WASHINGTON – Today, in a sign of growth of its government relations and public affairs practices, S-3 Group announced that Hastie Afkhami, Jose Ceballos, and Martin Reiser, have been promoted to partners of the organization. In addition, Sarah Dolan Schneider has been promoted to Senior Vice President in our public affairs practice.
The promotions follow on the heel’s S-3 Group’s successful merger with West Front Strategies in October 2024 which strengthened the firm’s proven record of securing wins for clients in high-stakes public policy fights.
“At S-3 Group our greatest asset is our people and I have always believed we have the best team in the business,” said John Scofield, Managing Partner at S-3 Group. “These elevations are all well-deserved and each of these individuals brings tremendous expertise, acumen, and horsepower to move the needle for our clients every day.”
Hastie Afkhami joined S-3 Group’s public affairs team in 2019, launching the firm’s in-house digital practice. Having previously led digital practices at the Podesta Group and Social@Ogilvy, one of the largest digital and marketing agencies in the world, Hastie is no stranger to developing innovative digital strategies for S-3 clients. Under her leadership, the Podesta Group was awarded the firm’s first award for digital strategy.
Jose Ceballos joined S-3 Group in 2021 after serving as the Director of Government Affairs at the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) where he was the Union’s chief lobbyist working extensively with Capitol Hill, the White House, and the Administration. Prior to joining NATCA, Ceballos served as a presidential appointee in the Clinton Administration at the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Department of Commerce.
Martin Reiser joined S-3 Group in 2022 after serving as Policy Director for then-House Minority Whip Steve Scalise. Martin’s long career in government focused on health care, tax, trade, pension policy, and financial services. He was the lead policy staff for the House Republican Whip operation on all major legislation since 2014. Prior to joining the Whip office, Martin served as professional staff for the House Ways and Means committee’s Health subcommittee. He also previously worked for Xerox Corporation, Representative Dan Miller, Citizens for a Sound Economy, and the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Sarah Dolan Schneider joined S-3 Group in 2020 as a Vice President in our public affairs practice. Prior to joining S-3, she served as the Communications Director then Executive Director of America Rising PAC. Sarah previously served as the Director of Media Relations with the National Restaurant Association and as Press Secretary to former Senator Mark Kirk. Sarah was also the Rapid Response Director for Governor Chris Christie’s 2016 presidential campaign after serving several roles with the Governor’s communications team in Trenton beginning in 2012.
About S-3 Group
S-3 Group is an integrated legislative, regulatory, and communications consultancy that helps clients shape policy outcomes and brand reputations. The firm brings together the power of its access, reach, and knowledge with the latest stakeholder engagement methods to create unprecedented influence for its clients. S-3 Group’s bipartisan team of policy, media, digital, grassroots, and political experts work together using the latest data to develop insights and strategies that help clients achieve their objectives.
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