strategist and social media expert, with nearly 20 years of experience in politics, business, philanthropy and new media. She honed her strategic skills working side-by-side with heads of state, corporate leaders and entertainment icons at the United Nations Foundation, TIAA-CREF and the Democratic Party. She has also worked on winning electoral and advocacy campaigns in the United States and around the world. As Executive Director of Public Affairs for the United Nations Foundation, Katherine oversaw multiple new media properties and integrated campaigns that raised awareness of global issues and generated millions of dollars for global causes. Her work has won numerous awards, including the People’s Choice Webby, Best Non-Profit Tagline of the Year, PR Grassroots Campaign of the Year and several Pollies. A board member of RAINN, the national sexual assault hotline, she’s proud of overseeing our advocacy campaign that led Craigslist to shut down websites used for sex trafficking of women and girls. Her professional passions include building movements, advancing the goals of international development, and empowering women and girls. In her spare time, she’s perfecting her recipe for French-style macaroons.

Pratima Raju, Executive Assistant

Pratima Raju joined Hattaway after several years in Ohio politics and government. She previously served as Director of Political Scheduling for the Ohio Democratic Party during the 2010 Governor’s race and Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff for Ohio Governor Ted Strickland. She also worked for the Ohio House of Representatives as a Legislative Aide.  At Hattaway, she is Executive Assistant to the President and Managing Director. She graduated from the Ohio State University with a B.A in Political Science and Economics.  She enjoys traveling across the country to cheer on the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Jeff Trigilio, Business Manager

For the last 15 years Jeff has honed his financial and operational acumen working with small-business owners across diverse industries, including Professional Services, Manufacturing, Construction, Real Estate, IT services, Art, Fashion, Design, Agriculture and Retail Sales.  He earned a B.A. in Business from Loyola Marymount University. He oversees all financial/contractual matters for the firm and is an operational advisor to The Halifax International Security Forum. For fun, he enjoys spending time with his spousal equivalent Johannah and their dog Chico, brewing beer, urban cycling, skiing and road trips.

Wendy Yaross, Senior Vice President for Research

Wendy Yaross is a strategic research executive with more than 20 years of experience in research and strategy development for major corporations, institutions and government agencies. She honed her research and strategic skills at major firms such as Porter Novelli and Young & Rubicam, and as an independent consultant. She has advised a wide variety of organizations in the public and private sectors, including the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, American Cancer Society, Washington National Cathedral, Audubon Institute, Kraft, Accenture, and Johnson & Johnson. At Hattaway, she leads the research department in conducting a wide array of qualitative and quantitative research. Wendy earned her bachelor's and advanced degrees at the Ohio State University. Her personal passions are oil painting, fiction and films.