#USA #Washington #Jarrard Inc #Healthcare Consulting #Byron Johnson

Jarrard Enhances Public Affairs Arm with D.C. Office and Leadership Addition

In a strategic move, Jarrard has announced an important expansion of its public affairs specialty, marked by the establishment of a new office in Washington, D.C., as well as the recruitment of veteran public affairs strategist Byron Johnson to join as senior vice president. This enhancement solidifies Jarrard's capacity to assist healthcare organizations navigate the intricacies of business, policy, and reputation across federal, state, and local landscapes.

Building on a Solid Foundation

This expansion builds upon Jarrard’s successful track record in public affairs, having previously achieved crucial milestones at the state level. These include spearheading the reauthorization of Medicaid expansion, influencing medical malpractice laws, and aiding hospitals in securing over $1 billion in state-directed payment funding. According to Isaac Squyres, the firm's senior partner, the expansion is a natural progression in an evolving landscape where business, policy, and reputation are intricately interwoven. “Expanding our national public affairs capabilities is essential,” he emphasized, noting that Jarrard has been dedicated to empowering trusted voices to help clients reach their strategic goals for over 20 years.

New Leadership with Expertise

Byron Johnson brings a wealth of knowledge to Jarrard, spanning more than 25 years in healthcare, policy, advocacy, and communications. His experience encompasses various areas, including developing coalitions and alliances, federal advocacy, crisis communications, and managing issues and reputations. Before joining Jarrard, he was the head of a healthcare public affairs advisory firm, providing strategic guidance to healthcare organizations, insurers, and coalitions. Jarrard President Anne Hancock Toomey expressed confidence in Johnson's leadership, stating, “He possesses deep Washington expertise, sound judgment, and a unique ability to view the broader context of public opinion and organizational dynamics.”

Addressing Complex Healthcare Challenges

In an era where healthcare affordability, access, and accountability remain contentious issues, healthcare organizations are under immense pressure to proactively tackle policy risks and foster public trust. Jarrard’s public affairs specialty focuses on aiding healthcare CEOs, boards, and leadership teams in surmounting these challenges through integrated campaign strategies. Their approach includes leveraging public opinion research, formulating campaign strategies, coalition mobilization, digital advocacy, and effective communications to bolster reputation management.

“With rising stakes in healthcare, leaders must evolve beyond mere reaction to policy changes and embrace a proactive stance in risk assessment and advocacy,” stated Squyres. “We are committed to investing in resources that ensure our clients can build enduring trust and influence.”

Jarrard aims to connect three pivotal dimensions in its strategy: understanding public sentiment, recognizing what policymakers prioritize, and advising leaders on the most effective actions to take. Their comprehensive approach integrates insights from research, public affairs, strategic communications, and creative digital strategies to translate knowledge into actionable solutions. The firm’s Market Research Insights practice has conducted over six years of national and local market research, providing a robust foundation for campaigns that aim to sway public opinion and advance client objectives.

Momentum Amid Expansion

This development comes during a remarkable year for Jarrard, which has experienced nearly 40% growth year-over-year, served approximately 200 healthcare clients nationwide, and welcomed more than 30 healthcare advisors in 2026 alone. As a division of Chartis, one of the leading healthcare advisory firms in the country, Jarrard has made significant investments in enhancing its public affairs specialty over the last 18 months, refining its senior leadership team and reinforcing capabilities in digital advocacy and stakeholder mobilization.

“Healthcare is on the brink of unprecedented transformation,” said Toomey. “Decisions made today will have a lasting impact on the industry. Our investments are geared towards equipping our clients to navigate and orchestrate the forthcoming changes effectively. This aligns with our mission of enhancing healthcare quality.”

About Jarrard

Founded in 2006, Jarrard is a specialized healthcare consulting firm focused on aiding leaders during critical moments of transition, challenges, and growth. Through a combination of communications, marketing, and political strategy, Jarrard supports clients in achieving pivotal objectives. With a history of engagement across 49 states, they have collaborated with over 1,800 clients, reaffirming their position as a vital player in healthcare consulting.