Licy Do Canto is a seasoned public affairs and communications executive and political and public policy expert with a distinguished career spanning government, business, and civil society.
He has an extensive record of advising governments, Fortune 500 companies, multinational corporations, and civil society organizations on complex issues, including socio-economicpolicy, trade, development, energy, security, and public health, at the intersection of policy,
politics, communications, and reputation, both domestically and internationally.
He is the founder and president of the award-winning global public affairs and strategic communications firm, The Do Canto Group. He is also a senior executive at Gray Global Advisors, a global strategic advisory and public affairs firm. Previously, he served as the Managing Director of the Global Headquarters and Washington, DC region for APCO Worldwide, a multinational public affairs and strategic communications firm.
A multilingual and multicultural leader, trusted commentator, and influential voice in Washington, DC, Licy is a veteran of the city's influential circles with deep expertise spanning a wide range of issues. He is the recipient of numerous awards and honors
recognizing his leadership and influence, including being named one of The Hill's Most Influential Leaders in the nation’s capital for 12 consecutive years.
Licy’s experience includes corporate strategy, strategic communications, issues management, crisis, policy, lobbying, social impact and sustainability, diversity and inclusion, business development, and representing company interests across domestic and international governmental institutions, the international diplomatic community, multilateral and bilateral institutions, and other domestic and international audiences.
His leadership has been instrumental in crafting impactful strategies and enacting federal laws, driving cross-functional collaboration, delivering results in challenging global and corporate environments, and leveraging his diverse background to bridge divides and foster understanding among diverse stakeholders.
He has held key roles at global multinational public affairs firms, state government, the offices of influential U.S. House of Representatives and Senate lawmakers, and national and global non-governmental organizations and associations.
Additionally, he serves as a trustee, strategic advisor, and member of several prominent boards and organizations, including the Economic Club of Washington, D.C., the Next Narrative Africa Fund, the DACOR Foreign Affairs Council, the Renew Democracy Initiative, the Wilson Center Global Advisory Council, the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association, and the Washington Educational & Cultural Attaché Association.
A graduate of Duke University, with a health leadership certificate from The University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill, Business School and School of Public Health.
