Abigail Gardner

PRINCIPAL

Scottie Public Affairs is a certified woman-owned small business which provides strategic counsel, manages press relations, writes and edits copy for all mediums, and produces media-friendly and public-facing events. Abigail Gardner founded Scottie Public Affairs in 2013, serving clients locally in Western Pennsylvania and nationally.

Abigail’s clients include national issue advocacy coalitions and trade associations, candidates, public figures, and private sector companies.

In 2022, Abigail served as a press aide and campaign manager during the general election for Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12). Over the last twenty years, she also worked on two presidential campaigns (Kerry-Edwards ‘04 and Obama for America ‘08), two statewide campaigns, three congressional campaigns, and several local races.

Abigail previously worked at the award-winning political and communications consulting firm, SKDKnickerbocker. Notable press placements included “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver”, “60 Minutes”, Vogue, Daily News, Time, and NPR. Abigail also created and led a staff development program for SKDKnickerbocker.

From 2007 to 2008, Abigail worked in the press office of New York Governor Eliot Spitzer during his brief but memorable tenure. She also served in Congress as communications director for US Representative Dan Maffei (D-NY) from 2008 to 2010.   

In addition to her political work and time in government, her consulting practice for the last dozen years included several infrastructure and water projects such as United for Infrastructure, US Water Alliance and it’s Value of Water Campaign, Building America’s Future, Delta Air Lines, Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations, American Society of Civil Engineers, and Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority.

A native of Allegheny County, Abigail is a graduate of Shady Side Academy and the University of Virginia, where she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology. Abigail serves on the board Greater Pittsburgh Women’s Center and Shelter. She lives in Friendship with her husband, Ryan Morden.