Moxie Strategies, the Asbury Park-based boutique national strategic communications and advocacy firm built for highly regulated industries and high-stakes issues, marked its two-year anniversary this week with a major industry honor: PRovoke Media named it ‘The Best New Agency in North America.’
A high honor for sure. And one that is well deserved.
The recognition comes on the heels of remarkable growth. In just two years, Moxie has completed more than 100 client engagements in 20 states, reaching more than 40 million Americans, including reaching 90,000 key stakeholders with bespoke content.
This honor builds on a slate of awards for the young firm with a unique people-first culture, including their Aimi by Moxie polling platform winning Best AI Product at the Innovation SABRE Awards, being named one of the Top 40 Public Affairs Firm in the World, being a finalist for the NJBIZ Business of the Year and a spot on the PRNet 100.
Then there are the individual honors.
Founder and CEO Maggie Moran was named one of the state’s top Power Players by BINJE. New Jersey State President and EVP of Public Affairs Megan Cryan Bell was named a BINJE’s Best: Top Women in Business.
And Partner Jeannine Frisby LaRue seemingly gets a well-deserved honor or accolade every other week — while handing out honors of her own to the state’s top women.
Moran said all of the honors and accolades are team awards — a recognition of Moxie’s efforts working in highly regulated industries and on high-stakes issues.
“We work at the intersection of intelligence, strategy, and advocacy — in the environments where the stakes are highest, the regulations tightest and the margin for error smallest,” she said.
Moran said receiving so many honors by their second anniversary reflects the firm’s commitment to clients and causes. The Best New Agency in North America recognizes two years of extraordinary growth, category-defining client work and a senior-led model that is redefining what a public affairs firm can be, she said.
“This milestone reflects the strength of our work helping clients navigate complex, highly regulated environments and high-stakes moments,” she said. “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.”
Senior-led by design, Moxie brings former government officials, seasoned strategists, and creative communicators to lead every engagement, every day.
The majority women-, Black- and LGBTQIA+-owned firm also has an office in New York City, part of a plan that enables it to operate nationwide.
That growth plan also includes new hires.
Moran said Moxie continues to invest in its pipeline, promoting members of its Junior Associate program and reinforcing a culture that develops talent from within.
From Day One, the firm has focused on building not just a team — but a group of people who can think, move and lead at a high level, she said.
Moran announced the firm has added Janice Laurente as Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, where she will advise clients in highly regulated industries and high-stakes environments on complex policy, reputational and stakeholder challenges.
Moxie also has promoted two team members.
Siobhan Dillon is being promoted to Associate at Moxie Strategies, where she will support clients across sectors in developing strategic messaging, coordinating creative campaigns, advancing advocacy initiatives, and contributing to coalition-building efforts.
Sophia Malinsky, a former Junior Associate at Moxie and recent Rutgers University graduate, has been named Special Projects & Executive Associate, bringing a background that cuts across law, policy and government relations.
“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.
