Our clients are incredibly diverse. In order to meet their needs, we need to be experts in a variety of fields and communication styles. We are a small company with vast experience. Our team includes former Congressional Hill Staffers, Lawyers, Marketing and Public Relations Directors, and Television Producers. Together, we understand and can find the right messages to communicate the issues and frame the debate for our clients

Senior Staff
Frank I. Luntz
Michael Maslansky
Larry Moscow
David Bass
Lee Carter
Maritza DiSciullo
Jeff Lichtman
Nick Wright
Keith Yazmir
Linda Ramiza

Luntz, Maslansky Team
Thayer Fox

Justin Altum
Patrick Buckley
Jim Jeffries
Joe Randazzo

Michelle Dushi
Caleb Smith

Frank I. Luntz
Frank Luntz is one of the most honored communication professionals in America today. "Time Magazine" named him one of “50 of America’s most promising leaders aged 40 and under” and he is the “hottest pollster” in America according to the "Boston Globe." Frank was named one of the four “Top Research Minds” by Business Week and was the winner of the coveted Washington Post “Crystal Ball” award for being the most accurate pundit in 1992.Public Television's Bill Moyers had this to say about Frank: "He's a magician with a gift for the politics of words and what words best connect with the hearts and minds of the public." Said comedian Al Franken: "Asking Frank Luntz if he understands public opinion is like asking Julia Childs if she knows how to make a soufflé."

Dr. Luntz has written, supervised, and conducted more than 1,500 surveys, focus groups and dial sessions in more than two dozen countries and four continents over the past decade. Frank has become the go-to consultant when Fortune 100 companies need communication and language guidance: from General Motors to Federal Express; Disney to American Express; from AT&T to Pfizer; from Kroger supermarkets to McDonalds; and the entire soft drink and motion picture industry; as well as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; the National Association of Manufacturers and the Business Roundtable.

The Instant Response focus group technique pioneered by Frank was profiled on “60 Minutes.” He has also been a guest on “Meet the Press,” “Nightline,” “The Today Show,” The News Hour with Jim Lehrer,” “Good Morning America,” “Hannity and Colmes,” “Crossfire,” “Capital Gang,” “Montel Williams,” “Charlie Rose,” “Real Time with Bill Maher" and “Hardball with Chris Matthews.” He also served as a consultant to the award-winning NBC hit show “The West Wing”. More media outlets have turned to Dr. Luntz to understand the hopes and fears of Americans than to any other political pollster.

In the 2000 election cycle, Frank conducted almost two dozen focus groups for MSNBC and CNBC, including live sessions following each night of both party conventions and presidential debates. His reoccurring segments on MSNBC/CNBC, “100 Days, and 1000 Voices” won a coveted Emmy Award in 2001.  He was a primary night and election night commentator for “The News with Brian Williams” on MSNBC in 2000 and for “Hardball” in 2004. Frank was the first and most vociferous public opinion expert to predict the GOP's demise in the 2006 congressional elections. Frank has conducted focus group sessions for all three major television networks, two of the three cable news channels, "PBS" and the "BBC". He also conducted focus groups for the "Wall Street Journal," "Newsweek," "The New Yorker," and "U.S. News & World Report."

Frank is the author of the much acclaimed Words that Work: It's Not What You Say it's What People Hear.

The book delves deeply into the art and science of language creation, examining how the simple choice of words can change the course of history. It's one of those rare publishing crossover success stories-- owning space on top best seller list for political as well as business books.

When he is not consulting, Dr. Luntz can usually be found in front of a classroom. From 1989 until 1996, he was an Adjunct Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. He has also taught at Harvard and George Washington. Frank lectured at two dozen colleges and universities. An accomplished author, he has written op-eds for “The Wall Street Journal,” “The New York Times,” “The Los Angeles Times,” “The Financial Times,” and “The Washington Post.”

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Michael Maslansky

Michael Maslansky is one of corporate America’s leading communications and research strategists.  As president of Luntz, Maslansky Strategic Research, he advises Fortune 500 corporations, industry associations, major litigation practices and non-profit organizations on what to say, how to say it and, most importantly, why it matters.

How CEOs, companies, and entire industries communicate – whether during crises, in advertising and public relations campaigns, or with investors, Congress or the American people – often means the difference between success and failure.  Clients from Pfizer to Bank of America to Microsoft to Starbucks turn to Michael to understand the public mood, challenge conventional wisdom and transform not just what they say to key audiences – but how they say it.

Michael shares with clients his in-depth understanding of hot-button issues in banking and financial services, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, corporate social responsibility and non-profits, technology and consumer products, and litigation and politics.  Over the years, he has helped Fortune 500 companies position and differentiate their brands and products during good times, and protect their reputations during crisis.  He has worked with industries to reframe the national debate over issues including Medicare, climate change, digital movie and music piracy, and, most recently, lead in Chinese imports.  And he has worked with a range of companies on corporate social responsibility efforts relating to the environment, public health and labor standards.

Michael’s strategic analysis builds on insights from his unique combination of expertise: battle-tested communications experience combined with a deep understanding of public opinion.  He has conducted hundreds of research projects in over 20 countries using his firm’s trademarked polling and focus group methodology, lauded by The New York Times, The Washington Post, The New Yorker, “60 Minutes,” “Nightline” and PBS’s “Frontline,” among others.

Additional clients that have sought Michael’s counsel include FedEx, Morgan Stanley, Procter & Gamble, UBS and The Walt Disney Company.  He has also worked with a wide range of industry associations including the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturer’s Association, the Personal Care Products Council, the Direct Marketing Association, and the New Orleans tourism industry.

Prior to being named President of LMSR, Michael founded MarketResearch.com, a leading market intelligence company where he served as president and remains on the Board.  Previously, he led a distinguished career as a corporate attorney with Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz.

Michael is a graduate of Columbia University Law School and the University of Pennsylvania.  He lives in New York City with his wife and two children.

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Larry Moscow

Larry Moscow is Senior Vice President of Luntz, Maslansky Strategic Research. A National Emmy award winning television producer, Larry spent more than two decades producing television news programs for PBS, CNN, and the NBC cable networks.

Larry’s journalism career has included stints directing coverage of Capitol Hill, the White House, and the regulatory agencies. As a business journalist, Larry has extensive experience covering topics ranging from international trade and monetary policy, to health care and the financial markets. While serving as part of the management team at CNBC, Larry led the redesign of the network’s financial news programming, including the creation of popular programs such as “Squawk Box” and “Power Lunch.”  Larry was also executive producer of PBS’s acclaimed “Wall Street Week with FORTUNE” and senior producer of MSNBC’s “The News with Brian Williams.”

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David Bass

David Bass joined LMSR in January 2008 as Vice President and Chief Development Officer, prior he spent four years at Qorvis Communications as Managing Director.  Previously he spent six years as the Deputy Publisher of the influential News Corporation property, The Weekly Standard.

Bass’ extensive and broad media experience includes The Washington Times, National Journal, Campaigns & Elections (including its grassroots and political training division) and the launch of The Hill Newspaper.  In various publishing capacities, his work has included corporate reputation, marketing, public relations, business development, strategic planning, media strategy and editorial contributions.  Throughout his career he has counseled major U.S and foreign corporations on communications and government relations strategies as relate to the Washington and National media markets.

Mr. Bass has counseled major media corporations as well as provided government relations and regulatory counsel for clients with the Departments of State, Energy, Treasury, Commerce and Defense as well as extensive work with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and state Departments of Insurance.  In 2004 David served as a White House Delegate to the World Technology Summit in Geneva.  And in December of 2006, at the behest of the U.S. State Department, was invited to serve on the U.S. Ambassadors to the Baltics Trade and Investment Mission in London.

Mr. Bass sits on the President’s Council of the Heritage Foundation as well as the Advisory Council of the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars.

Mr. Bass has been a political commentator, having appeared on CNBC and live weekly on the Fox News channel.  As well he is a Contributing Editor to Capitol File magazine where his recent interviews have included authors Christopher Hitchens and Andrew Ferguson as well US Editor of the London Times Gerard Baker, Senator John Breaux and lobbyist Tommy Boggs.

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Lee Carter

Lee Carter is a Vice President at Luntz, Maslansky Strategic Research and brings with her more than ten years of experience in marketing, product development, business development, strategic communications and government relations. She has worked on projects that have won the Webby Award, Financial Communications Society Portfolio Gold Award, and the Web Marketing Association Award.  Before joining Luntz, Maslansky she was a Director of Marketing at MetLife. She has completed both her Series 6 and 63 licenses.  A graduate of Furman University, Lee majored in History and Sociology. She also studied theater and architecture at the University of London.  She lives in New York City and is working on her first novel.

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Maritza DiSciullo

Maritza DiSciullo is a Vice President at Luntz, Maslansky.  She has returned to research consulting after most recently serving as Vice President of Research at XM Radio.  In her position at XM Radio, Maritza had responsibility for all research conducted by XM, including brand development; ad effectiveness; new product concept testing; customer satisfaction; audience measurement; programming research and pricing/offer development. 

Maritza is a seasoned research professional with nearly 20 years experience on both the client and supplier sides of the research industry.   Prior to joining XM, Maritza spent time on both the client and supplier sides of the research industry, and has worked as a focus group moderator on both sides of the fence.  She is an experienced focus group moderator and was among the first generation of researchers to adapt/modify traditional qualitative techniques for the online and internet age.  In addition to traditional focus groups, she is an expert at employing online focus groups; online diaries; ethnography and internet bulletin boards. 

Quantitatively, Maritza has a thorough knowledge of advanced statistical techniques including those used for segmentation (K-means, factor analysis, etc); pricing & product development (conjoint, discrete choice, etc) customer satisfaction (regression, key driver analysis, etc) and brand/advertising testing (choice modeling; factor analysis; etc).   Maritza was one of the first to employ an advanced form of discrete choice modeling now commonly used in Europe, known as SIMALTO.   

She has been a frequent speaker at research industry conferences on these all of these topics and has been published in industry journals. Maritza’s educational background is in sociology, psychology and criminology.

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Jeff Lichtman

Jeff is a Vice President at Luntz, Maslansky Strategic Research.  He came to LMSR from WMS Gaming, a leading manufacturer of slot machines, where he was executive director of product marketing and strategy.  While at WMS, Jeff led all worldwide efforts regarding qualitative and quantitative product research, player insight, industry trends and corporate strategy.  Prior to WMS, Jeff was at The Quaker Oats Company for almost a decade in progressively responsible positions for brands including Gatorade Thirst Quencher, Propel Fitness Water and Cap'n Crunch Cereal.  These roles included customer marketing, promotions, brand management, strategic planning, advertising and new product development.  Jeff's final role at Quaker was director of portfolio strategy for the Ready-To-Eat Cereal Division. 

Jeff received his B.A. in Communications from the University of Pennsylvania and his MBA from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Business at Northwestern University.  Jeff and his wife Samantha are parents to three boys.  He lives in Chicago, Illinois.

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Nick Wright

From the UK, Nick has over seven years experience in political and top-level corporate communications.  He previously worked in London and Brussels for Weber Shandwick Worldwide, The Company Agency and leading NGO The International Crisis Group (whose London office he helped to establish).  Before that, he worked as researcher/speechwriter for a number of Labour Party politicians in the UK.  He holds an honours degree in Politics and Economics, an MSc in International Relations from the University of London, and has written for various publications and political websites.  Some of his previous clients include HSBC, Transamerica/AEGON, Vodafone, BT, in addition to several NGOs and national governments.

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Keith Yazmir

Keith is a Vice President at Luntz, Maslansky Strategic Research. He brings nearly 20 years’ experience developing and implementing marketing and communications strategies in the corporate, governmental and non-profit arenas. Immediately before joining the company, he was in charge of a B-to-B communications campaign for the French Government. Prior to this, he ran the communications division of New York City’s official marketing agency, NYC &Company, where he played a key role in formulating crisis communications strategy following 9/11, served as official media spokesperson, oversaw the city’s television, print and radio ad campaigns and directed all public relations activities. Additionally, Keith has served in communications roles in the consumer magazine and international hospitality industries and worked in non-profit advocacy, public affairs and political campaigns. A native of New York City, he has traveled widely and lived in both Europe and Africa. He graduated from Oberlin College with a degree in government.

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Linda Ramiza

Linda Ramiza is the chief financial officer of Luntz, Maslansky Strategic Research. She has an accounting degree from Saint Leo University in Tampa, Florida. As a corporate controller for a growing biotechnology company for many years, she has a diverse business and accounting background. When not studying for the CPA exam, Linda will be focusing on the transition accounting from the recent acquisition by Omnicom and incorporating public level accounting requirements into the current business processes. In her spare time she is a golfing fiend and is comfortable with double bogeys.

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Thayer Fox

Thayer Fox is a senior project director in LMSR’s New York office.  Focusing mainly on consumer behavior and attitudes, Thayer leads major projects on subjects ranging from energy, transportation, insurance, and healthcare, to entertainment, media, and technology consumption. He moderates groups, writes speeches and analyses, as well as conducts presentations and training seminars for various clients.  Before coming to LMSR in 2004, Thayer was a Legislative Correspondent in the United States House of Representatives in Washington, D.C.  He is currently pursuing his Masters in Public Relations and Corporate Communications at NYU.  Thayer graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut with an honors degree in philosophy. A native of Philadelphia, Thayer hopes very much that one day the Eagles will win the Super Bowl.

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Justin Altum

Justin Altum is a senior project director at Luntz, Maslansky Strategic Research. During his time at LMSR, he has completed numerous projects and built messaging strategies for various non-profits and associations, as well as a professional sports franchise and numerous Fortune 500 companies. Prior to joining LMSR, Justin was with the Corporate Executive Board, a leading best practice research firm in Washington, DC, where he worked with leading companies around the world. Justin is a graduate of the College of Charleston with a degree in political science. A native of Indianapolis, Justin currently lives in Alexandria, VA with his fiancée, Kate, and their golden retriever, Cooper.

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Patrick Buckley

Patrick is an associate project director at Luntz, Maslansky.  Before joining the team, he worked as a writer and researcher at a New York-based non-profit organization.  Previous to that, he worked in the communications department of Gen. Wesley Clark’s presidential campaign and as a press aide for a production company in New York City.  Patrick has also worked as a freelance writer and editor.  He holds a fine arts degree in writing from Emerson College in Boston, MA.

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Jim Jeffries

Jim Jeffries comes to Luntz, Maslansky as an Associate Project Director after spending five years on the Hill working with several Republican Members of Congress in various communications capacities - most notably as a writer/speechwriter.  Having run for his life after first hearing the words “Speaker Pelosi,” Jim is happy to have found safe harbor as a conservative political writer at Luntz, Maslansky.  Originally from California, Jim lives in Arlington, VA, with his lovely, significantly less political – and, as a result, more sane – wife, Rachel.  

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Joe Randazzo

Joe is the Director of Qualitative Research and has been working at LMSR since 2002.  Among his many contributions to the company is a unique focus group participant recruiting program.  Joe originally hails from Brooklyn, New York, but moved to Washington, DC several years ago to pursue his interest in politics. He is an improv comedian with a bachelor’s degree in political science from American University.

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Elizabeth McRae

Elizabeth began as an intern at LMSR and is now a staff assistant.  She mostly works with Joe Randazzo, helping to set up and recruit focus groups.  She graduated from the University of St. Andrews with an MA in International Relations and spends her time outside the office plotting the exact boundaries of where one can find sweet tea, grits and Cheerwine.

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Laura Vanasche

Laura Vanasche is Director of Media Services at Luntz, Maslansky. Laura is responsible for all media related projects including dial sessions, video editing and production. Prior to joining LMSR, Laura worked in Northeast Ohio as a Field Representative for the College Republican National Committee during President Bush’s most recent campaign. Laura received a Bachelors of Arts in political science from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas.

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Kyle Barss

Kyle is a Media Tech Associate at Luntz, Maslansky Strategic Research.  He grew up in beautiful Shenandoah Valley in the world’s smallest town, Swoope, VA.  He attended James Madison University, where he earned a bachelors of arts in Media Arts & Design.  After graduation, he worked in Harrisonburg at a local TV station as a production assistant.  By then, he was tired of the countryside and decided to move to the DC area.  His only complaint is that they don’t serve sweet tea at restaurants

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Nathan Avant

Nathan Avant is a Media Tech Associate at Luntz, Maslansky Strategic Research. He was born in Oklahoma City before being transplanted to the Baltimore area, where he received his Bachelors Degree in Electronic Media and Film from Towson Univeristy. In his spare time Nathan makes movies and wonders who would win in a fight between a ninja and a grizzly bear.

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Jenn Dahm

Jenn is an Associate Project Director on the LMSR team. Born and raised in Belleville, Illinois, Jenn left the Midwest after completing her dual B.A. in English and Speech Communications from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana in May 2007. Jenn has previously served as an intern and staff assistant with LMSR. When not working, she enjoys reading, running, cooking, football, puns, and anything lovely.

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Clint Sievers

Clint, a staff assistant at LMSR, graduated from Northwestern University in 2004 with a BS in Communication Studies and Political Science. Not knowing how to apply such a degree, he spent the next few years wandering various US cities, before finally settling down to get married and complete an MA in International Relations and Religion at Boston University in 2007. He now lives in Alexandria with his wife Jana and their hyper-active cat.

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Michelle Dushi

Michelle Dushi is the first staff assistant to work in the NY office. Growing up in Brooklyn, attending Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, and now living in Manhattan, Michelle has always been a New York girl. After graduating from Vassar in May 2007 with a BA in Psychology and Jewish Studies, Michelle joins the Luntz, Maslansky team to put her social psych focus to good use. Her passions outside of market research include cooking, singing, and being a member of Funsized Studios.

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Caleb Smith

Caleb joined the LMSR team as a staff assistant after dutifully completing four months as an intern.  Despite growing up in the bustling metropolis of Paducah, KY, Caleb felt a call on his life to move on to bigger and better things.  Eventually, that call landed him in Washington, DC, where he earned his B.A. in Political Science from American University.  Around the office, Caleb is known for his quick wit and uncanny ability to light up a room.  His passions include candy, cream soda, and a cappella.  He also appreciates attempts at analogies, anaphors, and alliterations.     

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