Leadership / Team
| Jon Silvan Founding Partner and CEO Jon Silvan has guided Global Strategy Group’s growth from a boutique market research firm into a nationally recognized, full-service public affairs and research firm. Jon’s clients include companies, organizations and individuals at the top of their fields, including World Trade Center developer Silverstein Properties, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), General Electric, the National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA), and Jules Kroll. Jon earned a dual degree in political communications and economic development from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. |
Jefrey Pollock Founding Partner and President Jefrey Pollock leads the firm’s research practice. He has advised several U.S. Governors – including Brian Schweitzer (MT), Joe Manchin (WV) and Chet Culver (IA) – Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (NY) and Arlen Specter (PA), and many other members of Congress. He has also consulted on behalf of many of the world’s leading NGOs and corporations, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Goldman Sachs, Con Edison and Starwood. Jefrey earned degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University, where he is currently an Adjunct Professor of Public Policy and Administration. |
| Jeffrey Plaut Founding Partner Jeffrey Plaut serves as a strategic advisor and pollster to candidates and campaigns across the country. Recent clients include the New Jersey Democratic Assembly Campaign Committee, U.S. Representatives Mike McMahon (NY) and Nydia Velazquez (NY), the Empire State Pride Agenda and The Daily Show. Jeffrey also leads the firm’s public affairs practice for unions, nonprofits and associations. An alumnus of Brown University, Jeffrey is a graduate of the Coro Foundation Fellowship for Public Affairs, an Adjunct Professor at Fordham University and advisory board member of the Bellevue/New York University Program for Survivors of Torture. |
Britt Power Partner Britt Power specializes in developing research and positioning strategies for clients looking to extend and promote their brands. Britt’s clients count on her when they are looking to launch services or products, expand their client base or gain a competitive edge within their industry. She is an experienced moderator and focus group facilitator and currently heads the firm’s Qualitative Research Department. Her client list includes some of the world’s most recognized brands, including Condé Nast, ESPN, Scholastic, Time Inc. and Victoria’s Secret. Britt earned a degree in communications from New York University. |
| Scott Elder Partner Scott Elder specializes in conducting strategic research for corporations, domestic political campaigns and associations. In a project manager role, Scott oversees the research process from survey design to data collection, data processing and analysis. Recent clients include Merrill Lynch, United Water, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs and the Los Angeles Police Protective League. He also runs the firm’s market research practice for the trial consulting industry. Scott earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington in Seattle. |
Roy Occhiogrosso Partner Roy Occhiogrosso heads GSG’s office based in Hartford, Connecticut, and specializes in public affairs, strategic communications, media relations, political strategy and public policy for a broad array of political, corporate, and advocacy clients. During his time at GSG, Roy has developed and managed successful long-term, complex national public affairs campaigns for organizations such as the American Bar Association and The Physicians’ Foundation, and has developed and implemented communications and media relations strategies for high-profile firms and individuals in the legal and financial industries. Roy has also served as a communications and political strategist for numerous candidates for public office at the local, state, and national levels. Roy earned a B.A. in Political Science and an M.P.A. in Public Administration, both from the University of Connecticut. |
| Ryan Toohey Partner Ryan Toohey manages GSG’s communications and public affairs practice. He has served as a strategic advisor and campaign manager for Fortune 500 corporations like Hershey Foods, TIAA-CREF and American Airlines as they confronted a broad range of regulatory, financial and public affairs challenges. At GSG Ryan was lead strategist for the Democratic takeover of the New York State Senate – the first change in control of the body in 60 years. He leads GSG’s campaign to re-authorize mayoral control of NYC public schools, is a strategist for the redevelopment of South Street Seaport, and advises clients on communications, brand management, and public affairs issues. Ryan attended the State University of New York at Buffalo and Columbia Law School. |
Michael Bassik Senior Vice President Michael A. Bassik manages Global Strategy Group’s digital practice, delivering winning interactive marketing strategies to GSG’s political, non-profit and corporate clients. A frequent lecturer on emerging political trends, Michael is the recipient of the first-ever joint award for Excellence in Digital Media from Yahoo! and the American Association of Political Consultants and has won over 90 industry awards on behalf of clients including Obama for America, the Democratic National Committee, Defenders of Wildlife, Media Matters for America and the United Nations Foundation. Michael graduated cum laude from both The University of Pennsylvania and American University’s Washington College of Law. |
| Justin Lapatine Senior Vice President Justin Lapatine manages Global Strategy Group’s public affairs practice area where he develops and executes full service campaigns on behalf of corporate, advocacy and political clients. Justin has managed grassroots, grasstops and coalition building campaigns for Silverstein Properties, Learn NY’s successful campaign to renew mayoral control of New York City’s schools; the YES Network and Ultimate Fighting Championship. Named a “Rising Star” by Campaigns & Elections in 2006 and one of “40 Under 40” by City Hall News, Justin serves as consultant to the New York State Senate Democrats, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer and Public Advocate Candidate Bill de Blasio. Before joining GSG, Justin worked for Gore Lieberman in the 2000 presidential race and for Mark Green in the 2001 New York City Mayor’s race. Justin earned a B.A. in Political Science and History from Duke University and a Masters in Political Science from Columbia University. |
Nicole Patte-Bezinski Nicole Patte-Bezinski runs Global Strategy Group’s finance and operations units. She has extensive financial experience specializing in advertising, communications, marketing, and media, working with many Fortune 500 companies and global clients. Before joining GSG, Nicole was Chief Financial Officer at G2 Worldwide, a multi-million dollar global communications agency and partner company of Grey Global Group and WPP. Nicole oversaw the financial, operational, and strategic growth aspects of G2, as well as the expansion and development of several of G2’s agencies. Prior to joining G2, Nicole was the CFO at AR Media, a company specializing in branding and advertising for global luxury clients. Nicole has also held senior financial posts at Donna Karan International. Nicole earned her undergraduate degree from Temple University and graduate degree from NYU. |