About
Chief Strategies is a strategic communications and public affairs firm with unrivaled expertise in government affairs, public policy, strategic communications, coalition building, and community outreach.
Our team brings:
- Vast experience in strategic communications, media relations, branding, reputation-building, and securing paid and earned media for our clients;
- An impressive record of advancing legislative, administrative, and regulatory goals in addition to building comprehensive government and communications strategies;
- Fast-paced, highly targeted advocacy approaches focused on stakeholder engagement and the advancement of key issues;
- High-touch creative that takes a story-driven approach to create attention-grabbing content; and
- Thoughtful stakeholder engagement and tailored outreach to activate multicultural, multilingual communities.
We take a hands-on approach to provide our clients with a custom communication strategy that cuts through the media clutter and tells your story through different mediums.
Team
Brian Stedge-Stroud Executive Vice President
Brian’s career in government and politics spans 18 years and two coasts. He has held roles in the New York State Senate, the California State Assembly, and oversaw the Southern California office for a national public affairs firm.
Brian cut his teeth in New York politics, managing three shocking victories for State Senate candidates. Those campaigns flipped the New York State Senate to Democratic control for the first time in over 40 years. As Deputy Communications Director for the New York State Senate Majority, Brian crafted communications campaigns to reform New York State’s draconian Rockefeller Drug Laws, pass the MTA Rescue and Reform package, and balance the budget after the crippling 2008 Mortgage Recession.
In the California State Assembly, Brian served as Communications and District Director for Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian, where he led communications and public outreach to support lifesaving earthquake retrofit legislation for seismically vulnerable apartment buildings, the creation of California’s State Child Savings Account, and $15 million for park and open space expansion throughout the City of Los Angeles.
Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon appointed Brian to serve on the Upper Los Angeles River and Tributaries Working Group, where he developed a revitalization plan that identified over 300 recreation and conservation projects to bring open- space amenities to more than 625,000 residents. Brian serves as Commissioner on the City of Santa Monica Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission and was the former Vice Chair of the City of Santa Monica Social Services Commission. He has advocated for increased renters’ assistance, a Universal Basic Income Program, and social services-focused Development Agreements to protect the city’s most vulnerable.
Brian currently works with Fortune 500 companies, governments, and advocacy organizations to solve complex policy and political issues to improve the quality of life for working families.
Areen Ibranossian CEO
After working at the highest levels of L.A. City Hall for nearly two decades, in addition to leading a national public affairs company, Areen founded Chief Strategies, a boutique public affairs and advocacy firm with deep roots in the LA metro area. Areen pairs his extensive experience in L.A. government and politics with top-tier communications and political strategy to help lead projects to success.
Prior to founding Chief Strategies, Areen served as Chief of Staff to Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Krekorian. Here, he oversaw all aspects of the office’s policy portfolio, with a focus on local job creation and the city’s multi-billion-dollar budget. In this capacity, Areen was integral to creating the city’s newly created Job and Economic Development Incentive (JEDI) Zones to spur business development across Los Angeles. He also served as campaign manager for Councilmember Krekorian’s successful City Council bids in 2009, 2011, and 2015.
Areen’s experience in LA City Hall extends back to 2003 when he worked for then-LA City Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa. He went on to serve in Villaraigosa’s mayoral administration as special assistant to the mayor, as well as a senior budget director in the mayor’s budget and finance shop where he focused on energy and environmental issues. Areen also has a long list of victories on the political side, having worked on numerous races at the local and national levels, including President Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign, in addition to campaigns for Congressmember Adam Schiff, Mayor Villaraigosa, and many others. Chief Strategies current client list includes numerous Fortune 500 companies such as CVS Health, Tesla, Verizon, Sunrun, and other confidential clients who are at the top of their respective industries.
London Taylor Vice President, Government Relations
London has led statewide and local initiatives across the public and private sectors, including managing coalition engagement for the California Democratic Party. He has advised national campaigns and advocacy efforts as a consultant with Hilltop Public Solutions and brings years of experience working at the intersection of legislation, community engagement, and regulatory strategy.
With a strong foundation in California politics, coalition strategy, and public affairs, London Taylor helps clients navigate government systems, engage key stakeholders, and advance policy goals with clarity and impact.
In Los Angeles, London has worked directly with city and county government stakeholders to support policy and initiatives. His experience includes organizing around workforce & labor relations, engaging departments and council offices on public service issues, and helping organizations understand the inner workings of LA City Hall.
From supporting multi-year contract negotiations at one of California’s largest universities to guiding public outreach strategies around state & local government priorities, London’s work has consistently bridged diverse interests to deliver results. He is known for his ability to translate complex political dynamics into actionable strategies for clients in industries ranging from education and healthcare to real estate and workforce development.
London currently serves on the Board of Directors for Rainbow Labs, a nonprofit supporting leadership and opportunity for LGBTQIA+ youth. His experience across campaign, government, and community spaces brings a comprehensive perspective to solving today’s policy challenges.