Author: rsimpson

  • New year, new hires across practice areas at Bullpen Strategy Group

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bullpen Strategy Group (BSG) today announced five new hires across its Communications, Research & Analysis, and Media Intelligence practices. BSG has now grown to more than 50 team members across three offices in Washington, DC, Dallas, and London.

    “We’re excited to make these talented additions to our roster at BSG – which will add value for the 80+ clients we serve every month across the world,” said BSG CEO Joe Pounder. “Over the past year, BSG has driven investments in both our people and service offerings, with a dedicated focus on developing new AI-powered products to help solve client challenges.”

    Joining the BSG team are:

    Dalena Nguyen, Senior Director, Communications: Dalena has experience working with Fortune 25 corporations, trade associations, and nonprofits across the finance, energy, technology, education, transportation, and environmental sectors. Prior to joining BSG, Dalena served as an Account Director at ROKK Solutions, where she leveraged her background in local and state affairs to support political campaigns and partner with a wide array of clients of all sizes seeking targeted communications strategies. She holds a B.S. in Public Relations and Political Science from the University of Florida.

    Desmond Andrews, Associate, Media Intelligence: With a background in strategic messaging, public relations, and media analysis, Desmond provides clients with timely intelligence to support their communications strategies and rapid-response efforts. Prior to joining BSG, he served as a Combat Photographer and Public Affairs Specialist in the United States Marine Corps. Desmond holds a B.A. from Marymount University.

    Louis-Michel Friloux, Associate, Media Intelligence: Louis-Michel delivers media monitoring and analysis to help clients stay informed in real time. He obtained dual B.A.s in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of Pittsburgh.

    Adam Smith, Associate, Media Intelligence: Based in London, Adam delivers media monitoring and analysis to clients, specializing in energy, public affairs, and business portfolios. His work covers UK, US, and international clients, assisting with detailed coverage and intelligence. Prior to joining BSG, Adam worked for the Conservative Party in the UK as a Press Officer during the 2024 General Election campaign.

    Chase Stallings, Associate, Research & Analysis: Chase conducts comprehensive public affairs research, synthesizing complex information into strong insights to help our clients solve complex challenges. Prior to BSG, he worked for DDC Public Affairs in Washington, DC. Chase is a graduate of Salisbury University.

    ###

  • BSG CEO Joe Pounder | From the War Room to AI: How Campaign Research Evolved and What Comes Next

    For Campaigns & Elections’ 45th anniversary edition, Bullpen Strategy Group CEO Joe Pounder breaks down how campaign research has evolved, what comes next, and why the fundamentals of fact-finding, data collection, and disciplined messaging are more important today than ever.

    Read the full piece here.

    “My first real campaign experience was working in the war room of former President George W. Bush’s 2004 reelection effort. What drew me in was the sheer pace and intensity of it all – monitoring the news in real time so the campaign could respond quickly and aggressively to shape the day.

    “Back then, monitoring and research were still largely analog. We depended on LexisNexis, press clips and VHS monitoring. Search engines were rudimentary. YouTube and social media didn’t exist. That war room was advanced for 2004, but we all knew it would soon be dated and our operations would need to evolve with every campaign cycle.

    …

    “For political researchers, the current moment is both a challenge and an opportunity. Voters are more skeptical than ever and that amplifies the importance of grounding our research in verifiable facts and using them to tell emotionally resonant stories. The piece that hasn’t changed: the importance of fact-finding and data collection. Voters still need to be convinced. Campaigns still need to show their work. Good research enables that. The foundational building blocks — strong systems, effective field work, and disciplined messaging — are as crucial now as they were in 2004. 

    …

    “For anyone entering the field today, my advice remains the same as it was in 2004. Campaigns are won with compelling messages backed up by great content. Strong research is essential to finding that content and those messages. Technology changes. Platforms shift. But engaging narratives, compelling messages and clear contrasts are timeless.”