York IE, a vertically integrated investment firm, announced today that E.J. Powers, Partner at Manchester-based Montagne Powers, is now an investment partner and advisor, focusing on strategic communications and public affairs for both York IE and its portfolio companies.
Powers brings more than 15 years of experience in strategic communications to the York IE advisory team. He has successfully developed and executed campaigns designed to help clients reach and influence audiences in their backyard, across the country and around the world. As a York IE advisor, he will utilize these experiences to support portfolio companies in identifying and developing communications strategies to raise awareness and drive key messages.
“We are thrilled that E.J. is joining the extended York IE family,” said Kyle York, CEO and co-founder of York IE. “E.J.’s communications prowess is second to none, and I look forward to seeing the strategic value he can bring to our portfolio companies.”
As a Partner at Montagne Powers, Powers provides counsel and support to CEOs, senior executives and marketing and communications teams in a variety of industries, including technology, telecom, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, real estate, government, wine and spirits, tourism, tech and nonprofit. He oversees the development of custom campaigns for clients, utilizing all forms of communications to disseminate key messages and secure coverage in prominent media outlets, including the New York Times, Good Morning America, TIME and more. On the public affairs front, Montagne Powers has represented numerous state agencies, chambers of commerce, cities and towns. They work at the intersection of PR and government/politics/policy.
Powers is active in the New Hampshire community, serving on the Board of Directors for both Stay Work Play NH and Catholic Charities New Hampshire. He previously had board leadership roles with the Saint Anselm College Alumni Council, Building on Hope, Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation, the Manchester Young Professionals Network, and the NH Startup Challenge.
In his role at York IE, Powers will serve as a communications advisor, developing strategies to raise awareness and burnish the reputation of both York IE and its portfolio companies. Within this capacity, he will also identify community relations opportunities to fuel new partnerships for the extended York IE brand. Alongside strategic communications, Powers will advise York IE on public affairs, monitoring legislation as it relates to venture capital and entrepreneurship.
“As a communication professional, I align closely with the approach and philosophy York IE is taking to disrupt the startup status quo,” said Powers. “I’m looking forward to working with York IE portfolio companies to build and shape brand messages to reach new audiences both in their backyard and across the globe. I’m also happy to see this type of strategic growth and investment firm scaling and thriving right here in New Hampshire.”
