Gloria Story Dittus

Gloria Story Dittus currently serves as chairman of one of Washington’s leading public affairs firms, Story Partners. She has spent 30 years defining corporate communications, marketing, public affairs, reputation management and crisis communications strategies. She has been an advisor to CEOs, Senators, Members of Congress, Cabinet Secretaries and leading business executives. 

Dittus has worked with executive teams at some of the world’s most recognized brands including Shell, HSBC, Home Depot, Dell, Intel, Microsoft, General Motors, Southern Company, Flour, British Telecom, Playboy, Clear Channel and others developing and implementing strategic communications and executive thought leadership programs.

Wired Magazine called her the nation’s first “public affairs PR maven.” PR News named her the “Public Affairs Executive of the Year,” a distinguished honor among public and government affairs professionals. Under her leadership, Dittus Communications was recognized as Public Affairs Agency of the Year in 2003.  The Washington Business Journal named Dittus one of Washington’s “25 Women Who Mean Business.” Following a successful decade of growth, Dittus Communications sold in 2005 to Financial Dynamics where she became a member of the Executive Management Team.

From 1989 to 1993, Gloria helped found and build the Direct Impact Company, a grassroots lobbying firm.  Gloria began her career as a staff member in the U.S. Senate, but soon transitioned to Exxon Corporation’s government affairs media team. She later helped rebuild Edison Electric Institute’s public information department, and added her legislative media-relations expertise to the company’s government affairs operations in 1986 as its lobbyist for nuclear power issues.

After having built and sold two game-changing public affairs firms, Gloria has identified a vacuum in the communications field where government and business intersect.  Combining social media marketing, strategic communications and executive thought leadership, Story Partners provides clients strategic communications programs which carefully align marketing and communications efforts across corporate enterprises to deliver results in today’s crowded marketplace.

A native of Augusta, GA, Gloria lives in Washington, D.C.; Aspen, CO; and Rosemary Beach, FL.  She is an active mentor working through the Society of International Business Fellows to teach and train emerging leaders around the world. More than a decade ago, she established a political communications scholarship at Augusta State University where she attended college majoring in Political Science.

She has recently returned from a trip to Egypt where she served as an instructor for the Middle East Leadership Academy.  She serves on numerous boards and organizations, including the Society of Fellows of the Aspen Institute, the Board of Trustees for Ford’s Theater, the National Press Foundation, the Arthur Page Society, the Bryce Harlow Institute, the Public Affairs Council and the Society of International Business Fellows.

Debra Cabral

A highly-esteemed communications professional, Cabral brings more than 25 years of experience to Story Partners in a variety of sectors including nonprofits, health care, finance, technology and corporate communications.  Prior to joining Story Partners, Cabral served as Executive Vice President of Porter Novelli, where she served as head of the digital communications and social media marketing group.  She has designed and implemented strategies for sales and marketing teams to increase brand exposure and sales to targeted public and private-sector audiences for clients as diverse as SAIC, SurfControl, Entrust, and EADS, among others.

Prior to joining Porter Novelli, she served as EVP for Dittus Communications where her responsibilities included overall client management and company operations.  She has also held leadership roles at The Capitol Group, The Jefferson Group, HealthNet Federal Services and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. Additionally, she spent seven years serving in the leadership office of the late former House Speaker Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill, Jr.

Amos Snead

Amos Snead is a communications professional with a proven track record of success on behalf of high-profile corporate, association, and government entities. Amos plays a key role at Story Partners, providing clients with communications guidance that is informed by his in-depth experience working with leading print, broadcast and online journalists.

Amos began his career in communications with a five-year tenure working in various capacities for the U.S. Congress, ultimately rising to serve as Spokesman for House Republican Whip Roy Blunt. In addition to his work with House leadership, he also served as a Press Aide for the House Energy and Commerce Committee under both Chairman Billy Tauzin and Chairman Joe Barton. Following his work with the Energy and Commerce Committee, he served as Communications Director for U.S. Congressman Louie Gohmert of Texas.

Amos joins Story Partners after two years working for an international public affairs firm, where he provided strategic guidance that advanced the policy goals of his clients within the energy, technology and health industries. During his tenure with his prior firm, he also served as the primary spokesman for numerous entities, including a telecom association and a government relations firm. In addition, he designed and implemented a broadcast media strategy for a leading Capitol Hill print outlet as well as worked with senior members of the media on behalf of a majority of the firm’s clients.

Amos has been recognized as a leader in both the public and private sectors. National Journal named him one of “The Hill People of 2007” and PR News featured him as one of “15-to-Watch in 2007”, an award that recognizes rising talent within the public relations industry.

Loran Aiken

Loran Aiken, a veteran of presidential and congressional campaigns, brings decades of communications expertise and coalition building to Story Partners.

Having served in senior positions at Powell Tate Weber Shandwick and Smith & Harroff, Loran was responsible for numerous strategic communications efforts including crafting comprehensive crisis management media campaigns, internal communications, legislative and regulatory issue campaigns and corporate responsibility.  She has worked with a broad range of clients including energy, non-profit advocacy organizations, healthcare, and financial services.

Loran began her career designing and implementing paid-media campaigns for Senate, House and gubernatorial candidates as well issue/advocacy campaigns.

Rick Heartsill

A 25-year grassroots and communications expert, Rick Heartsill has been instrumental in conducting some of PhRMA’s most successful grassroots operations in the Southeast. Rick has also led several grassroots communications efforts for major energy and transportation companies.

As Press Secretary to Congressman Bill Nichols, Rick worked with key national and international publications on a daily basis, developing and maintaining relationships with the New York Times, Washington Post, Reuters, Associated Press, among others. Prior to working for Congressman Nichols, Rick managed all political, communication and legislative aspects of the office as Chief of Staff to Congressman Sonny Callahan.

Norma Jane Sabiston

Norma Jane Sabiston has been at the center of policy management in Washington, DC for over 25 years. Sabiston has previously worked as Legislative Assistant to Congressman Billy Tauzin, State and Political Director for Senator Breaux and Chief-of-Staff for Senator Mary Landrieu. Norma Jane has worked on a number of issues ranging from energy and the environment, education and healthcare.

During her 25 years on Capitol Hill, she developed professional relationships on Senate Committees such as the Energy Committee, Appropriations Committee and Armed Services Committee. She has been a mainstay of Louisiana Congressional policy and politics, including her instrumental role in helping Senator Landrieu secure OCS revenue sharing for the Gulf Coast in the Domenici Landrieu Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act.

In addition to her influential role in S3711, Sabiston has worked on several legislative issues important to Louisiana and the Gulf Coast, primarily regarding energy and the environment. Norma Jane worked as Field Director for Senator J. Bennett Johnston and Campaign Manager for Senators Breaux and Landrieu’s successful Senate bids, as well as Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu’s statewide and mayoral campaigns.

Norma Jane brings her vast political experience and strategic expertise to our team. Over years of experience at the national, state and local levels, she has cemented her reputation as an organizer, and strategic thinker.

Shelton Jones

Shelton is a former Director of Financial Services for Dittus Communications where she oversaw public affairs programs for Citigroup, Dell Computer, and The Business Roundtable.

Shelton launched her career in Washington, DC by helping establish Porter Novelli’s first-ever public affairs practice, and later became an executive at Powell and Tate. She helped execute a variety of multi-faceted campaigns and promote new business for a variety of clients including the American Health Quality Association, Knoll Pharmaceuticals and the Association of American Railroads. At Powell Tate, Shelton also organized media outreach at the grassroots level and managed media relations for clients such as The Children’s Inn at NIH and Target.

Deborah Sauri

Deborah Sauri joins Story Partners after previously working as Creative Director at Dittus Communications. Deborah led creative and advertising efforts for all firm clients, including: Household Finance, Credit Union Campaign, Shell Oil, Business Software Alliance, BIO, PhRMA, GMA, etc. She produced design solutions for clients ranging from corporate identity systems and consumer outreach initiatives, to direct mail and streaming media content.

Deborah’s award-winning work has been featured in several design publications, including Print and Communication Arts. She has developed industry event materials for the Printing Industries of America, as well as several others. Deborah currently serves as a Board member for the American Institute of Graphic Arts chapter in Washington, DC.

Mollie O’Dell

Mollie O’Dell has public affairs experience in both the public and private sectors.  Prior to joining Story Partners, Mollie served as the Communications Director for the Sugar Association and as the Deputy Press Secretary at the U.S. Department of Transportation under Secretary Mary Peters.

Mollie has a background in opposition research and the ability to clearly communicate complex messages.  She has executed successful public affairs campaigns in a variety of industries, including telecommunications, energy, and agriculture.

Mollie is a graduate of Rhodes College and holds a master’s degree in Political Management from the George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Andrew Fimka

Andrew Fimka is a public affairs and political operations professional, with full-cycle project management experience in issues management, strategic communications, grassroots mobilization and coalition development.

Prior to joining Story Partners, Andrew served as Director of Political and Legislative Advocacy for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) – the nation’s leading association representing small and independent businesses. Working at the crossroads of business, politics and policy, Andrew led NFIB’s issue advocacy and political communications campaigns that successfully targeted grassroots activists, as well as policy stakeholders.

While at NFIB, Andrew was also charged with implementing organizational plans across state, regional and national divisions while coordinating on-the-ground operations, numerous digital properties and external coalitions.

Before NFIB, Andrew served in a variety of campaign roles for congressional and presidential candidates, as well as a national campaign committee.

Andrew is a graduate of the University of Hartford (West Hartford, CT) and holds a master’s degree in Legislative Affairs from the George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management (Washington, D.C.)

Mary Elizabeth Margolis

Mary Elizabeth Margolis brings to Story Partners her knowledge of coalition-building, grassroots communications, and successful public affairs campaigns, through her experience on Capitol Hill and in the private sector. She comes to Story Partners after working with Runyan Public Affairs where she has been involved with coalition communications, web-editing, event planning, fundraising, and policy research. She has served as the press liaison for the Business Industry Political Action Committee, and has gained insight into the political process through her time working in the U.S. Senate.

Mary Elizabeth hails from Texas where she graduated summa cum laude from Trinity University with a B.A. in Political Science and Business Administration.

Heather Stegner

Heather Stegner brings a background in local and state government, corporate, and non-profit communications to Story Partners. As a native of Idaho, her career began at a full-service public relations and advertising firm located in the inland northwest. There, she worked with clients such as ATK CCI Speer, YWCA and regional Chambers of Commerce. Heather also oversaw the media outreach campaign for the Clearwater Basin Collaborative, a groundbreaking initiative in the west that brought together the Forest Service, conservationists, recreationalists and other invested parties to find solutions for public land management.

In addition to overseeing overall communications strategies for clients, Heather has a solid background in website design and development. She offers technical recommendations about a site, while keeping the message in the forefront.

Heather received her undergraduate degree from the University of Idaho in public relations, with minors in graphic design and sociology.

Ashley LaGanga

Ashley brings her persuasive writing and communications skills to Story Partners.  Having worked for leaders in both chambers of Congress, she is fluent in drafting cogent and influential messaging, op-eds, press statements, as well as legal and policy papers.  Prior to joining Story Partners, Ashley served as deputy press secretary to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.  Before that, she was a press aide to Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert.  During her time in Congress, Ashley worked regularly with national television, print, and radio media.

Ashley graduated summa cum laude from Sweet Briar College with a B.A. in philosophy and classics, and earned her J.D. at George Mason University School of Law.

Collier Craft

Formerly with Dittus Communications, Collier has both political and public affairs experience. He brings to Story Partners a unique talent and the ability to work with both corporate and political clients, demonstrating knowledge of the goals and needs of each sector through his successful media campaigns.

Collier has led successful statewide political campaigns and has experience in both political and grassroots campaigns, coalition building, strategic counseling, media management and public relations.

A graduate of Auburn University, Collier Craft began his communications career in the office of the Alabama Senate Pro Tempore. Craft spent the majority of his career working in public affairs and communications, while at the same time managing numerous political and grassroots campaigns.