Proven Leadership
ROBERT F. MATHIAS, FOUNDER
Robert Mathias, founder of Channel Rock Strategic Advisory, is a respected communications expert who has helped diverse clients in Washington and across the nation for more than 20 years.
Throughout his career, Robert has counseled Fortune 100 companies, federal agencies, national trade associations and leading non-profits. He is well practiced in the effective use of traditional media, social and digital platforms, advertising and a wide variety of other communications tools and tactics.
Robert’s passion lies squarely at the intersection of communications and public affairs, where he excels with clients who need help managing complex issues, building and protecting reputations within a regulated environment, and understanding when, where and how to make their voices heard. He is also deeply versed in crisis management.
Prior to establishing Channel Rock Strategic Advisory in 2018, Robert worked in a variety of senior leadership roles with Ogilvy & Mather, the multinational communications and advertising agency. He ran Ogilvy’s Washington office for 15 years and concurrently served as US CEO for Ogilvy’s PR business for three years. Previously, Robert ran Ogilvy’s San Francisco office.
Robert also served in President George H. W. Bush's (41) administration as the Executive Assistant to U.S. Energy Secretary James D. Watkins and, subsequently, as Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Department of Energy, one of the youngest Senior Executive Service appointees in the federal government at the time.
Robert has been inducted into both the Public Relations Society of America’s Hall of Fame (DC Chapter) and the PR News Hall of Fame. He serves on the Board of Trustees of Yellowstone Forever and was a board member of The Lab School of Washington for more than 10 years (five as Board Chair).
Robert holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Vermont and a master’s of business administration from the Yale School of Management. A native of Washington, DC, he lives in the Cleveland Park neighborhood with his wife Sarah. They have two adult daughters.