Emily Baker, Founder + CEO

Emily Baker is a visionary executive and strategic advisor with over two decades of experience helping organizations navigate complex public affairs challenges and drive success. As the founder and CEO of Portman Square Group, Emily leverages her extensive networks and expertise to develop winning strategies for clients ranging from Fortune 100 firms to innovative nonprofits.

With a rare blend of high-level government, corporate and entrepreneurial experience, Emily brings unique insight to solving problems. She is adept at designing impactful outreach campaigns, managing crisis communications, and advising on policy issues. Emily's collaborative leadership and innovative thinking help clients cut through the noise and achieve their goals.

Prior to founding PSG, Emily was appointed by President Bush to lead the GSA's Northeast and Caribbean region, managing a $2B budget and high-profile projects like the U.N. Mission buildout. She served at the U.S. Dept of Commerce working on global trade and IP issues, and began her career under Governors Phil Batt and Haley Barbour.

A committed community leader, Emily serves on several prominent boards, educates the next generation as an adjunct professor, and was named a Presidential Leadership Scholar. Her strategic mind and passion for making an impact make her a trusted advisor to clients navigating an increasingly complex world.

AMY HOLLY, Principal

Amy joined Portman Square Group as a Senior Associate in March 2021. She brings a deep understanding of healthcare policy and expertise in healthcare delivery systems. An industry veteran, Amy spent 10 years managing public-private partnership contracts for the northwest’s leading mental health and substance abuse treatment organization. In her capacity as the Director of Government Contracts and Public Affairs, Amy positioned the organization as a preferred vendor and leading expert in the field of mental health and substance abuse treatment services. Amy spent 12 years lobbying extensively on healthcare policy issues in Idaho and has also lobbied on behalf of clients in the energy, transportation, and retail sectors. Amy is a graduate of Boise State University with a degree bachelor of science in biology. She is currently pursuing a second undergraduate degree in political science in preparation for graduate school.

Amy brings skilled research, writing, and policy analysis grounded in private and public sector contract management, public affairs, and project management to client engagements. She is adept at managing complex multi-million dollar contracts and relationships; managing IT and process improvement projects; creating professional and profitable relationships with line employees and C-suite executives; and leveraging research, data, and insight to strategic advantage. She has a well-established record of successfully lobbying at the Idaho State Legislature; a clearly evidenced dedication to advocating for underrepresented populations; and a deep understanding of civics and the American political system. 

Amy is a native Boisean and the mother of two amazing boys. She spends her limited free time reading, cooking, and traveling.

Kelsey Koberg, Senior Associate

Kelsey brings experience in politics and public relations at the local, state and national level. She worked for the Idaho Republican Party during and after the 2016 election, before joining Senator Risch's team in Washington, D.C.  Most recently, she managed a competitive statewide campaign for Lieutenant Governor. 

Kelsey's knowledge of every aspect of public outreach campaigns give her a unique ability to help clients define and reach their audience. She brings a data focused approach to the art of communication, constantly measuring results against stated goals. 

Kelsey graduated Summa Cum Laude from Northwest Nazarene University with degrees in Business and Public Relations. A native Montanan, Kelsey has spent time working in politics and public relations in New York and Washington D.C., but calls Idaho home. She likes to consider herself an above-average home cook, and spends her spare time exploring farmers markets and boutiques.

Gemma Gaudette, Senior Media Advisor

Gemma's vast experience as a News Anchor and Reporter has positioned her to be a skilled media trainer, content coach and producer. She helps executives and other spokespersons conduct better interviews and take on the media with poise and confidence, with messages that impact the audiences they are trying to reach.

Gemma’s work as a media trainer and coach comes after a distinguished two decades long career as a broadcast anchor and reporter in mid and major markets, including Tampa, Florida where she covered the Bush/Kerry Presidential race, interviewing both candidates. Gemma also covered NASA’s return to flight after the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, as well as the devastation and aftermath of major hurricanes, including Katrina, Wilma, Rita, and Ivan.

As a former journalist Gemma understands what reporters and other interviewers are looking for and she knows how to deal with their tactics and share that insight with our clients. Gemma’s expertise also includes communications planning and strategy, content development and promotion, crisis communications, media and influencer relations, and message development.

As the Regional Communication Director for the University of Idaho, Gemma earned coverage for the UI in outlets including the Associated Press, NPR, New York Times, Inside Higher Ed, and The Chronicle for Higher Education.

Gemma, her husband, and two young sons live and play in Boise, Idaho. In her spare time she loves reading, traveling, and running.

Ingrid Finstuen, Senior Content Advisor

Over the past two decades, Ingrid Finstuen has gained extensive experience in writing and editing. Ingrid began her career at the Perseus Books Group, a publisher based in Boston and New York. In her time there, she helped shepherd nonfiction books from acquisition through publication, a process that involved developmentally editing authors' work, writing marketing copy, and collaborating across departments.  After leaving the East Coast to return to her native Northwest, Ingrid and her family opened a successful retail business where she wrote and edited all communications, including newsletters, web site content, technical content, and social media. In the years since having children and selling the business, Ingrid has continued writing and editing on a freelance basis, most recently serving as the project manager for an edited collection published by Oxford University Press. Through these varied professional settings Ingrid has delighted in a common thread: the opportunity to distill a message and craft it in a way that speaks clearly and cohesively to a particular audience.

Ingrid holds a master's degree in Publishing and Writing from Emerson College and a bachelor's degree in English from Pacific Lutheran University. She lives in Boise, Idaho, with her husband, two sons, and basset hound. In her spare time, she enjoys playing games with her family, hiking, knitting, reading, and traveling.

Maddie Kezar, Associate

Bringing adaptability and determination, Madison is a key member of the Portman Square team. Whether it be logistics, research, or in-house design and layout, Madison loves to be a team player and dive right in wherever she is needed. 

Born and raised in Idaho, Madison is dedicated to the community and works with City Light’s women and children's shelter in Boise and volunteers with a variety of other important causes. When Madison isn't working, with family or studying for school, she loves to spend time running and hiking the many beautiful trails of Boise.