Larry Ceisler is a national leader in strategic communications, with more than 25 years of experience executing public affairs strategies, grassroots efforts and issue campaigns. He is a trailblazer who created a communications sector where none previously existed in Pennsylvania. 

He is a respected, well-connected figure in politics and media, whose opinion is often sought by those who make the big decisions.  

As the founder of Ceisler Media & Issue Advocacy, Larry directs many of the game plans that create winning strategies for clients – whether they are Fortune 50 companies or fledgling nonprofits. Under his guidance, the firm has achieved a well-earned reputation for creativity, dogged enthusiasm and the ability to deliver victories for its clients. 

Having lived and worked across Pennsylvania, Larry recognizes the importance of a statewide approach. Ceisler Media became the first communications firm to span the commonwealth, with full-service offices in Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Pittsburgh.  

Larry is also a respected analyst of electoral politics and government. His opinion is often cited in publications and networks across Pennsylvania and nationally, including the Philadelphia Inquirer, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The New York Times, Washington Post, CNN and NPR. 

The firm that is now headquartered at One Logan Square began in 1993 as a one-man shop on the third floor of Larry’s twin house in Chestnut Hill. A decade later, Larry and Jeff Jubelirer combined decades of experience in broadcast journalism, public relations and political campaigns to form Ceisler Jubelirer, which quickly became one of the region’s leading media advocacy firms. 

The firm was renamed Ceisler Media & Issue Advocacy in 2010, and it continues to grow and serve clients in its unique way.  

“We are not a PR company,” says Larry. “We’re not Capitol corridor lobbyists. We don’t mastermind political campaigns. We’re different. We are public policy advocates. We take on issues and diverse causes. We help regular people speak up. And we’re not limited to one or two strategies.” 

Larry guides Ceisler Media with basic tenets: 

• Stay in your lane – do what you do best, and do it well. 
• It is important to have the ability to understand the other point of view. We need to see there are always two sides – or three sides – to the issue. 
• Everything we do for our clients is geared toward the long game. Don’t make decisions for short-term gain. And don’t burn bridges. 

Larry began his career as a television news producer for KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh. During baseball season, he was associate producer of the Pittsburgh Pirates telecasts. In 1982, he was promoted to KYW-TV in Philadelphia. 

In 1986, he was recruited to join the re–election campaign of Mayor W. Wilson Goode as deputy campaign manager. After Goode’s victory, Larry served the administration as special assistant for governmental relations and later joined the City Commerce Department as special counsel. 

Larry serves on the Policy Board at WXPN, a public radio station in Philadelphia affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania. 

He is on the Board of Advisors for the American University School of Public Affairs.  In 2020 he was elected to the Foreign Policy Research Institute Board of Trustees. 

Larry was born and raised in Washington County in Western Pennsylvania and graduated from American University and Duquesne University School of Law. He also attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Law.  

Larry is married to Dr. Lina Hartocollis, retired Dean of Students and Director of the Doctorate in Clinical Social Work Program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice. 

They live in Philadelphia and, together, they have five children.