From Capital One Arena to Capitol Hill: Meet Ben, THG’s New Director
The Herald Group is excited to welcome our newest Director, Ben Cowlishaw. Ben comes to us from Capitol Hill, where he helped shape communications for the House Appropriations Committee.
Before Congress, Ben worked with multiple trade associations, helping to identify the best political strategies, hone messages, and target key audiences to achieve policy victories. He also worked for a Super PAC and got his start in communications with the Washington Capitals. With a knack for succinct writing that sticks, Ben is excited to help clients get a winning message over the finish line.
Outside of work, Ben is a dedicated dog dad, middling golfer, and frequent traveler. We’re glad to have Ben’s wealth of experience and knack for persuasion. Join us in welcoming Ben!
We spoke with Ben for a brief Q&A to get to know him better:
Tell us a little about yourself and your path to The Herald Group.
Since I started dropping hot takes in my high school newspaper, I have always loved – and appreciated the power of – persuasive writing. Combining that with an interest in politics, I set out to shape the messages coming from Washington. I took a long, winding path through DC to get to The Herald Group – starting at Capital One Arena, where I had my first job in communications, assisting the Washington Capitals with game night media relations.
From there, I went to the association world, holding roles in communications and political affairs at two prominent associations, with a stop at a Super PAC and some time as an independent consultant mixed in. Most recently, I was on Capitol Hill, where I shaped communications for the House Appropriations Committee.
How did your time working in the House of Representatives shape your interest in public affairs?
Everything that happens on Capitol Hill is shaped by the news and digital media landscape. Legislation can receive broad support – or fantastically implode – because of a tweet or a viral clip. Affecting change has to start with sharing a message and persuading others to your side. My job centered around broad, effective persuasion – and that is the cornerstone of public affairs.
What’s one thing you learned on the Hill that you think gives you a unique perspective in this role?
Bipartisanship is still alive and well – you just have to know where to find it and how to kindle it. You may not see it on cable news, but when the cameras are off, most lawmakers want to forge positive change and find a way to make it happen – which often entails enlisting support from across the aisle.
In your new role as Director, what are you most excited to take on, and how do you hope to make an impact for our clients?
I am excited to get to work across a multitude of issue areas and to help THG’s clients translate often complex, wonky, and convoluted policy issues into simple, understandable, and actionable language. I look forward to helping THG’s clients better share their message directly with their intended audiences and to convert ideas into wins.
Outside of work, where would we find you? What are you passionate about?
Outside – on a run, at the dog park with our great Pyrenees, or on the golf course. Fresh air and greens-in-regulation are the keys to happiness and fulfillment.
What’s a piece of Hill “insider knowledge” that you think would surprise people outside of DC?
It’s less House of Cards and more Veep.
If you could go back and witness any major historical political moment (serious or satirical), what would it be?
President Lincoln’s delivery of the Gettysburg Address. Not only because it was a historic call to action for the country to remain committed to the unfulfilled promises of its founding; Lincoln understood what makes a strong and memorable message. Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address was fewer than 300 words. Edward Everett also spoke at Gettysburg, for over two hours. Just one of their speeches is universally remembered.
Join us in welcoming Ben to the Herald Group!