About Us
McDowell Communications Group works at the intersection of media, politics, and policy. In today's fast-paced news media world, we develop and execute public relations strategies to achieve business goals, pass or defeat legislation, and manage crises. We meet your challenges with solutions.
Duby McDowell
Duby McDowell has more than 30 years of experience in journalism, politics and public relations. She has been advising clients on communication strategy since establishing MCG in 2006.
In 2022, the Hartford Business Journal named her to its “Power 50” list of Greater Hartford’s most influential leaders.
Duby was the best known political reporter in Connecticut for 15 years and hosted a renowned Sunday morning television interview program which was the first stop for any politician seeking higher office. As a result of her many years covering politics and government she has a unique understanding of effective public relations strategies. She knows how the media operate, and due to her extensive contacts among reporters, editors, editorial boards and talk show producers she can effectively assist clients in their outreach and response.
Having spent two decades conducting television interviews, Duby is keenly aware of how to prepare clients for such appearances. McDowell Communications Group offers on-camera training for those who may find themselves in the media spotlight.
Duby graduated from Harvard University and studied journalism at the University of Missouri.
Maura Fitzgerald
Maura has been involved in Connecticut public affairs as a public information officer, public relations consultant, and communications advisor to top elected officials for more than 20 years.
Prior to joining MCG, Maura served as Director of Communications for the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH). She oversaw all social and traditional media for nearly 40 programs within the DPH and the Commissioner's office.
Her tenure at the DPH included managing the state's response to the Zika virus outbreak, the growing opioid and prescription drug misuse epidemic, and the most severe influenza season since the 2009 flu pandemic.
Previously Maura was the Deputy State Director for U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal and in 2010 served as then-Attorney General Blumenthal's Communications Director on his successful Senate campaign. Fitzgerald has also worked at private sector public relations firms in the Hartford area and has worked in communications for the Connecticut General Assembly, Attorney General and Secretary of the State.
A Connecticut native, Maura holds a Master’s of Public Administration from the University of Connecticut.
Dean Pagani
For nearly four decades Dean Pagani has been involved in journalism, public relations and politics in Connecticut and Washington, D.C.
He served as a gubernatorial advisor for eight years, handled communications for four different statewide campaigns for governor and worked on Capitol Hill in Washington as a press secretary in the U.S. Senate.
Dean specializes in helping clients navigate crises with discretion and push issue campaigns with effectiveness before state and local governments. He is familiar with communications challenges faced by clients under federal and state criminal investigation or legislative and regulatory scrutiny. He managed communications for the state of Connecticut in the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks, during the 2001 anthrax scare, numerous union labor disputes, and a 1998 incident of workplace violence at Connecticut Lottery headquarters.
He has strategized issue campaigns for Shell Oil, Dominion Energy, Nestle Waters and the Bushnell Performing Arts Center, among others.
Dean is a Connecticut native and holds a Master’s Degree in New Media Photojournalism from the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design at George Washington University. DeanPagani.com
Becca Brockway
Becca began her public affairs career in the Connecticut Legislature as an aide to the Transportation Committee before becoming an issues advocate for private sector clients in Hartford and Washington, D.C.
She has in-depth understanding of the interaction between municipal, state and federal government agencies. She served as a senior adviser to the campaign of former Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen, and her work on numerous political campaigns provides her with an extensive list of contacts.
As Director of Government Relations for the Connecticut Farm Bureau Association, Becca helped shape agriculture policy for state farmers. She is experienced in the fields of coalition and association management and has helped a number of trade and advocacy groups expand their membership and influence.
Becca is a graduate of Hartwick College in New York with a degree in History and Political Science.
Sarah Miner
Sarah advises MCG on digital campaigns and those of its clients. She supports content creation and the development of integrated strategies to help support marketing initiatives.
Before coming to MCG, Sarah worked with All Points Digital developing social strategy for clients to support online sales and engagement. Previously she worked with the founders of the Connecticut-based Independent Media Network and managed digital sales, advertising, and social communications for local online publishers. She also brings to MCG a background in journalism after working for both corporate news media at NBC Universal and locally-based WNPR Radio.
Sarah is a communication professor at the University of Hartford. She graduated from Wagner College and received her Masters of Science in Interactive Media at Quinnipiac University.
Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn.