Home: Washington, D.C. Age: 45. Profession: Public affairs and advocacy. Organization: Neal Strategies. Title: Managing Director. Alma mater: Springfield College (MS, BS). Languages spoken: English, Irish.
Current project: Various client projects across multiple American industries. Latest accomplishment: Halfway through the FY26 Appropriations season. Latest contribution to others: Volunteer/Board of Directors for Q Street and the Equality Chamber of Commerce. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Leaving a secure job to launch Neal Strategies. Hobbies: Walking dogs, reading, working out, time with friends. Recent travel or adventure: Ireland, Cape Cod. Last book read: One Hundred Years of Solitude, by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
Moral compass: The Golden Rule. How do you define a perfect friendship? Mutual respect, laughs, loyalty. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Honesty, collaborative, mission driven. What is your greatest joy? Family, friends, my dogs. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? First Responders. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? On my three dogs. What is at the top of your bucket list? Expand my business internationally. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? A place of significance for me.
What was your favorite college course? Accounting. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? A Springfield, Massachusetts poster, works by Irish artists and pictures of my dogs. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Listen more. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Mobile phones. What is your go-to source of news and information? Punchbowl News and The Washington Post. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Brainstorming with business partners. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Coming out.
What change would you like to see in the world?
Ending the name calling and character assassinations to prove a point.
What message do you want to send out into the world? Do not let political beliefs or differences interfere with the relationships. What widely held belief do you reject? Government and institutions need to be dismantled to be fixed. What mega-trend most excites you? Artificial intelligence.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Quiet Storm. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My mom. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Old pictures that haven’t been digitized. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Beach with my dogs, family, and friends. What advice would you give your younger self? Take more risks. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? Any day with my bare feet in beach sand. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? My early thirties. I would have taken more career risks.
Personal motto: Listen more. Favorite quote: “If everyone has a problem with Bob, it’s probably Bob.” Desired epitaph: Had a great time, wish I had more of it.
