Boutique strategic communications firm Moxie Strategies is marking its second anniversary with a major industry recognition and several leadership additions.

Veteran diplomat and communications strategist Janice Laurente joins the firm as executive vice president of public affairs.

Founded in 2024, Moxie positions itself as a senior-led communications and advocacy firm focused on highly regulated industries and high-stakes issues. It works at the intersection of public affairs, corporate strategy, policy and crisis communications. The majority women-, Black-, and LGBTQIA+-owned firm operates nationally with offices in Asbury Park and New York City.

The firm announced May 6 PRovoke Media named it “Best New Agency in North America.” The award caps a rapid two-year expansion that has included more than 100 client engagements across 20 states. Additionally, Moxie says its outreach efforts have reached more than 40 million Americans.

The recognition adds to a growing list of honors for the firm. It also earned inclusion among the top 40 public affairs firms globally, received a finalist nod for NJBIZ Business of the Year in 2025, and won a SABRE Award for its AI-powered polling platform, Aimi by Moxie.

Building internal talent

Founder and CEO Maggie Moran said the milestone highlights the firm’s focus on helping clients navigate complex regulatory and reputational environments.

“This milestone reflects the strength of our work helping clients navigate complex, highly regulated environments and high-stakes moments,” said Moran. “Being recognized as North America’s top new agency underscores the impact of our strategic, tailored communications in reaching key stakeholders and driving critical decisions.”

Laurente brings more than two decades of experience in government and global strategic communications. He past experience includes senior roles with USAID, the Peace Corps and federal energy initiatives spanning more than 50 countries. At Moxie, she will help expand the firm’s national public affairs footprint and deepen its work advising clients facing high-profile policy, crisis and regulatory challenges.

The firm also announced the promotion of Siobhan Dillon to associate and named Sophia Malinsky as special projects and executive associate. The moves come as part of what the company described as an ongoing effort to build talent internally.

“As we continue to grow and expand our team with experienced leaders like Janice, we remain focused on delivering clarity, precision, and results for clients operating where the stakes are highest,” Moran said.