New School University

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

Partner at Bolton-St. Johns

New York, New York, United States

Bolton-St. Johns

Partner

Samara Daly and Teresa Gonzalez provide full-service government and community relations services to both nonprofit and commercial organizations working in the creative field. With over two decades of experience in government, community and public affairs combined, Samara and Teresa bring their shared passion for the arts and extensive knowledge of the city’s political landscape to organizations large and small who are interested in expanding, building capacity and creating strong, lasting relationships in the public sector. They take pride in being knowledgeable advocates who are able to think strategically and solve problems quickly and creatively, and have successfully navigated complex public fundraising campaign and community issues throughout their careers. From creating strategic plans to stewarding capital campaigns from beginning to end, Samara and Teresa look forward to sharing this knowledge and expertise to further strengthen New York City’s creative community.

Daly Gonzalez Consulting

Principal

- Plan and execute public relations campaigns for several Brooklyn-based cultural clients including Brooklyn Historical Society, Brooklyn Bridge Park, United Photo Industries and Weeksville Heritage Center. Write and disseminate pitch letters, media advisories and press releases for each campaign. Secure local, regional and national media coverage for exhibitions, programs and events, and maintain relationships with media contacts to maximize coverage. Coordinate media visits and interviews and fulfill requests for additional information, quotes and images. Interact with clients regularly to address needs and fine-tune media plans. Serve as client spokesperson and as press conference coordinator.

Blake Zidell & Associates

Freelance Publicist

Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation

Vice President, Strategic Partnerships

- Worked actively to develop strong relationships with community press.	Managed internal and external communications for the unit.	Pitched stories to community press about CAU and the work the administration is doing throughout the City	Responded to media inquiries from community press	Coordinated with the Mayor’s Press Office and other City agencies on responses to media inquiries, press releases and press conference as needed.	Wrote and disseminate press releases and media advisories.	Wrote remarks, talking points and quotes for the Commissioner and staff as needed.	Provided ongoing media training for the Commissioner and staff.

Mayor's Community Affairs Unit, New York, NY

Communications Director

- Acts in an advisory capacity to the Commissioner.	Represents the Commissioner at internal and external meetings when appropriate.	Works with fellow senior staff members to keep Commissioner informed of and, where appropriate, involved in internal staff issues. 	Works with fellow senior staff to manage Commissioner’s schedule. 	Ensures that the office functions appropriately in the Commissioner’s absence. 	Manages internal communications including reports and external communications for the Commissioner including talking points and remarks. 	Supervises hiring and assignments of new staff and interns. 	Troubleshoots staff issues and assists staff when needed.

Office of the Mayor, City of New York

Chief of Staff

- Assisted the Director of Public Affairs with press and public inquiries concerning	the City’s involvement in or position on issues impacting the cultural community. 	Assisted the Director of Public Affairs in serving as an agency liaison with the	Mayor's Office of intergovernmental Affairs, the Mayor's Press Office and the City's	Legislative representatives on all concerns relating to DCLA and its constituents. 	Assisted cultural organizations in accessing City support and resources. 	Assisted in writing press releases, publications, annual reports and other 	promotional materials. 	Helped coordinate major special events, press events, programs, special exhibits, 	award ceremonies and related events promoting the cultural community, public art	or cultural organizations. 	Served as an agency liaison with cultural organizations to produce and update	agency website content.

NYC Department of Cultural Affairs

Deputy Director of Public Affairs

- Wrote and disseminated pitch letters, media advisories and press releases	Secured local, regional and national media coverage 	Managed all aspects of printed materials sent out by BAC on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis. Materials included BAC’s Quarterly Newsletter, monthly postcard mailings (for seminars and other BAC-sponsored events), calendars, and the Arts in Education brochure in addition to other, “one-off” printed materials, as needed.	Worked collaboratively with staff on BAC’s website, providing updated information as it pertains to the newsletter, seminars, calendars, and BAC brochures.	Worked collaboratively with BAC staff in all efforts to promote the organization, recommending new strategies to broaden awareness for the organization and its programs.	Led brand identity development	Established and maintained electronic communications plan with members, donors and potential supporters

Brooklyn Arts Council

- Wrote and disseminated pitch letters, media advisories and press releases	Secured local, regional and national media coverage 	Developed and implemented the Museum’s public relations and marketing plan	Coordinated the development of all marketing material including directing graphic design, writing copy and organizing mailing	Secured media sponsorship for Museum programs	Cultivated and maintained relationships with local business and organizations to nurture cross promotional opportunities	Led Marketing Committee and all duties related to Committee activity including brand identity development	Established and maintained electronic communications plan with members, donors and potential supporters	Managed donor/member database and produce various reports for Museum committees	Managed department budget 	Supervised duties of Marketing Associate and interns

Contemporary Crafts Museum & Gallery

Director of Public Affairs

- Wrote and disseminated pitch letters, media advisories and press releases	Secured local, regional and national media coverage 	Developed and implemented the Museum’s annual public relations strategy	Wrote, edited and approved all copy for Museum publications 	Participated in creative strategy sessions as part of public communications team	Contributed to the development of the Museum’s brand as member of brand identity team	Contracted and managed PR consultants as needed	Managed and oversaw department budget and served as liaison to the Finance department	Produced various reports for funders and Museum Board pertaining to attendance	Coordinated media efforts with New York City cultural institutions 	Supervised duties of department assistant and interns 	Assisted with preparation and submission of proposals, reports and other documents	Prepared and distributed press and general information packages	Maintained press clipping and photo files