(Opinion) Novus Public Affairs’ 30-year anniversary: Paul Young’s meaningful mark on NH

PUBLIC RELATIONS

By: Brennan Ward

For nearly six decades, Paul Young has been a constant, if often understated, presence in public and government affairs, both in New Hampshire and beyond. Since founding Novus Public Affairs in 1996, Young has helped shape how businesses, nonprofits and political leaders communicate and connect with the world around them, leaving a mark on the state that is hard to measure but easy to feel.

When Young started Novus Public Affairs 30 years ago, the nation’s political and business landscapes including New Hampshire’s looked very different from today. Since then, the firm has grown steadily, offering public relations, advocacy and strategic communications support to hundreds of clients ranging from major corporations and trade groups to grassroots nonprofits.

Part of Novus’ influence comes from Young’s deep roots in both politics and public service. Early in his career in the early 1980s, he worked as a Senate aide and founded the Congressional Task Force on Afghanistan, which gave him unique exposure to international and domestic policy debates at a formative time.

Young’s experience in presidential politics is equally notable. Over the years, he has advised or managed campaigns for seven presidential candidates in the critical First-in-the-Nation primary. He also served campaigns for federal office, Governor, the State Legislature and County offices in a variety of capacities from fundraising to offering strategic advice and campaign planning.

These roles have made him a fixture in New Hampshire politics and the first-in-the-nation primary process since 1986, where strong communication and deep local knowledge can be decisive.

But Young’s impact goes beyond politics and public relations campaigns. He has been involved in complex legislative issues, helping clients navigate political and policy challenges. Through Novus, he has worked on construction development projects scattered across the state, ensuring that important community and economic development stories were told clearly and effectively. Unlike many high-profile consultants in the state, Young often preferred working behind the scenes, with no interest in public fanfare or flashy media coverage. He built trust with elected officials and industry stakeholders over time, the old-fashioned way.

His influence also extends into the nonprofit world. Young has been active with organizations such as Dismas Home of New Hampshire, a reentry program for justice-involved women transitioning back into society. His support reflects a broader pattern in his work: using communication and strategy to build bridges and create opportunities for groups that might otherwise struggle to be heard.

Over the years, Novus has expanded its use of technology, embracing digital tools, data analysis and online communication platforms to amplify clients’ voices. Yet Young is quick to note that technology is only a tool. At its core, effective public affairs campaigns remain rooted in fundamentals: clear messaging, strong relationships, genuine listening and an understanding of client concerns. These timeless skills, combined with thoughtful strategies, define Novus’ client work and the work Young has championed for decades.

As Novus Public Affairs celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026, Young’s legacy is evident across New Hampshire’s civic, business communities and legislative institutions. Whether helping a local nonprofit gain visibility, supporting a major corporate initiative, driving legislative awareness or advising a presidential primary campaign, he has helped others tell their stories and shape their futures.

It’s a legacy not built on headlines, but on a career grounded in authentic, trusted relationships with stakeholders and decision-makers who shape state policy, cultivated over 30 years in business.

Real, meaningful impact, after all, often happens quietly, one relationship and one message at a time.

Brennan Ward is vice president at Novus Public Affairs.