The Herald Group’s Brad Whitford Named a Top Agency Executives Honoree in PR Daily’s 2026 Top Agencies Awards
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 20, 2026 — The Herald Group (THG) announced today that Chief Creative Officer Brad Whitford has been named a Top Agency Executive honoree in PR Daily’s 2026 Top Agencies Awards.
The recognition highlights Whitford’s creative leadership and impact. He has helped strengthen the firm’s creative identity and client campaigns while expanding the role of design and storytelling in its strategic approach.
“Brad understands how to turn a complicated issue into something people can understand and care about,” said Bill Bertles, partner and co-founder of The Herald Group. “He challenges our teams to think more ambitiously about what creative can accomplish, and he gives them the guidance and confidence to get there. We’re proud to see his leadership recognized.”
Whitford approaches creative work by first understanding the audience, the objective and the broader challenge. At THG, he has brought that discipline into the earliest stages of campaign planning, helping teams use creative to clarify complex issues and communicate more effectively. Since starting at the firm in 2025, THG has won eight creative awards alone.
“Strong creative work starts with people who are willing to ask better questions, share ideas and push each other to make the work stronger,” said Whitford. “I’m grateful for this recognition and for the opportunity to work alongside colleagues who bring that commitment to our clients every day.”
Whitford began his tenure by meeting individually with every staff member to understand the firm’s people, clients and approach to storytelling. He also provides hands-on training to junior colleagues, helping them develop their creative judgment and produce stronger client materials.
Whitford brings nearly two decades of experience across public affairs, corporate reputation and advocacy. Before joining THG, he served as senior vice president and creative director at DDC Public Affairs and as vice president and design director at The Glover Park Group, now FGS Global.
###
About The Herald Group
The Herald Group is an independent public affairs and strategic communications firm based in Washington, D.C. Founded in 2005, the firm helps Fortune 500 companies, trade associations and nonprofits address complex policy, reputation and advocacy challenges. THG combines strategic insight, bipartisan experience and integrated communications to shape perception, influence policy and drive outcomes. Learn more at theheraldgroup.com.
Recognition honors the chief creative officer’s leadership and industry-leading portfolio.
Veteran public affairs strategist brings more than 20 years of experience to strengthen the firm’s longstanding, nationwide advocacy capabilities.
The Herald Group partnered with Survivors for Solutions for an evening of art and patient advocacy, exploring the role of medical innovation in transforming lives.
Recognition reflects the firm’s commitment to employee growth, mentorship and a collaborative culture.
Veteran Advocacy Executive Joins THG Leadership Team and Adds Further Depth to Firm as 15th Addition in 2026
The Herald Group earns seven Hermes Creative Awards—four Gold, three Honorable Mentions—for work spanning blog content, website design, paid media, outdoor advertising, and LinkedIn performance.
The Herald Group earned Gold and Silver at the 2026 MUSE Creative Awards for work on the Alliance for IRS Accountability—a reflection of how integrated strategy and creative drive results in public affairs.
The Herald Group has named Colin Hensel Senior Director of Digital and AI Innovation and Analytics—a role built to lead the firm's deliberate, strategy-first approach to AI in public affairs.
The Herald Group is proud to announce the promotions of 11 team members—reflecting the talent, dedication, and leadership that continue to drive the firm forward.
As 2025 closes, The Herald Group reflects on a year of consequential wins, accelerating change, and a team that delivered—and looks ahead to an even more complex 2026.
In celebration of The Herald Group’s 20th anniversary, we look back with pride at our strong track record of success. Our firm’s ability to compete and win in the halls of government has delivered critical policy victories for our clients—and our nation.
The Herald Group announced the appointment of Chuck Burgess as the firm’s EU-based Strategic Advisor. In this new position, Burgess will help THG clients pursue business opportunities and navigate policy and communications challenges on both sides of the Atlantic.
The Herald Group has named Katie Wright to lead its growing energy practice, bringing two decades of executive-level public affairs and issue advocacy experience across energy, healthcare, and consumer goods.
We are thrilled to welcome Becky Boles as our new Chief Client Services Officer. An industry veteran, Becky’s expertise in both managing client campaigns and leading professional development programs will be instrumental to our firm as we continue to grow.
It's been a season of recognition for THG’s digital team and it’s no wonder why! Our team of digital professionals at The Herald Group continues to innovate and grow, drawing acknowledgement from industry experts. We’re excited to congratulate them for their recent awards!
The Herald Group's Ashley Pratte Oates has been named a PR News Mentor of the Year—recognition that reflects the leadership, investment in others, and commitment to growth she brings every day.
Today The Herald Group announced Bill Bertles has joined the firm as partner on its executive team. He will lead the firm’s business development efforts. Bertles comes to The Herald Group following a 25-year tenure growing a public affairs firm into a global communications agency.