DCI Group

DCI Group Managing Partner Justin Peterson Weighs in on Puerto Rican Debt Restructuring ⏩ DCI Group Managing Partner Justin Peterson recently spoke at Terry Smith's Yield Municipal Bond Conference in Greenwich, CT, where he joined a panel to explore lessons learned from the default of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Justin, who served as a member of the Puerto Rico Financial Management and Oversight Board from 2020 to 2023, discussed Puerto Rico’s restructuring along with Foundation Credit Founder and CEO Hector Negroni, Faegre Drinker Partner Laura Appleby and Bank of America’s Head of Municipal Trading Jude Arena. The panel was moderated by Ian Rogow, Director and Co-Head of Municipal Bond Research at BofA Securities.   Justin and others on the panel discussed the implications of the ongoing restructuring of Puerto Rico’s debt on future potential distressed municipal debt situations. The panel also spoke about how the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act of 2016 has shaped bondholder engagement with the Commonwealth. Justin emphasized the need for the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) to emerge from bankruptcy as key to attracting investment into a business-sustaining energy infrastructure for Puerto Rico. He also said the Oversight Board and the Commonwealth should prioritize reliability and affordability by using American natural gas to power Puerto Rico’s energy grid. Through years of work on high-profile restructurings such as Puerto Rico and General Motors, Justin has help position DCI Group as a sought-after advisor in the creditor advocacy space. 

DCI Group spiced things up with the Strategic Alliances Team’s annual Chili Cook Off! DCI-ers showcased their culinary skills and competed for the coveted title of Chili Champion. 🏆 Finalists took home prizes, but everyone left with full bellies!🍴

DCI Group’s work to support evangelicals in Ukraine continues to make inroads with U.S. policymakers. The Associated Press recently profiled Yaroslav Pyzh, a pastor from Lviv, and the outreach he and others are doing to talk about religious persecution in the region.   “We’re proud to be part of this important work to build bridges between Ukrainian and U.S. evangelicals,” said Dan Combs, DCI Group’s project lead. 📰 Read more: https://bit.ly/3YqAMOr

DCI Group VP and Head of our Florida office Juan C. (JC) Flores recently had the opportunity to guest lecture in Professor Slater W. Bayliss’s class at FSU College of Social Sciences & Public Policy. JC highlighted some of the key elements of the political process and policy making. The conversation focused on how various stakeholders—public affairs professionals, lobbyists, and the media—interact and collaborate within these processes to shape outcomes. A central theme of the discussion was the mutual dependence of these groups. Public affairs professionals serve as essential intermediaries, translating policy initiatives and political goals into messages that resonate with stakeholders. Lobbyists provide expertise and advocacy, ensuring that the interests of their clients or industries are effectively represented to policymakers. Meanwhile, the media plays a crucial role by informing the public, shaping narratives, and holding actors accountable. These groups do not operate in silos. They are intertwined within a system that thrives on relationships and strategic communication. Students were encouraged to think critically about the ethical considerations involved, such as transparency and the responsible use of influence. Providing insights and guidance to the next generation is essential for equipping future leaders to navigate the complexities of public policy and the political landscape. #futureleaders #COSSPP

This summer, DCI Group partner Dan Combs travelled with Brendan Welsh and Allan Kupka to Ukraine to participate in the National Prayer Breakfast of Ukraine. Dan recently sat down with Abigail Speciale to reflect on his experience. 📺Watch more:

Employee Spotlight 🔦 Meet Lenora Davis! Lenora is an account associate on our client services team.

Employee Spotlight 🔦 Introducing Senior Account Executive Hannah Student! Hannah is a key asset of our Digital team.

DCI Group hosted a fireside chat with former Indian Cabinet Minister Smriti Irani. Ms. Irani served as a Cabinet Minister with the ruling party, BJP, between 2014 to 2024, covering Education; Women & Child Development; Information and Broadcasting; Textiles; and Minority Affairs. Currently, she chairs the Alliance for Global Good - Gender Equity and Equality.   Managing Partner Brian McCabe and Ms. Irani delved into a variety of topics during the discussion, including some of India's electoral history, the relationship between India and the U.S. regarding economic growth, India's diplomatic muscles and intentions, misconceptions about the nation, and more.   Thank you, Smriti Irani, for such a lively and insightful conversation! And Tim Hyde for capturing the event! #India #SmritiIrani

Employee Spotlight 🔦 Meet Senior Account Executive, Brendan Welsh! Brendan joined DCI Group in April from his previous position as a Communications Director on Capitol Hill.

A team from DCI Group recently came back from Ukraine where they had the privilege of contributing to the National Prayer Breakfast of Ukraine. At the breakfast, DCI Group partner Dan Combs spoke about the work we’re doing to motivate religious communities here in the U.S. to stand up for religious freedom in Ukraine.   The religious persecution of Ukrainian Christians has been a largely untold story in mainstream war reporting. At DCI Group, we’re committed to bringing this critical issue to the forefront for American audiences and policymakers.   A recent piece from The Washington Post is helping to drive this discussion   ⬇ Check out the article below: https://lnkd.in/eeFTDeEJ