Corporate Reputation and Public Affairs Expert Stephanie Waties Returns to APCO in D.C. as Senior Director 

WASHINGTON – August 12, 2025: APCO is deepening its strategic advisory and communications bench with the return of Stephanie Waties, a seasoned corporate reputation and public affairs expert, APCO North America President Kelly Williamson announced today. 

 “Stephanie brings a nuanced understanding of how state and local dynamics influence business success,” Williamson said. “Her ability to translate complex policy into actionable strategy makes her a vital partner for organizations navigating regulatory and reputational challenges.” 

Waties formerly spent eight years at APCO, where she led issue and crisis response efforts, playing a key role in securing and maintaining long-term client relationships. She most recently served as senior vice president at LSG, where she focused on state and sector-based advocacy initiatives.  

“Coming back to a place that shaped so much of my professional journey feels both familiar and full of energy,” Waties said. “I am excited to contribute to APCO’s powerhouse corporate and public affairs teams, helping businesses navigate complexity and uncover meaningful opportunities to engage in Washington, D.C. and across all 50 states.” 

With 15 years of experience, Waties has built a career rooted in strategic counsel and communications leadership. She is known for translating complex policy issues into compelling narratives for diverse audiences, including customers, investors, employees and media. Her work spans highly regulated sectors such as transportation, infrastructure, higher education, health care and technology. 

 Based in Washington, D.C., Waties will play an integral role in strengthening collaboration between APCO’s corporate reputation and public affairs teams and identifying new growth opportunities for the firm. She joins a deep bench of experts at APCO specializing in corporate reputation and public affairs, including: 

• Courtney Crowder, North America managing director and chair of Advocacy 

• Dan Scandling, head of Government Relations in Washington, D.C.  

• Felicia Pullam, head of APCO’s Center for Trade, Investment and Market Access  

• Jon Lang, head of Economic Security Policy 

• Kelly Stepno, chair of Corporate Reputation 

• Mannar Hanna, Capitol Hill strategist and senior director in Washington, D.C. 

• Nina Verghese, head of State Campaigns and Advocacy 

• Safiya Ghori-Ahmad, head of Global Public Affairs in Washington, D.C.  

• Seleana Wright, senior director, Corporate Reputation in Washington, D.C.