Jarrard Hires Byron Johnson as Senior VP

The Nashville healthcare communications consultancy added Johnson to expand its federal public affairs capabilities.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Healthcare

Jarrard Hires Byron Johnson as Senior VP

Jarrard, a Nashville-headquartered healthcare communications consultancy, hired Byron Johnson as senior vice president in its public affairs practice. The hire expands the firm's federal public affairs capability.

Why it matters

The move reflects Jarrard's recent investment in its public affairs specialty, including senior hires and digital capabilities made over the last 18 months. It also comes as the firm reports nearly 40% year-over-year growth.

Jarrard reported nearly 40% year-over-year growth, supported 200 healthcare clients nationally, and added more than 30 consultants in 2026. The extraction does not specify the revenue or client-level figures behind that growth.

The players

Jarrard

A Nashville-headquartered healthcare communications consultancy that has been part of Chartis since its acquisition in 2020.

Byron Johnson

A healthcare, policy and communications executive with more than 25 years of experience, now serving as senior vice president in Jarrard's public affairs practice.

The details

Johnson, who is based in Washington, DC, previously held roles at Sachs Media, FleishmanHillard, Windmeyer Communications, 720 Strategies and Hager Sharp. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota.

Over the last 18 months, Jarrard invested in its public affairs specialty.
In 2026, Jarrard added more than 30 consultants.
The Johnson hire was announced on November 2, 2026.

Industry Context

Jarrard operates as part of Chartis, which acquired the firm in 2020 and now has more than 1,000 employees across offices in Chicago, Boston and New York. The Johnson hire adds federal public affairs depth to a healthcare consulting network that spans several markets.

For patients and providers, the hire is a corporate staffing change with no direct effect on care or costs. Its relevance lies in how healthcare organizations communicate with federal policymakers and the public.

The takeaway

Healthcare organizations increasingly invest in public affairs and federal engagement as policy shapes their operating environment. Watching who firms hire into these roles offers a window into where that influence is being built.