Jarrard Opens D.C. Public Affairs Practice; Appoints Byron Johnson Senior Vice President

Nashville-based Jarrad announced that the agency is establishing a Washington, D.C., presence and adding Byron Johnson as senior vice president. According to a release from Jarrad, 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."

Johnson, states the agency, 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."