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# Avoq names two practice leaders in D.C.
- URL: https://capitolcommunicator.com/avoq-names-two-practice-leaders-in-d-c/
- Published: 2025-12-12T16:13:30.000Z
- Updated: 2025-12-12T16:13:30.000Z
- Author: Capitol Communicator
- Tags: People, Agency, #wp-bottom-left-sponsored, #Import 2026-10-08 18:55

[ **Avoq** ](https://teamavoq.com/?ref=capitolcommunicator.com)**adds two new senior hires who, states a release, “will lead key practice areas** created as part of the firm’s strategic reorganization this year.” **Jeff Smokler,** left in photo, joins as Public Affairs Practice Lead and **Yoni Gedan,** right in photo, joins as Audience Intelligence & Performance Practice Lead.

“Jeff and Yoni are exceptional leaders whose depth of experience, innovative thinking combined with a commitment to excellence will advance our offerings and further empower our teams,” said **Molly Scherrman**, Chief Operating Officer. “Our reorganization was designed to elevate new leaders and meet clients’ growing need for coordinated, expert capabilities that move audiences and create outcomes.”

According to the agency:

Smokler most recently served as Chief Brand Officer at Gravie, where he strengthened brand awareness and oversaw marketing across channels and while leading customer insights and member communications. Prior to Gravie, Smokler was partner and president at imre, where he transformed the firm’s healthcare practice into a global Top 100 healthcare marketing leader, generating significant growth and earning multiple industry accolades. He has held senior executive roles at Weber Shandwick and led public affairs and external communications for Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Gedan previously served as SVP at Edelman Intelligence and co-founded a market research technology company that advanced online, digital, and mobile creative testing. Earlier in his career at Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates, he co-founded the Internet Surveys Group.

Smokler and Gedanstep into newly created leadership roles aligned with Avoq’s redefined practice areas of: Audience Intelligence & Performance, Creative & Production, Media Network, Public Affairs, Reputation Management, and Government Relations.