CAITLIN O'CONNOR

Caitlin O’Connor advises Ceisler Media clients on all aspects of media relations. She is an expert at pitching stories and getting them placed, crafting effective communications strategies, and building and sustaining clients’ reputations.  

 

In her role, Caitlin works with a variety of Ceisler’s corporate, advocacy, and nonprofit clients where she plans communications campaigns. She advises clients on media messaging, builds coalitions and secures grassroots supporters, serves as an on-the-record spokesperson, writes communications materials like op-eds, and handles media buying. Additionally, she has developed an expertise in crisis communications, working with clients to help them deal with unforeseen incidents and navigate the response process. That role involves serving as a media gatekeeper, monitoring media coverage, facilitating community relations, and working with stakeholders.  

 

She joined Ceisler Media's Pittsburgh office in 2016. Prior to her work at the firm, she spent more than seven years in the political sphere where she held a variety of roles working for two members of the U.S. Congress: Congressman Tim Murphy and Senator Arlen Specter—before and after the famous party switch. She worked as a Legislative Correspondent on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., for Congressman Murphy where she managed the Congressman’s constituent and executive correspondence, and a variety of policy issues and congressional caucuses. She served as a caseworker for Senator Specter in his Northwest Regional office in Erie.  

She has a master’s degree in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Georgetown University, and a bachelor’s degree in Journalism (magna cum laude) from George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs. While in college, served as a student volunteer for several semesters at The White House in the Office of Presidential Correspondence during the Bush Administration.  

 

A native of Pittsburgh, Caitlin resides in the South Hills.