Our Team
John O’Connell, President and CEO
For more than 25 years, John has consistently delivered results. Whether shaping public campaigns, impacting the outcome of legislation, implementing public affairs programs, or changing the narrative of the media, John creates your strategy and then wins.
John has written and lectured on a number of topics, including tort reform and Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit program. In 2001, John was a regular host on WPHT AM radio's "The Big Talker," which covered hot button political topics in Pennsylvania and across the nation.
Prior to launching Emerald Strategies in 2005, John served in the Administration of Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge and served as a key aide to former Pennsylvania Speaker of the House John Perzel.
Currently, John also serves as the President of Trinity Group, a Harrisburg-based public relations and strategic communications firm, and as the executive producer of Expedition Chesapeake, a multi-media educational and entertainment experience designed to inspire the 17 million residents of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed to become better stewards of the environment.
AJ Marsico, Esq., Senior Partner
For 20 years, A.J. has worked in all aspects of state politics and government in Pennsylvania. For the last 15 years, A.J. has been one of the most effective lobbyists in Pennsylvania, winning a variety of issues for his clients. Prior to joining Emerald Strategies, A.J. was the managing director of the Philadelphia office for one the the largest lobbying firms in the state. He could often be found in the midst of high-profile and challenging legislative battles during that time, often coming out on the winning side. He brings a unique and valuable experience to our clients and is able to advocate on their behalf with his unsurpassed relationships in the Capitol. A.J. began his career in politics working on various political campaigns and uses that training when developing a winning lobbying strategy.
A.J. has spoken on lobbying and Pennsylvania politics in front of various statewide associations and national industry trade groups. He is a graduate of Villanova University and the The Dickinson School of Law and resides in center city Philadelphia.
