O’Donnell & Associates Strengthens Statewide Presence with Key Hires and Focus on New York City
New York, NY – Reflecting a thriving pipeline of work and expanding client base, O’Donnell & Associates announces the addition of new team members, with a focus on growing the firm’s New York City presence. The new hires deepen the firm’s expertise across government relations, policy analysis, and public affairs, positioning OD&A to continue delivering solutions-focused counsel and hands-on advocacy to its growing roster of clients.
Ralph Ortega, former editor-in-chief of City & State, will be joining the firm as Vice President of Public Affairs and will be based in New York City. Diane Ong was recently promoted to Chief of Staff and is also based in the firm’s New York City office.
In addition to expanding the firm’s New York City presence, Dr. Ellen Grant, former Buffalo Deputy Mayor, recently started as Senior Advisor for Health Care, working out of the Buffalo office.
“These new hires represent an important next chapter for our firm. As our work throughout New York State continues to grow in scope and complexity, expanding our team allows us to bring even deeper subject-matter expertise and a wider range of experience to our clients. Their knowledge of New York’s political landscape strengthens our ability to deliver thoughtful, effective advocacy at both the city and state level,” said Jack O’Donnell, Managing Partner.
“Each of these professionals brings a unique perspective and a proven track record in New York politics. Together, they significantly enhance the institutional knowledge that our clients rely on. This expansion reflects both the momentum of our firm and our long-term commitment to building one of the most experienced and respected government affairs teams in New York – with a growing presence in New York City,” said Kara Hughes, Senior Advisor and Head of NYC Practice.
“Throughout my 30-plus years in journalism, I have always strived to make an impact. I am now pivoting over to the exciting team at O’Donnell & Associates to work on new and dynamic projects. I look forward to building on the firm’s strong relationships and contributing to our ability to drive real results for our clients at a pivotal moment for New York City. In this next chapter, I will continue to focus on issues that have shaped my career and will be central to New York City’s success in the years ahead — including immigration; housing; Latino representation; non-profit advocacy; and health care research, with special focus on HIV/AIDS and diabetes,” said Ralph Ortega, Vice President of Public Affairs.
O’Donnell & Associates is ranked among City & State NY’s Top 20 largest lobbying firms and recognized as a City & State NY Top Place to Work.
Ralph R. Ortega, Vice President of Public Affairs
Ralph R. Ortega has been a reporter and editor for several major newspapers and magazines for more than 30 years.
Most recently, he was the editor-in-chief of the award-winning City & State NY magazine. At City & State, Ralph managed a team of talented journalists covering the downfall of former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, the ascent of current Governor Kathy Hochul, New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ election campaign and administration, as well as the election of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. In his role, Ralph became a well-known player in New York’s political world, emceeing, moderating, and conducting interviews at City & State events. He also wrote a weekly column that focused on policy, transportation, and advocated for greater Latino representation at City Hall and in city government.
As a reporter, Ralph worked for the New York Daily News, New Jersey’s Star-Ledger, and Asbury Park Press. He also worked in financial journalism, serving as the editor-in-chief of the wealth management magazine OnWallStreet and as a reporter for the newsletter Hedge Fund Alert. He got his start in journalism as a clerk for the New York Times when the newspaper won a Pulitzer Prize for its coverage of the first World Trade Center attacks.
Ralph’s breaking news and investigative work have taken him on assignments across the United States, as well as to Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. He witnessed and covered the September 11th terrorist attacks and landed a world exclusive with the father of Elian Gonzalez, the child embroiled in an international custody battle involving the U.S. and Cuban governments. Ralph has interviewed politicians, sports figures, entertainers, and celebrities, including the real estate mogul Donald Trump, about his New Jersey golf course.
A graduate of New York University, Ralph is a native New Yorker and the son of immigrant parents from Cuba and Chile, both of whom he’s currently writing about for a memoir. He is the proud father of four adult children and lives with his wife Anna in New York City.
Dr. Ellen Grant, Senior Advisor for Health Care
Dr. Ellen E. Grant, PhD, LCSW-R, brings an exceptional track record of executive leadership and health care policy and experience to the O’Donnell & Associates team.
Dr. Grant’s experience includes serving as both the President and CEO of the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center and as the Vice President of BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York. Her distinguished record in government includes serving as Erie County Commissioner of Mental Health and two separate terms as Deputy Mayor of the City of Buffalo.
Most recently, Dr. Grant served as Senior Executive Director of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)/CARES at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Her background as the Founder and President of First Advantage Consulting – a certified Minority & Women’s Business Enterprise (MWBE) – providing results-oriented leadership in health and human services, informs the advice and counsel she offers OD&A clients.
Diane Ong, Chief of Staff
As Chief of Staff and Senior Associate, Diane Ong manages day-to-day operations for the firm across the NYC, Albany, Buffalo, and Rochester offices. Prior to re-joining OD&A, Diane served as Operations Manager on the 2024 Harris-Walz Campaign, based in Wilmington, Delaware.
A graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, Diane offers OD&A’s clients extensive experience in organizing, as well as insight into political decision-making. A former President of the UNC Young Democrats, Diane directed community engagement and advocacy efforts with a special focus on youth engagement.
Ong has a B.A. in History and Conflict Management and worked for Member of Congress Ami Bera (CA-07), where she managed constituent affairs and policy research. Diane primarily focused on legislative measures regarding Women’s health and Humanitarian aid. Her work with the House Foreign Affairs Committee fostered her interest in international affairs research, which she recently explored at the London-based non-profit, Solutions Not Sides.
For media inquiries or to schedule interviews with firm leadership and recent hires, please contact Joanna Pasceri at 716.445.3425 or [email protected].
O’Donnell & Associates is a solutions-focused government relations firm, providing results to New York’s most successful leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates, and activists. We know New York—from each of the 62 counties to statewide campaigns and initiatives—and have the know-how and working relationships to provide strategic insight and information to address your challenges. We have practiced from Albany’s Capitol to the nation’s Capital; from Lake Erie to Long Island and the state line to the Canadian border and beyond. Our team provides a modern, results-based approach grounded in insight and information, along with rapid response and war-room expertise to handle a crisis. Our responsibility to our clients begins with our commitment to the highest ethical standards. We are zealous and tenacious advocates for Fortune 200 companies, non-profits, technology firms, labor unions, start-ups, and political candidates.
*sponsored content*
