D.C.-Based Public Affairs Firm Announces Two Additions — 15th This Year

Today The Herald Group (THG) announced the expansion of its senior leadership team with the hiring of two new vice presidents, Trace Scruggs and Evan Lukaske, who officially joined the firm in October.

Scruggs comes to The Herald Group from PLUS Communications, where he served as senior director of public affairs. Prior to PLUS, Scruggs spent six years at the Edison Electric Institute, working in external affairs and communications. He is the firm’s second energy-focused hire this year.

“I am thrilled to join The Herald Group and am grateful to be part of such a talented team,” said Scruggs. “THG’s combination of vision and firm-wide collaboration consistently drives impact where it matters most — informing debate, shaping decisions, and turning smart, sensible strategies into real policy wins.”

Lukaske brings more than a decade of experience at the intersection of policy, politics, and communications. Most recently, he served as communications director for U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), leading messaging on major legislative efforts including cryptocurrency and financial regulation, veterans’ healthcare, military justice reform, 9/11 first responder benefits, and workplace protections. Lukaske has also held senior communications and advisory roles on presidential, U.S. Senate, gubernatorial, and congressional campaigns.

“I’m incredibly excited to join The Herald Group, a firm that understands you can't solve today's complex policy challenges with a single tool,” said Lukaske. “Its commitment to integrating the best in political strategy, digital advocacy, and public affairs makes it a truly best-in-class organization. I look forward to using my experience to deliver winning outcomes for our clients.”

“We’re investing in senior talent because the demand for public affairs has never been higher,” said Matt Well, founding partner of The Herald Group. “Trace and Evan expand our capacity to help clients navigate complexity and win where it matters most. We’re excited for them to join the team.”

With these additions, The Herald Group has made over 15 hires in 2025 and continues to expand its capabilities across policy sectors.

The Herald Group is a full-service, bipartisan public affairs firm based in Washington, D.C. and was founded in 2005. For 20 years, corporations, industry associations, and non-profit organizations have engaged The Herald Group to develop, execute and win some of the most critical national, state, and international policy and issue advocacy campaigns. To learn more about The Herald Group visit our website at www.theheraldgroup.com and follow us on X @theheraldgroup.

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“We’re investing in senior talent because the demand for public affairs has never been higher,” said Matt Well, founding partner of The Herald Group.