Samantha Norquist
Managing Director
New York
Sam has spent most of her 15-year career developing and implementing communications strategies for institutional investment and capital markets firms to build their brand for capital, deals and talent. She focuses on developing differentiated messaging, engaging the media and building creative thought leadership programs for senior executives and the firms they lead. Her clients and network span LPs and GPs, and include outsourced chief investment offices (OCIOs) and other institutional investment firms; private markets firms with a focus on private equity and venture capital; asset managers and institutional industry influencers and organizations.
Prior to joining Prosek in 2018, Sam managed external communications at Cambridge Associates where she focused on driving visibility and definition for the firm reaching endowments and foundations, private clients and pension investors in North America. Before Cambridge she worked at Edelman, partnering with middle market private equity and venture capital firms, hedge funds, and family office firms, as well as assisting in transactions and crisis/special situations. She has also spent time on global private equity firm KKR’s public affairs team where she managed media relations and portfolio company communications and relations.
She has attended and supported clients on the ground at global thought leadership events, including TIDE Spark, The Milken Global Conference, The World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos and the SALT iConnections events.
Sam participated in Coro Leadership New York and Capital Allocators University cohorts. She has served on the communications and media teams for Michael Bloomberg for Mayor’s election campaign in New York City in 2009; in the Office of the Commissioner at Major League Baseball; and at ABC News’ Good Morning America. She graduated with a BA in Public Relations and Sociology from Quinnipiac University and currently resides in New Jersey with her family.
Q & A
What are you most proud of in your career?
Two things come to mind: The several instances of past clients and colleagues wanting to work with me again and becoming a go-to resource on all things institutional investing. After doing PR in-house at a top global investment firm, I found my niche in OCIO and private markets, and truly got to understand the client side. I can speak the language of my senior clients and provide counsel based on my understanding of their issues and industries, which energizes me every day. Equally motivating was when a top journalist whom I deeply admire and respect said I’m the best in the business.
Name one thing most people don’t know about you.
I learned how to talk by reading lips. And now it’s a great party trick!
How would your mother describe you?
She says I am kind, positive, motivated – and that I totally run myself down.
What are your greatest strengths as a communications practitioner?
In no particular order: my client experience, knowledge of the industries I serve, positivity and passion, collaborative style, and being solutions oriented.
What is your favorite food?
Java Chip ice cream, especially if sharing with my dad.
Describe your perfect client.
They are human and engaging, open-minded, transparent, and intellectually challenging and motivating. I appreciate those who provide feedback and demonstrate respect.
What three hobbies or activities do you enjoy most?
Quality time with family and friends, going to the Jersey Shore, and going to a Yankees game in the Bronx (best game of my life: attending the 2003 ALCS Game 7).
What’s your favorite part of the workday?
Serendipitous conversations with colleagues and clients in between calls and meetings, as they usually result in building deeper relationships, learning a fun or important detail, and/or providing opportunities to problem solve together.
Who would play you in the movie version of your life?
I’ve been told that I am like Jennifer Garner; I’ll take it!
What is your favorite quote?
"Teamwork makes the dream work." (Cheesy? Perhaps. Do I say it 10x a day anyway? Definitely.)