Fenton: Social Change Communications Firm Since 1982

Fenton is a New York communications firm founded in 1982 by David Fenton and Robert Pollock, which describes itself as the first national communications firm dedicated to social change. Valarie De La Garza is CEO. It serves nonprofits, foundations, advocates and brands on progressive issues, and its recent work includes voter outreach for Los Angeles County, event programs for Hyundai Hope On Wheels and communications for Stop AAPI Hate.

Originally published September 2026. Updated October 20, 2026.

Who founded and leads Fenton?

David Fenton and Robert Pollock founded the firm in 1982, according to Wikipedia. Valarie De La Garza was named CEO in March 2021 after serving as interim CEO since Ben Wyskida stepped down in January, Provoke Media reported. She was the first woman and first person of color to lead the firm. She previously led communications and marketing at the California Community Foundation, according to the firm's people page, which also says Fenton is a woman-led agency with a majority people-of-color leadership team.

What does Fenton do?

Fenton describes its work as strategic communications, audience engagement and campaigns for clients championing progressive issues, aiming to raise awareness and generate support for a more just, equitable and sustainable world. EPR's public affairs and nonprofit PR pages cover the wider discipline.

What has Fenton accomplished recently?

The PR Net's 2025 profile says Fenton had record growth in 2024, bringing in more than 50 new clients, an agency-reported figure. The same profile cites several projects: voter outreach for the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk across digital, out-of-home and multilingual channels; 75 events for Hyundai Hope On Wheels during National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month; support for Stacey Abrams' American Pride Rises initiative; taxpayer outreach for Los Angeles County; the launch of the Annie E. Casey Foundation's 2024 KIDS COUNT Databook; and round-the-clock support for Stop AAPI Hate following mass shootings.

How has Fenton changed in recent years?

Sustainability Tracker reports that Fenton surveyed clients and staff in 2023 and worked with Bushwick Digital on its first major rebrand in 10 years, keeping the name and adding a new identity and the tagline "Strategists for Social Change." The firm says it grew from about 55 staff to more than 100 over that decade. Its gun safety task force also developed a messaging guide for communicating about gun violence.

Which clients has Fenton worked with?

InfluenceWatch lists nonprofit clients including Color of Change, Stop AAPI Hate, Science Moms, RAICES, the Citizens' Committee for Children and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. Fenton's own materials and The PR Net also name the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Hyundai Hope On Wheels.

How does Fenton compare with other communications firms?

Fenton focuses on advocacy and cause work rather than commercial brand PR, which puts it between the public affairs and nonprofit categories. The table points to the EPR pages that cover each angle.

Related: PR agency profiles, PR leaders, Public affairs, Nonprofit PR, New York PR firms, 5W Public Relations