Jarrard Expands National Public Affairs Specialty with a Presence in Washington, D.C., and Senior Leadership Addition

Healthcare advisory firm builds on state-level advocacy successes, expanding federal reach and integrated campaign capabilities

NASHVILLE, Tenn. and WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Jarrard today announced a significant expansion of its public affairs specialty, establishing a Washington, D.C., presence and adding veteran public affairs strategist Byron Johnson as senior vice president. The investment strengthens the firm's ability to help healthcare organizations navigate the increasingly complex intersection of business, policy and reputation at the federal, state and local levels.

The expansion builds on Jarrard's track record of successful state-level public affairs campaigns, including securing Medicaid expansion reauthorization, shaping medical malpractice legislation and helping hospitals secure $1 billion in state-directed payment funding.

"Jarrard's national public opinion research consistently shows that Americans trust those closest to care to explain healthcare policy changes and shape solutions that improve affordability, access and the patient experience," said Isaac Squyres, senior partner at Jarrard, who has long led the firm's public affairs and issue navigation work and continues to guide the expansion. "For 20 years, we've elevated trusted voices to help clients achieve their most important business goals. Expanding our national public affairs capabilities is a natural next step as business, policy and reputation become increasingly inseparable."

Deepening Washington Expertise and National Reach

Johnson brings more than 25 years of experience in healthcare, policy, advocacy and communications. His expertise includes coalition and alliance development, federal and multistate advocacy, government relations strategy, crisis communications and issue and reputation management.

Before joining Jarrard, he built and led a healthcare public affairs advisory business serving healthcare organizations, insurers and coalitions. Johnson previously held senior leadership roles at FleishmanHillard, Widmeyer Communications and 720 Strategies.

"Byron brings deep Washington experience, sound judgment and a rare ability to see the full field – from policy and public opinion to reputation and organizational dynamics," said Jarrard President and Co-founding Partner Anne Hancock Toomey. "He's exactly the right leader to grow this specialty in the Jarrard way: with integrated thinking, practical counsel and unwavering focus on what matters most to our clients."

Meeting a New Era of Healthcare Policy and Political Complexity

As policymakers at every level grapple with healthcare affordability, access, accountability and more, healthcare organizations face growing pressure to anticipate policy risks, build public trust and mobilize stakeholder support.

Jarrard's public affairs specialty helps CEOs, boards and leadership teams meet these challenges through integrated campaigns combining public opinion research, campaign strategy, coalition development, stakeholder mobilization, digital advocacy, strategic communications and reputation management. The firm works alongside government relations leaders and lobbying teams to connect policy strategy with the voices and audiences that can influence outcomes.

"The stakes for healthcare leaders have never been higher," said Squyres. "They need to move beyond reacting to policy changes to anticipating political risk, beyond isolated advocacy to coordinated campaigns and beyond episodic engagement to building lasting trust and influence. That's what we are investing in, and that's what our clients need."

Central to Jarrard's approach is connecting three critical dimensions: what people think, what policymakers are prioritizing and what leaders should do about it. The firm's research, public affairs, strategic communications and digital and creative experts work as one team to turn insight into action. More than six years of national and local-market research through Jarrard's Market Research & Insights (MRI) practice provides a strong evidence base for campaigns designed to influence opinion and advance client priorities.

Building on Record Momentum

The public affairs expansion comes amid a banner year for Jarrard. The 20-year-old strategic communications firm has posted nearly 40% year-over-year growth, served 200 healthcare clients nationally and added more than 30 healthcare advisors in 2026.

A division of Chartis, one of the nation's leading healthcare advisory firms, Jarrard has invested significantly in its public affairs specialty over the past 18 months, expanding its senior leadership team and strengthening capabilities in digital advocacy, stakeholder activation and grassroots mobilization.

"Healthcare is entering a period of extraordinary transformation, and the decisions made today will shape the industry for decades," said Toomey. "We are investing in the talent, expertise and capabilities to help our clients both navigate and shape the change to come. That's how we deliver on our mission to make healthcare better."

About Jarrard

Jarrard is a specialized healthcare consulting firm devoted to helping leaders during high-stakes moments of change, challenge and growth. The firm uses the power of communications, marketing, research and political strategy to help our clients achieve their most important goals. Founded in 2006, the firm has worked with more than 1,800 clients in 49 states. Jarrard is a division of Chartis, one of the nation's leading healthcare advisory firms. For more information, visit jarrardinc.com or follow us at @JarrardInc.

SOURCE Jarrard Inc.