Early Returns Podcast - Election Year Insights with Public Affairs Council CEO Nneka Chiazor
Early Returns Law & Politics Podcast with Jan Baran
In this episode of Early Returns, host Jan Baran speaks with Nneka Chiazor, President and CEO of the Public Affairs Council, about the critical role public affairs professionals play in navigating the intersection of business, community, and society. As Washington enters a midterm election year with all House seats and a third of the Senate on the ballot, they discuss how the business community is preparing for the political landscape ahead. Chiazor explains how the Public Affairs Council, a 70-year-old organization with over 700 members and offices in Washington and Brussels, helps advance the field through research, training, and convening opportunities that address everything from lobbying and grassroots advocacy to corporate PACs and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
The conversation expands upon key trends affecting public affairs professionals, including how businesses are adapting their advocacy strategies in an era of hyperpolarization, how a high percentage of corporate leadership is spending more and encouraging employees to donate to PACs, the growing importance of corporate purpose, and the impact of new technologies on stakeholder engagement. Additionally, they touch upon international developments driven by shifting geopolitical dynamics and tariff policies, while also examining state-level campaign finance that could have broader implications. Chiazor emphasizes how public affairs professionals serve as strategic advisors who help organizations navigate volatility and complexity while building trust and maintaining their license to operate in an increasingly scrutinized
