Chris Modrzejewski is a highly experienced public affairs and government relations specialist, with expertise in developing and implementing advocacy and communications strategies. 

Chris has run numerous campaigns on behalf of some of the region’s most high-profile projects and initiatives. He has overseen complex efforts ranging from multibillion-dollar public financing deals, to approval of Banc of California Stadium, to labor disputes.

Chris previously worked for Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) as the Vice President of Public Affairs. As a leader of the AEG team, Chris was responsible for political and community affairs, business diversity and charitable involvement for AEG and its 35 separate divisions, including Los Angeles’ STAPLES Center. Additionally, Chris directed AEG’s community and government outreach as well as entitlements for the 140-acre StubHub Center and Downtown’s LA Live, the four million square foot Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment District.

In the public sector, Chris worked for former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan. As Riordan’s Assistant Deputy Mayor and Director of Policy, he was responsible for the development and implementation of the Mayor’s policy initiatives for the more than 30 Departments within the City of Los Angeles.

Chris attended the University of California, Davis and holds a Bachelor of Arts in History. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Denise, and their children, Skyler and Jack.

Shannon Murphy Castellani has managed large-scale communications efforts for the last 15 years.  

Prior to co-founding M Strategic Communications in 2013, Shannon worked as Deputy Controller for the City of Los Angeles. She previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff to California Assembly Speakers John A. Pérez and Karen Bass and was Communications Director to Los Angeles Mayor Jim Hahn. In her roles for these elected leaders, Shannon served as a senior advisor specializing in media relations, message development, campaign strategy and crisis communications.

She has also served as the Communications Director for LAUSD, the nation’s second largest school district, and worked alongside some of the most dynamic philanthropies in the world, including the Gates and Broad foundations.  She has a proven track record of managing advocacy efforts and providing executive-level public relations counsel.

Shannon began her career in the newsroom at KABC-TV, Los Angeles, where she coordinated newscasts and field produced segments for the news, entertainment and sports departments.

Shannon graduated from the University of Southern California and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Journalism. 

Rebecca Liu Morales is a public affairs professional with deep experience in planning, transportation, and emerging technology issues across Los Angeles City and County. She works closely with elected officials, government agencies, and other key groups to shape policy and manage complex projects.

Before joining the firm, Morales worked at Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) on planning, land use, and environmental issues for one of the top five busiest U.S. airports for both passenger and cargo traffic. Prior to that, Morales had several high-profile positions in Los Angeles including having served as liaison to the Port of Los Angeles for Los Angeles Councilmember Joe Buscaino’s office where her portfolio focused on planning and transportation policy. Additionally, Morales worked as a planning and legislative aid for Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson and Councilmember Eric Garcetti. A campaign veteran, Morales has worked on several successful local and statewide efforts including US Senator Barbara Boxer’s successful reelection campaign in 2010.

Melanie is a professional with over a decade of experience in strategic communication strategy and government affairs, spanning both nonprofit and private sectors. Her expertise lies in crafting impactful communication plans and fostering community engagement for initiatives across Los Angeles and throughout the state.

Throughout her career, Melanie has played a key role in statewide election campaigns, advocated for crucial criminal justice reforms in California, and provided strategic communications and community outreach for a diverse range of projects in Los Angeles. She has a track record of successful campaigns and initiatives dedicated to driving positive change and social justice.

Prior to her current role at M Strategic Communications, Melanie held positions in the nonprofit sector. She served alongside her husband as a Youth Minister at their church in Los Feliz, where she actively engaged with and supported the local community. Additionally, Melanie served as a Program Administrator for the Millennium Momentum Foundation, where she played a key role in empowering minority college students and young professionals through leadership training and scholarships.

Melanie's commitment to advocacy extends beyond her professional endeavors. As a Women’s Policy Institute Fellow, she focused on expanding pretrial services to address the needs of nearly half of Los Angeles County’s jail population. 

Melanie graduated from Loyola Marymount University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, John Paul and their children, Micah and Camila. 

Sepi Esfahlani brings deep campaign, outreach, and advocacy experience to M Strategic Communications.

Prior to joining the team, she served as Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Deputy Director of External Affairs, where she oversaw special projects including ceremonial events, press conferences and statewide stakeholder engagement – her engagement of thousands of diverse stakeholders from historically underrepresented California communities resulted in increased participation in state services across traditionally hard-to-reach constituencies.

She began her career serving as Director of Scheduling to former Treasurer John Chiang’ 2018 gubernatorial campaign. Additionally, she served as an Organizer for Katie Porter’s 2018 congressional campaign and a Get Out the Vote Strategist for the Stop the Recall campaign for Gov. Newsom.