Q&A: Meet Senior Associate Ella Anich
We’re pleased to welcome Ella Anich to The Herald Group. A Milwaukee native and 2024 graduate of Xavier University, Ella brings a sharp public-affairs toolkit grounded in both policy and communications—earning degrees in Philosophy, Politics, and the Public (PPP) and Public Relations. After launching her career in Washington at a public relations agency supporting communications, advocacy, and digital campaigns, she joins THG with a clear passion for storytelling, relationship-building, and the creative problem-solving that strong public affairs demands.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and graduated from Xavier University in 2024 with an H.B.A. in Philosophy, Politics, and the Public (PPP) and a B.A. in Public Relations.
I began my career in D.C. at a public relations agency working on communications, advocacy, and digital campaigns for a wide range of clientele.
Since moving to D.C., I have loved exploring all the unique neighborhoods, but when I’m not out and about, I am always planning my next visit back to the Midwest to visit family and friends in Wisconsin and Ohio.
What led you to a career in public affairs?
In undergrad, I was fortunate to be a part of the PPP program at Xavier University, which allowed me to explore internships in state government, political campaigns, and non-profits, and included the opportunity to study abroad in Berlin, Germany. Through these experiences, I learned that I am passionate about advocacy, storytelling, and relationship building, and that public affairs is the culmination of all of these.
What’s one thing about public affairs that surprised you once you got into it?
I was most surprised by the level of creativity required to be successful. This is not rigid work with cookie-cutter solutions. In public affairs, we have to be forward-thinking and quick to adapt. It requires us to keep our fingers on the pulse, monitoring emerging trends and late-breaking news. I have grown to love the challenge of always thinking of what fresh and innovative new strategies to implement for our clients.
What’s one thing about public affairs that surprised you once you got into it?
I was most surprised by the level of creativity required to be successful. This is not rigid work with cookie-cutter solutions. In public affairs, we have to be forward-thinking and quick to adapt. It requires us to keep our fingers on the pulse, monitoring emerging trends and late-breaking news. I have grown to love the challenge of always thinking of what fresh and innovative new strategies to implement for our clients.
What are you most excited to take on in your new role as a senior associate? How do you hope to make an impact?
The role of a senior associate is exciting because it allows me to have my hands in a lot of different areas within the firm. I look forward to deepening my written communication skills and learning more about strategic advocacy.
As a people person by nature, I am excited to get to know our clients and dive into their individual needs. Through relationship building and learning the intricacies of each client, I hope to become a strategic counselor and trusted partner.
Outside of work, where would we find you? What are you passionate about?
Outside of work, you can most likely find me admiring rowhouses in Capitol Hill, reading in a coffee shop, or trying a new restaurant and ranking it on Beli! Exploring all that D.C. has to offer has quickly become my favorite hobby. I am a passionate but selective sports fan, so in the winter, you can catch me cheering on Xavier basketball, and as soon as March Madness wraps up in the spring, I pivot to rooting for Milwaukee Brewers baseball.
What’s a hobby or interest that has nothing to do with politics or public affairs — but you secretly think makes you better at your job?
I volunteer teach fourth-grade Sunday School at Saint Peter’s in Capitol Hill. While the roles are not identical by any means, the experience has taught me confident yet empathetic leadership, the balance of being prepared while also maintaining flexibility, and the importance of effective and clear communication – all of which I use in my day-to-day in public affairs.
What’s your go-to brain break when the day gets hectic?
Calling my mom! Picking up the phone and being able to chat with her after a long day is always a welcome break from chaos. She is my biggest role model and always there to offer savvy professional advice or to just listen!
