Direct Impact Spotlight: Maura Hogan

Direct Impact has recently acquired the talent of Maura Hogan as a Senior Vice President. Previously, Maura worked as Senior Vice President at BCW for over 3 ½ years focusing on corporate reputation, public affairs, and ESG/sustainability until she recently transitioned to the Direct Impact team!

Maura has done it all — from her early days as a communications aide on Capitol Hill to digital/social strategy at the State Department to helping clients inside and outside of Washington develop and execute successful communications and message strategies. She brings years of experience in politics and communications to her work at DI.

We sat down with Maura to learn about her background, interests, and formidable career as a communications professional.

Before BCW

Before joining BCW, Maura was an assistant vice president for Global Marketing and Corporate Communications at State Street Corporation in Boston. 

Prior to that role, she served as digital communications and strategy advisor to U.S. Secretary of State John F. Kerry and U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment Catherine Novelli at the U.S. Department of State in the Bureau of Public Affairs. She was also the Department’s chief liaison to the White House Office of Digital Strategy as part of the all-federal agency digital communications working group.

Before her time in the Bureau of Public Affairs, Maura led all communications strategy and efforts for the State Department’s Office of Public-Private Partnerships, elevating cross-sector partnerships at the highest levels, including on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly. Before the State Department, Maura worked on Capitol Hill in the U.S. Senate for U.S. Senator William “Mo” Cowan, serving as his press secretary, as well as then-U.S. Senator John F. Kerry, serving as his deputy press secretary and spokesperson. 

Maura holds a Bachelor of Journalism (ABJ) degree from the University of Georgia’s Grady School of Journalism and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a concentration in corporate strategy from the Boston College Carroll School of Management.

Early Days

What was your very first job? 

“My first job was at a small coffee shop in my hometown of Narragansett, Rhode Island. If I could go back and do it again, I am not sure I would pick a summer job with shifts that started at 5:30 am!”

You have had such an exciting career in the intersection of communications, media, and public affairs. What did you study in college, and what career did you think you would pursue? 

“I went to journalism school at the University of Georgia. I started school off thinking I would pursue a career in broadcast and work towards landing my dream job at CNN. That focus eventually shifted as I took more classes in public relations and political science.”

Leadership 

Throughout your career, you have seen many different forms of leadership. What qualities make a great female leader?

“Authentic, determined, advocate, transparent. I think female leaders are at their best when they are making room at the table for more women or bringing more women along as they open doors. Too often, we see successful women feeling like they must be competitive against other women to continue being successful, and that is just not the case.”

Agreed! What is your biggest piece of advice for young women coming up in the media and communications industry? 

“Absorb everything! Ask questions. No job or task is too small when you are starting out, and there is always a learning opportunity.”

The Power of Local

As a seasoned grassroots and communications expert, why do you think local matters? 

“Local touches the hearts and minds of communities across the country. It is the conversation around the issues directly affecting people and these communities.”

Personal

We would love to know what tv shows, books, and podcasts you’re currently into in your free time. 

“I am very behind on my growing list of books and podcasts to tackle, but a few shows I just finished and loved include Anatomy of a Scandal, Bridgerton, and Succession. My all-time favorite shows include Parks & Recreation and The West Wing.”

Love those! Outside of work, what are your hobbies/personal interests? 

“I am a new mom to a 5-month-old baby boy, so he has taken over a lot of my hobbies lately! Otherwise, I love going to dinner with friends or heading to one of the many New England beaches in the summertime.”

Thanks, Maura! DI is glad to have you onboard!