Merger Creates New 70 Person Government Affairs, Advertising, and Communications Agency: Subject Matter

WASHINGTON, Sept. 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- A leading Washington advertising and communications agency and a top government relations firm announced their merger today, launching the integrated public affairs agency Subject Matter. Elmendorf | Ryan, one of Washington's foremost government relations practices, and Home Front Communications, a prominent strategic communications firm, made their merger official today and said Washington will continue to be home base for the combined agency.

Subject Matter combines the extensive legislative and policy expertise of Elmendorf | Ryan with the digital, advertising, content, creative and media skills from Home Front. "With Subject Matter we're not only looking at today's public affairs challenges, we're thinking about what those challenges will be in 5 or 10 years," said firm principal, Steve Elmendorf. "We believe the chemistry of our two firms is a perfect fit for a future that is driven by savvy political judgment, is content based, and is digitally oriented. Most of all, we wanted to build something that is organized around integrated solutions and includes a complete range of services. That's the firm we're creating."

The four firm principals, Steve Elmendorf, Paul Frick, Jimmy Ryan and Dan Sallick have extensive policy and political communications experience. Elmendorf, Frick and Sallick worked closely together in the 1990s for then House Democratic Leader Richard Gephardt. Ryan worked for Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid as well as Senator Charles Schumer. 

"Our new company has a clear mission. We want to help our clients make their subject matter to their most important audiences," said Dan Sallick.

"Airlines for America has employed both firms separately to great effect. They are both among the best in the business. The synergies of this new venture are exciting," said Nick Calio, President and CEO of Airlines for America.

The combined firm will represent a wide range of corporate, not-for-profit, association and government clients. The firms will retire their current names and rebrand under the new name. In 2016, both firms will relocate into a single office.

"I can't think of a better combination of strategists than Steve, Jimmy, Dan and Paul to lead a new firm. I have worked with all of them in the political trenches and each brings a unique set of skills and talents that build on one another. They will be a strong force in the market," said David Plouffe, longtime political strategist and senior advisor to Uber.

It was also announced today that Debra DeShong will join the firm as Executive Vice President and Managing Director for Public Affairs. DeShong most recently served as Chief of Staff to U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy in Tokyo. Previously, DeShong served in senior communications roles for the Kerry Presidential Campaign, the Democratic National Committee, and Congressman Steny Hoyer, in addition to running her own successful public affairs firm. "We couldn't be luckier than to have Debra on board in this vital leadership role right from the beginning. Her extensive experience in formulating communications strategy at every level will be a huge asset to our clients and to the firm we plan to build," said Paul Frick.

"What we've created is a 26-year-old start-up," said Jimmy Ryan. "We're bringing more than a quarter century of combined experience in building a business around public communication and direct engagement, but we're approaching this with a fresh perspective and energy of a company that has just opened its doors. That attitude is exciting for us and will prove to be an edge for our clients."  

Founded in 1998, Home Front Communications is a fully integrated strategic communications agency that offers advertising, branding, design, digital strategy, interactive development, content solutions, media strategy and targeted outreach. Home Front serves a wide variety of foundations,
not-for-profits, associations, government and corporate clients with strategic communication solutions.

Established in 2006, Elmendorf | Ryan provides a breadth of experience assisting clients reach their public policy objectives. The firm includes policy advisors who have experience in the highest levels of congressional leadership and with the intra-party constituencies that are crucial to tactical planning.

SOURCE Subject Matter