PRACTICE AREA
SIGNAL OUTDOORS
At Signal, we are more than just communicators—we are true outdoor experts.
Signal Outdoors is the first and only practice group dedicated to outdoor policy communications and public affairs. Representing a diverse cross section of companies, coalitions, and causes, we partner with clients to shape the conversation around the future of our outdoor spaces. Our bipartisan team brings deep passion for the outdoors and decades of expertise to advise the most trusted organizations that are focused on expanding land and water conservation, recreation, and economic impact.
OUR EXPERTISE
We navigate complex policy issues
Our team is powered by passionate consultants and strategists who are just as skilled at navigating complex federal policy issues as we are navigating the backcountry of our favorite outdoor places.
We tap our team’s diverse skill sets and experience to guide our work across a wide variety of issue areas. With decades of collective experience in federal government, including in Congressional leadership offices, the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, and the Department of the Interior, combined with our established media connections across industries, we bring a bipartisan lens and deep knowledge of conservation policy to the table.
Through our expertise and reputation with government officials, NGOs, the outdoor industry, charitable foundations, and media, we provide unmatched client service and execute public affairs strategies that elevate the important work of our clients.
Our expertise is battle tested in the work we do every day for our clients. We’ve fueled the success of campaigns across a range of sectors that drive outdoor policy, including the recreation industry, charitable foundations, clean energy companies, conservation and environmental nonprofits, and agriculture coalitions.
We navigate complex public affairs challenges, boost brand identity, secure game-changing media coverage, and change policy and legislation to support the outdoors. What sets us apart is our ability to be a true strategic partner who understands what you do—and what it takes to level up and break through.
Work with Signal Outdoors
Signal Outdoors is guided by our love of the outdoors and deep knowledge of the policies that make it possible to be outside.
Fill out the form to contact Jess McCarron today.
WHAT WE DO
Areas of Focus
Public
Lands
Outdoor
Recreation
Ocean
Conservation
Fisheries
and Wildlife
Climate and
Sustainability
Agriculture
and Forestry
Clean
Energy
FEATURED PROJECT
Sustainable Agriculture Campaign
Signal is an active multi-year partner with a nonprofit organization on a campaign building support for sustainable farming in upcoming federal policymaking. Using compelling personal stories from a diverse array of farmers, we were able to reach, engage, and ultimately build sustainable agriculture champions.
WHAT WE DO
Our Services
We activate communications, digital, and public affairs strategies to help our clients light the fire under important issues to make an impact on policy discussions and drive narratives across different platforms to reach targeted audiences.
Government + Public Affairs
Integrated Campaigns, Coalitions, Policy Messaging, Issue Analysis, International, Federal, State
Strategic Communications
Media Relations, Messaging, Crisis Management, Content Development
Digital Media + Targeting
Paid Ads, Social Media Strategy, Website Development, Audience Insights and Targeting
Creative Storytelling
Video Production, Animations, Graphic Design, Event Photo and Videography, Brand Development
Analytics + Data Science
Campaign Analysis, Research, Competitor Evaluation, KPI Development
Signal Labs
Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Influence Analysis, Product Development
TEAM
Featured Members
Jess McCarron
Executive Vice President, Chair
- Favorite Outdoor Activity
Gardening, kayaking, and spending as much time as possible at the beach.
Jess combines her passion for nature with her policy expertise to advise communications strategy for a variety of clients with a focus in conservation, ocean protection, renewable energy, public lands, recreation, agriculture, and other issue areas. Drawing from her 12+ years of experience as a trusted advisor and spokesperson to senior leadership in government and nonprofits, Jess takes a creative approach to storytelling and problem solving to help clients break through and shape the conversation around high-profile issues.
Blake Androff
Chief Executive Officer, Advisor
- Favorite Outdoor Activity
Quiet, crisp morning hiking to alpine lakes in Grand Teton National Park.
Blake is the Chief Executive Officer of Signal and serves as a strategic advisor to Signal Outdoors. Blake helps outdoor recreation and conservation clients at the intersection of press, policy, and politics as they navigate Washington, D.C.’s unforgiving media climate and ever-changing political landscape. Blake brings together institutional knowledge of the Capitol; superb relations with reporters, Members, and Hill staff; an extensive network of conservation advocates; and smart and strategic positioning to deliver exceptional results for clients.
Rob Bole
Head of Innovation, Advisor
- Favorite Outdoor Activity
I learned to love catch-and-release fly fishing.
Rob has worked at the confluence of media, business, and government in leading digital media and communications in the U.S. and around the world. He has helped lead digital business strategy at leading media companies, designed and developed digital products to engage audiences, and collaborated with senior leaders at Fortune 500 companies and in U.S. foreign policy in formulating and executing information campaigns.
Allison Kimble
Senior Vice President, Digital
- Favorite Outdoor Activity
Running, hiking, and farmers markets!
Allison brings 15 years of experience building integrated media strategies for digital advertising, social media, email, website, and rapid response programs that empower organizations to better reach their goals. Having spent her career working on political campaigns, building marketing and communications programs for nonprofits, and leading multi-million dollar, integrated digital, PR, and creative teams for some of the most visible brands in the United States, Allison has honed an approach to digital communications and PR that centers on data and insights to drive engagement through impactful storytelling.
Grace Dahl
Vice President, Analytics and Intelligence
- Favorite Outdoor Activity
Hiking while stopping often to identify plants.
Grace leads strategic approach and analytics strategy across Signal’s diverse portfolio of clients. Leveraging her years of expertise driving digital analytics strategy for fortune 500 companies, Grace guides client teams in identifying the metrics that matter and creating measurement solutions that feed into bigger picture goals.
Vincent Sheu
Senior Director, Creative Impact
- Favorite Outdoor Activity
Recreating at state parks around the DMV.
Vincent utilizes his digital expertise and strategic communications skills to help his clients navigate the break-neck pace of digital media. He weaves together his extensive experience with video editing, graphic design, photography, and copywriting for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and e-mail newsletters to develop social media strategies that make an impact.
Julian Graham
Director, Trade and International Affairs
- Favorite Outdoor Activity
Playing, coaching, and refereeing rugby.
Julian works as a Director on Signal’s Communications team providing strategic communications advice to government and corporate clients. Prior to joining Signal, Julian worked at Portland Communications, advising international clients on communications and government relations strategies.
Mary Lieb
Director, Food, Agriculture, and Solar Energy
- Favorite Outdoor Activity
Running around the National Mall.
Mary is a communications professional with a background spanning the National Endowment for the Arts, U.S. House of Representatives, a boutique public affairs firm, and the Obama White House press office. Her expertise extends into engaging with constituent groups through innovative strategies and platforms—a passion she brings to Signal.
Will Burdulis
Senior Manager, Outdoor Recreation and Public Lands
- Favorite Outdoor Activity
Escaping DC for the weekend to hike and camp in Shenandoah National Park.
Will elevates clients’ presence and impact by managing integrated communications campaigns. At Signal, Will brings expertise in campaign management, media relations, digital communications, digital design, marketing, and social media to execute communications strategies for clients. His work includes engagements with multiple trade associations, patient organizations, Tribal nations, D.C. events, and Signal’s marketing efforts. Will manages clients’ social media strategies, digital messaging, online presence, and communications strategies to achieve their public affairs goals in Washington and beyond.
Samah Shaiq
Senior Manager, Ocean, Clean Energy, and Sustainability
- Favorite Outdoor Activity
I love hiking somewhere scenic!
Samah Shaiq is a communications professional with a strong background in high-profile political and government affairs. Her expertise includes rapid response, crisis communications, and media relations. She has strategized media planning and messaging on a wide range of policy issues including clean energy and climate, immigration, healthcare, and economy. Prior to joining Signal, Samah served in the Biden-Harrison administration as Deputy Press Secretary for Secretary Jennifer Granholm at the U.S. Department of Energy. She used her passion for climate policy to lead the communications strategy for several programs including the Department’s solar, wind, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing and supply chain initiatives.
Sharky Thomas
Senior Manager, Digital Advertising
- Favorite Outdoor Activity
Spending time at Glencarlyn Dog Park with my pup.
Sharky is a Senior Manager, Digital Advertising, overseeing the planning, execution, and optimization of paid digital campaigns and social media strategy on behalf of Signal’s clients. A native of South Africa, Sharky has worked across several digital advertising platforms representing coalitions, nonprofits, corporate organizations, arts and entertainment, education services, healthcare, environmental organizations, and more.
Emmy Keene
Manager, Outdoors Social Media Content
- Favorite Outdoor Activity
I love getting to visit national parks, zoos, and gardens to see all the flora and fauna.
Emmy brings over seven years of experience in marketing and communications, with a focus on social media strategy, content creation, and community engagement. By combining creative storytelling with data-driven insights, she develops campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. Her experience includes assisting in the launch of various touring Broadway productions, promoting community events, and managing the social accounts for public health and local government organizations.
Grace Smith
Manager, Outdoors Communications
- Favorite Outdoor Activity
Hiking with my pup.
Grace brings a deep and diverse background spanning federal government, political campaigns, and climate policy to the Signal Outdoors team. Her work is driven by a mission to build bridges between communities and foster collective power and progress. She is especially passionate about transforming complex ideas into clear, compelling stories—crafting narratives that resonate, inspire, and connect, always guided by a spirit of joy and humor.
Zach Shapiro
Senior Associate, Clean Energy and Climate
- Favorite Outdoor Activity
Hiking or skiing in the mountains.
Zach leverages his background in writing and media relations to help a broad range of clients find their voice and reach the right audience. He enjoys the challenge of devising a targeted media engagement plan, formed through holistic and creative thinking, and seeing it advance the brand and/or goals of a good organization or company. A former intern at Signal Group, Zach rejoined the team in a full-time role in 2024 after honing his skills at another DC-based agency.
Emily Fisher
Associate, Ocean, Outdoor Recreation and Public Lands
- Favorite Outdoor Activity
Going up to the White Mountains in New Hampshire where I grew up hiking.
Emily serves as an Outdoors Associate at Signal where she represents nonprofits, companies, coalitions, and causes focused on public lands, conservation, ocean protection, climate, sustainability, and outdoor recreation policy. Emily's passion for the outdoors stems from her lifelong involvement in scouting and hands-on experience in conservation work.
Mia Iannios
Associate, Food, Agriculture, and Public Health
- Favorite Outdoor Activity
I love hiking and try to do a big hike every time I travel to a new country.
Mia supports Signal’s agriculture and healthcare accounts as a Communications Associate. Mia brings a global and interdisciplinary perspective to her work, shaped by past communications internships at the World Resources Institute and the American Council on Renewable Energy. In summer 2024, she also interned in Japan at Kyoto University’s Graduate School of Agriculture, working on a USAID project across Southeast Asia.
LATEST INSIGHTS
Read About Our Outdoor Work
Signal Group Continues to Expand to Support Growing Renewable Energy & Outdoor Industry Work
Samah Shaiq joins Signal following stints as Deputy Press Secretary for both U.S. Department of Energy and Speaker Pelosi
Signal Outdoors Spotlight: Jess McCarron
Meet Jess, Signal Outdoors Executive Vice President and resident nature enthusiast.