MikeWorldWide (MWW) is expanding its public affairs practice in the region with new hires from the New Jersey Assembly Office and the state Department of Education.
On Jan. 18, the East Rutherford-based public relations agency announced Michelle Timoni and Carmen Cusido joined the team as senior public affairs directors.
“From national public policy to local community concerns, everything has become politically charged, creating hyper-sensitive operating environments for corporations and organizations alike. Those challenges require seasoned expert counsel and necessitate implementation by experienced professionals,” said MikeWorldWide Executive Vice President and National Director of Public Affairs William Murray.
Last September, MWW added Senior Vice President Steve Sandburg, a former chief spokesperson for U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, a Democrat and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
“The addition of Sandberg, Timoni and Cusido to our practice helps expand our capabilities to provide insightful and impactful government relations and public policy programs,” Murray continued. “Yet, their talents also increase the expertise to assist clients in creating targeted community relations, corporate social responsibility and corporate communications programs that resonate.”
Timoni previously served as chief of staff to Assemblyman Roy Frieman and is the former press secretary for the NJ Assembly Office, bringing experience in both government affairs and communications to her new position. In the General Assembly Majority Office, MWW said Timoni led, coordinated and implemented media strategy for the then 54-member caucus and all social media platforms and programs.
Cusido is a published author and national spokesperson on topics including international relations, U.S. immigration and mental health. She has more than 16 years of experience in media relations, MWW said. Cusido was a speechwriter and communications director while with the DOE. She also teaches communications at local community colleges.
