What makes O’Donnell & Associates a ‘Top Workplace’

After O’Donnell & Associates was recognized by City & State as a 2026 “Top Workplace,” I thought, wow! That confirms what I came to learn after I landed here in January. And I thought it would be a great idea to ask my colleagues to share what they felt was behind such a coveted and humbling recognition. And did I ever get a response! Before I let you read what my colleagues had to say about OD&A (Ok, so we are tooting our own horn), I’d like to note that this unique and special government affairs firm has been developing its secret sauce for 25 years. Yes! We are celebrating a quarter century this year, led by Jack O’Donnell, our founder and managing partner.

Many of us wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Jack. He told me that working together with our team and our dynamic and exciting clients, we can do great things for New York. And he was right. That sense of purpose is what makes OD&A so special. It’s not just a point of pride; it’s a high bar that we set and aim for every day. Driven by passion and collaboration, our workplace comes together and delivers a level of satisfaction that only the best jobs offer. That’s why OD&A attracts and recruits the best and most talented professionals, who love coming together to work for their clients — and to have fun while we’re doing it. But don’t just take my word for it. I’ll let my colleagues tell you, on the record:

Marc J. Cohen, OD&A’s vice president of government affairs, writes, “OD&A has built a culture where excellence is the expectation and collaboration is the norm. What I value most is the opportunity to work alongside talented professionals who are deeply committed to our clients' success, while also investing in one another's growth. It is a place that encourages initiative, rewards hard work, and provides the support and trust needed to make a meaningful impact.”

Dr. Ellen Grant, PhD, LCSW-R, OD&A’s senior advisor for healthcare, writes, “I like working at OD&A because of the collaborative team atmosphere led by the visionary leadership of Jack O'Donnell, who keeps us aware not only of history, but the current state of our world!”

Kara Hughes, OD&A’s senior advisor and head of the New York City practice, writes, “OD&A is one of the best places to work for many reasons! I get to work with my friend and colleague — founding partner Jack — from one of the first campaigns I ever worked on for Sen. Chuck Schumer! The entire Team at OD&A is smart, thoughtful, and fun! I am grateful to be part of this All-Star Team!”

Peter McGowan, an OD&A associate, writes, “OD&A is an amazing place to work for many reasons, but the biggest thing that stands out to me is the people. I have found our team to be incredibly smart and driven, while simultaneously being extremely kind and always there to collaborate or lend a hand.”

Jim Moore, OD&A’s vice president and policy director, writes, “What I find great about working at OD&A is the team structure. We don’t isolate clients or discussions, and there is an open discussion on policy and results where everyone brings their strengths to the table and knows when to ask for insights from others. We work hard, but it feels productive and makes you want to come to work every morning.”

Jack O’Donnell, OD&A’s founder and managing partner, writes, “To me, the best thing about OD&A is the work we do — and who we do it for!

Our clients are saving lives on the front lines of the healthcare crisis, getting vital medicines to people who need them, battling the opioid crisis . . . and we support that lifesaving work.

Our clients are the workers putting up new buildings, keeping our food supply safe, and repairing elevators . . . and we help protect and grow that work. Our clients are the museums teaching people about the past, about New York’s story, and about play . . . and we help them expand their footprint and their offerings. Our clients are the schools teaching children to read and educating a workforce and using AI to solve all kinds of problems . . . and we help fund and support that work.”

Joanna Pasceri, OD&A’s director of communications, writes, “Working with the best and brightest in the business!”

Emily Sullivan, an OD&A associate, writes, “There are several things that I think make OD&A one of the best places to work — first and foremost is our incredible team. You really couldn’t ask for a better group to work with! And I think the second most important thing about what makes OD&A so great is the work we do. We make a lot of real, meaningful differences in people's lives, and I’m very grateful to have the chance to do so.”

Lauren Vorhees, an OD&A associate, writes, “I think what makes OD&A such a great place to work is the team, hands down, and that is also an ode to the values Jack has instilled in the entire organization. OD&A is a prime example of what a good work culture looks like, and what also makes it worthy of this recognition is the clients we have the opportunity to work with and advocate for.

Our clients are part of the driving force making New York a better place, and they make our work all the more fulfilling.”