APCO
APCO is an independent, majority women-owned advisory, advocacy and communications firm founded in 1984 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., with more than 1,200 employees operating in 80 markets. O'Dwyer's ranks it fourth among independent PR firms with $238.9 million in 2025 net fees, and its Chicago office is the third-largest PR operation in the Midwest. Nobody pays to be ranked.
Why it’s hereThe largest independent public affairs specialist in the US, ranked fourth by O'Dwyer's on 2025 net fees. Number 7 of the PR firms in the US.
Who leads itBrad Staples, CEO (founder Margery Kraus serves as Executive Chairman).
Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for US PR retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
A fit forLarge companies, governments and institutions that need public affairs, reputation, crisis and geopolitical advisory work across many countries from an independently owned firm of more than 1,200 people founded in 1984.
- Based in
- Washington, DC
- Founded
- 1984
- Team size
- 500+ people
- Led by
- Brad Staples, CEO (founder Margery Kraus serves as Executive Chairman)
- Known for
- public affairs · strategic advisory · advocacy · corporate communications · crisis
- Best for
- Large companies, governments and institutions that need public affairs, reputation, crisis and geopolitical advisory work across many countries from an independently owned firm of more than 1,200 people founded in 1984.
- Recognition
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for US PR retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
Sources apcoworldwide.com, odwyerpr.com, provokemedia.com, en.wikipedia.org · LinkedIn ↗
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