Beekeeper Group is thrilled to welcome Lauren Tyler as our new Chief of Staff. Lauren joins the firm from DC-based strategic communications agency, Adfero, where she most recently served as Chief of Staff and played a central role in scaling operations, strengthening cross-team strategy, and supporting high-impact public affairs work. At Beekeeper Group, she will lead firmwide coordination, serve as a strategic advisor, and help build the infrastructure behind the firmโs expanding portfolio and support the Hiveโs next wave of growth.
Lauren brings more than a decade of experience in public affairs, communications, and agency leadership. She is deeply involved with both the Public Affairs Council and Washington Women in Public Relations, where she was recently named to the 2026 Advisory Council; reflecting her ongoing commitment to supporting and elevating communications professionals across the region.
โLaurenโs leadership, strategic mindset, and passion for building high-performing teams will be invaluable as we continue to scale Beekeeper Group,โ said Alex Dickinson, Managing Partner. โHer experience guiding organizational growth and aligning teams around clear priorities positions us to meet our 2026 goals and deliver best-in-class advocacy solutions for our clients. We are excited to partner closely with her to write the next chapter of the Hiveโs success.โ
Managing Partner Alex Dickinson sat down with Lauren to discuss her work, the future of advocacy, and hear her DC hot takes.
AD: Having successfully guided major communications and public affairs efforts for over a decade, youโve seen the industry evolve rapidly. What is the single biggest trend or shift you think organizations need to be prepared for in the advocacy space right now?
LT: The biggest and most impactful shift happens to be the buzzword everyone is tired of hearing about: artificial intelligence. AI is rapidly changing many aspects of our lives, and the communications and public affairs industry is no exception. Beyond using AI tools to create efficiencies and improve processes, communicators must consider how AI, and more specifically large language models, are shaping strategy. If generative or answer engine optimization, often referred to as GEO or AEO, are not already part of your communications and content strategy, they will be a critical component to consider in 2026.
AD: Youโre actively involved with Washington Women in Public Relations and committed to elevating emerging leaders. What is the most important quality you look for in the next generation of advocacy professionals?
LT: One quality I consistently look for in teammates, and emphasize with young professionals, is reliability. It sounds simple, but doing what you say you will do, when you say you will do it goes a long way in the professional world. Especially in a town like DC, where relationships and reputation matter, reliability is a trait that is remembered and deeply valued.
AD: What was the first thing that excited you or stood out to you about Beekeeper Groupโs culture, mission, or approach to advocacy when you were first considering joining the team?
LT: While I am new to the team, I have been a longtime friend of Beekeeper Group. The firmโs clear and direct mission of helping clients reach the right people, with the right message, at the right time strongly resonates with the communicator in me. The firmโs values, rooted in collaboration, continuous learning, accountability, and pride in our work, are closely aligned with my own values and leadership style.
AD: As a DC native and a music lover, what is your all-time favorite concert venue in the DC area? And what was your Spotify Wrapped listening age?
LT: The Anthem is hands down my favorite concert venue in the area. The neighborhood is accessible, thereโs plenty to do at the Wharf before and after concerts, and the lineup is consistently top-notch. I have seen everyone from Robyn to The 1975 to Tinashe to MUNA there, and Iโm always looking forward to my next show. According to Spotify, my listening age is 45. I have embraced 2025 as a year of nostalgia and apparently spent a lot of time listening to late 90s music. Case in point: my top album was Millennium by the Backstreet Boys, and Iโm not ashamed to say it.
AD: As a born and raised Washingtonian, do you have any DC food hot takes?
LT: While Iโm not a foodie, I do consider myself a burger connoisseur. If you have not tried the burger at Luluโs Winegarden in the U Street neighborhood, I highly recommend it.