Adfero, DC-based public affairs agency founded in 2004, closes its doors

Adfero, the DC-based public affairs shop that served the healthcare, technology and energy sectors, closed its doors on June 30, according to a former staffer, reports O’Dwyer’s.

According to the agency’s website, “Jeff Mascott, former Adfero Chief Executive Officer and Founder, was a problem-solver. His children needed a soccer coach; he became one the next day. He realized the potential for a mission-driven strategic communications firm; he founded Adfero.

“His clear vision, foresight and penchant for change resulted in agency success, growth and the creation of new opportunities for public affairs professionals, where he encouraged everyone to turn each challenge into an opportunity.

“Jeff created and championed Adfero’s core values of teamwork, responsibility, learning from mistakes and respect. With Jeff at the helm, PR News recognized Adfero as a “Top Place to Work in PR,” PR Week chose it as a finalist for “Boutique PR Firm of the Year” and SmartCEO named Adfero a Future50 company for emergent growth.”

According to O’Dwyer’s, “Mascott, who founded Adfero in 2004, died on February 28, 2023. He had relinquished the CEO post in October 2022 to become chairman.

“Darren Scher, a 20-year Adfero vet, succeeded Mascott at the helm and held that post until January 2025, when he assumed the managing director post.

“The firm then brought in Steve Lombardo as CEO in March 2025. Previously, he was chief communications & marketing officer at Koch Industries, PA & crisis chair at Burson-Marsteller, and CEO of Edelman’s StrategyOne operation.

“He exited Adfero in March 2026.”

The agency was located at 1101 15th St NW.