What We Do

Pesch provides strategic communications support to public figures, global brands, and mission-driven organizations.

We create compelling narratives and put them into action to deliver the results you need.

We use bold words. And we fight to win.

What We Do

Our Story

Abraham Lincoln's Statue

Pesch was founded with a bold vision: to harness the full power of strategic communications to transform compelling stories into positive, real-world impact. We recognized a gap in this industry– so much of the work being done relies on a standard one-size-fits-all approach that separates strategy from creativity and focuses on the quantity instead of the quality of communications. We set out to change that, and the results speak for themselves.

For nearly a decade, Pesch has crafted narratives that resonate with audiences, shape perceptions, and drive measurable outcomes. Whether it’s securing top-tier media placements, amplifying digital reach, or navigating complex reputational challenges, we deliver results that matter. Every client—trailblazing athletes, leading corporate brands, or mission-driven charities—has a unique story. Our job is to elevate those stories with strategic insight and unmatched expertise, and we’re good at our job.

From the beginning, Pesch was built on a few big ideas:

  • Integrated Communications

    Don’t just jump into tactics like press pitching or a new social media platform because a competitor’s doing it or there’s some other near-term problem to solve.

    Consider the full mix of solutions and the problem at its most profound. Solutions are almost always stronger by combining elite media relations, smart digital strategy, and strong creative content.

  • Work with Leaders

    As we’ve grown, we have focused on partnering with the best. Both our partners and the clients we choose to serve are at the top of their game.

    We provide specialized services and opportunities to a select group. This keeps us sharp and forces us towards constant improvement.

  • Experienced Talent

    We don’t look for big names to win business or people who have suffered through a job on the Hill just to say they did.

    We find people who do the real work in important, intense, constructive environments, and we staff every client account with them. Our core team members are among the best in the business.

  • Washington Access - Rooted in America

    Everyone on our core team understands the power and influence structures in Washington, DC. We’ve worked with most of the city’s best-known institutions and we maintain a thriving office in the heart of downtown.

    But our respect for Washington is tempered by plenty of time living and working outside the Beltway. We think a healthy balance makes for stronger work.

Heinrich Pesch

Why Pesch?

Pesch is named after Heinrich Pesch, a little-known but incredibly influential German economist.

Pesch was an innovative thinker whose ideas were foundational to the development of Catholic Social Teaching, the school of thought that has influenced economics and Western political philosophy for more than a century.

Pesch was never famous but he was an expert at communicating with the decision makers of his day, influencing their actions and ensuring his ideas would spread around the world and last to this day.

Leadership

Hayden Steelman

Hayden Steelman

Vice President

Hayden Steelman is a public affairs professional providing his clients with strategic counsel in designing and conducting public affairs and advocacy campaigns.

He specializes in campaign-style research and in integrating digital tactics with earned and placed media attention. He has overseen research, strategy development, and tactical implementation for several large for-profit companies and associations.

Hayden previously worked at Washington, DC-based DCI Group, where he represented clients on the local, state, national, and international levels. Hayden specializes in integrated strategies that provide tailored solutions to the unique issues faced by his clients.

His work for Pesch has focused on coalition building, including with several Hill offices on both the House and Senate side, and on internal communications programs for several large nonprofit organizations.

Hayden Steelman is a public affairs professional providing his clients with strategic counsel in designing and conducting public affairs and advocacy campaigns.

He specializes in campaign-style research and in integrating digital tactics with earned and placed media attention. He has overseen research, strategy development, and tactical implementation for several large for-profit companies and associations.

Hayden previously worked at Washington, DC-based DCI Group, where he represented clients on the local, state, national, and international levels. Hayden specializes in integrated strategies that provide tailored solutions to the unique issues faced by his clients.

His work for Pesch has focused on coalition building, including with several Hill offices on both the House and Senate side, and on internal communications programs for several large nonprofit organizations.

Kate Connolly

Kate Connolly

Director of Media Relations

Kate has deep experience working for mission-driven brands on the global stage.

Kate spent several years working as a communications leader at the Archdiocese of New York, where she managed media for over 200 events including appearances by Pope Francis, President Obama, Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney, and the Governor and Mayor of New York City.

She also led communications for the $175 Million restoration of St Patrick's Cathedral, earning over 100 positive media stories.

After her work at the Archdiocese, Kate became Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, where she built a top-performing communications team for the Trip Advisor-ranked #2 Museum in the world.

Kate has deep experience working for mission-driven brands on the global stage.

Kate spent several years working as a communications leader at the Archdiocese of New York, where she managed media for over 200 events including appearances by Pope Francis, President Obama, Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney, and the Governor and Mayor of New York City.

She also led communications for the $175 Million restoration of St Patrick's Cathedral, earning over 100 positive media stories.

After her work at the Archdiocese, Kate became Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, where she built a top-performing communications team for the Trip Advisor-ranked #2 Museum in the world.