The Herald Group

Strategic communications, public affairs and issue advocacy consulting firm at the nexus of business, public policy and digital media.

[The Herald Group @theheraldgroup]

THG is proud of the work we do for our clients. From narrative‑driven content to integrated digital and creative campaigns, we help clients navigate complex, highly regulated industries and reach the audiences that matter most.

That work was recently recognized by the Hermes Creative Awards across multiple client campaigns. We’re extremely proud of our team members who supported these accounts and helped our clients achieve their goals. Congrats!

[The Herald Group @theheraldgroup]

This March, we’re celebrating four team anniversaries and recognizing the talented people who help make THG what it is every day.

— Account Manager Andrew Thomas, 1 Year
— Senior Director Ansley Howd, 3 Years
— Vice President Katie Wright, 1 Year
— Partner Todd Van Etten, 11 Years

Each of you has helped strengthen our team, our culture, and the work we do for clients. We’re grateful for your contributions and proud to celebrate these milestones with you.

[The Herald Group @theheraldgroup]

We’re proud to share that our work on the Alliance for IRS Accountability (AIA) was recognized at the 2026 MUSE Creative Awards, earning Gold for Best Political Website and Silver for Best Advertising Campaign.

The work focused on unifying the message around IRS reform and building a strong, credible coalition that could advocate more effectively to both the public and policymakers. Translating complex tax reform messaging into a clear, compelling narrative isn’t easy, and this recognition at MUSE is a testament to the strength of the work and the team behind it.

[The Herald Group @theheraldgroup]

Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of the toolkit across public affairs — from legislative analysis to digital campaigns. But adopting AI is not the same as having a strategy.

In a field built on relationships, judgment, and trust, technology can enhance the work, but it cannot replace the experience required to navigate complex political environments.

The firms that will lead in this next chapter won’t be the ones that simply adopt AI the fastest. They’ll be the ones that integrate it deliberately — using it to strengthen strategy, not shortcut it.

In our latest blog, THG’s Senior Director of Digital, AI Innovation & Analytics Colin Hensel explores where AI is already shaping public affairs, where human expertise still leads, and how organizations should think about integrating these tools responsibly.

https://t.co/x9AJbe5dBO

[The Herald Group @theheraldgroup]

THG started 2026 with a Platinum AVA Digital Award—the highest honor and our fourth win in the past five years—following a year of rapid growth.

In 2025, our Creative and Digital Teams expanded, took on more complex work, and raised the bar for what modern public affairs creative can do. We're proud of the progress—and focused on what’s next.

[The Herald Group @theheraldgroup]

Welcome to The Herald Group, @cgutting.

Cylee joins THG as a Strategic Alliances Director, bringing a grounded, high-energy approach to modern public affairs shaped by work across campaigns, trade associations, and public affairs firms—with deep experience managing coalitions and building winning issue-advocacy narratives that reach the right audiences at the right moments.

Born and raised in rural Missouri and a political science graduate of Arizona State University, Cylee’s path into this work is rooted in community-driven impact: the belief that persistent, thoughtful engagement can move outcomes—whether it’s a call, an email, or the right message delivered to the right decision-maker.

[The Herald Group @theheraldgroup]

The Herald Group is looking for a highly motivated, senior-level public affairs professional to join our fast‑paced, energetic team in Washington, D.C.

As our next Vice President, you’ll play a leading role in shaping high‑impact public affairs and strategic communications campaigns for major corporations, trade associations, and organizations working to influence federal, state, and international policy.

Learn more about the position and how to apply: https://t.co/kxEQGav5CW

[The Herald Group @theheraldgroup]

Heading into 2026, audiences are overwhelmed, skeptical, and tired of being told what to think. And while AI makes it easier than ever to produce more creative, more volume doesn’t equal more impact.

THG’s Chief Creative Officer, Brad Whitford, is watching five creative shifts reshape what works in public affairs. The takeaway: less noise, more intention—and campaigns built for how people actually feel.

https://t.co/00pTpurrjC

[The Herald Group @theheraldgroup]

In a compressed 2026 midterm environment, “changing the narrative” isn’t about awareness. It’s about building permission for decision-makers to move—quickly, defensibly, and with credible cover.

Vice President Evan Lukaske—former communications director for a U.S. senator—breaks down why changing the narrative in an election year is different.

If 2026 is consequential for your issue set, the best investment is the one made before the issue becomes urgent.

https://t.co/jf3luRMwim

[The Herald Group @theheraldgroup]

Welcome to THG, Ella!

As a Senior Associate at The Herald Group, Ella supports the development of effective communications and advocacy campaigns through detailed research, strategic content development, and collaborative project management.

Before joining THG, Ella built her foundation at a public relations agency—supporting social media strategy and content development, paid media campaign implementation, and advocacy event execution across a diverse portfolio that included agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and the arts.

Ella is a 2024 graduate of Xavier University, where she earned an H.B.A. in Philosophy, Politics, and the Public (PPP) and a B.A. in Public Relations.

[The Herald Group @theheraldgroup]

Wrapping up 2025 with a lot of gratitude—and a lot of momentum at The Herald Group.

This year reinforced what we believe at our core: public affairs is moving faster, audiences expect more, and strategy only matters if it delivers outcomes. Our team helped clients break through crowded agendas, tell their stories with clarity, and win consequential legislative and regulatory fights—while staying agile as media and digital engagement kept evolving.

See some of our firm’s highlights in our 2025 year in review:
https://t.co/cFuuPXBFYy

[The Herald Group @theheraldgroup]

How do you change the narrative in one of the nation’s toughest legislative environments? Our latest case study breaks down how THG partnered with the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) to help drive awareness, mobilize advocates, and support a landmark tort reform victory in Georgia.

https://t.co/DohtVhWPqt

[The Herald Group @theheraldgroup]

Last week, we celebrated the holidays and a milestone year with a team lunch at Café Milano. It was a welcome opportunity to step back from the day-to-day, reflect on the work we’ve delivered together, and celebrate the season.

[The Herald Group @theheraldgroup]

THG is pleased to announce the promotion of our most recent fellow, Anita Dongieux, to strategic alliances associate. Anita graduated from Wake Forest University in May and joined THG in September.

Anita will support our third-party team to help foster relationships on behalf of our clients. We’re incredibly proud of the work she’s accomplished at THG, and we’re excited to see her take on the next chapter of her career.

Several of our employees began their THG careers as fellows, and many have since advanced to manager and director roles. If you’re looking to start your career in public affairs, please consider applying:

https://t.co/hFcMxT9ukF

[The Herald Group @theheraldgroup]

As chief creative officer, Brad Whitford will oversee THG’s creative vision and execution across the firm’s portfolio. He will partner closely with all of THG’s clients to ensure every campaign delivers compelling, consistent, and effective creative across channels.

[The Herald Group @theheraldgroup]

The loudest voice doesn’t always win in public affairs. The most effective campaigns reach the right people, with the right message, at the right moment.

In our latest Insights post, we break down THG’s “Surround Sound” approach — reaching key decision-makers throughout the day with messages that feel credible, relevant, and hard to ignore. From targeted digital and third-party validators to smart timing and channel mix, we share how to build campaigns that surround the people who matter most — not just add to the noise.

Learn more about our strategic approach: https://t.co/qmA3KLxVFi

[The Herald Group @theheraldgroup]

Last month, THG joined defense and space leaders at CSIS’s Delivering Space Capabilities for Warfighting Advantage event.

The modern “defense revolution” is reshaping how the government and the defense industry work together. Public affairs can help connect industry to the modern needs of the Pentagon.

Here’s Vice President Robert Brooks’ take on the defense-tech disruptor revolution.

[The Herald Group @theheraldgroup]

THG is honored that our campaign with the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) has been recognized with top industry awards, including a MarCom Gold Award and a Campaign of the Year finalist nod at the Ragan Zenith Awards.

Learn how THG helped shift public opinion, mobilize advocates, and elevate a statewide conversation that contributed to Georgia’s 2025 tort reform.

https://t.co/DohtVhXng1

[The Herald Group @theheraldgroup]

Our new website is live, featuring streamlined navigation, updated practice areas, and an improved experience across desktop and mobile. It’s now easier to find what you need.

https://t.co/EtCjqXvE91

[The Herald Group @theheraldgroup]

Help us welcome Brad Whitford to The Herald Group as our new Chief Creative Officer.

He brings deep public affairs experience, an eye for great design, and a real commitment to mentoring and elevating the people around him. We’re excited for him to join the team!