12 January 2022 / Washington, DC, USA – Today, leading global strategic communications advisory firm Finsbury Glover Hering (FGH) announced that seasoned public affairs professional Lars Anderson will join the firm as a partner in the Washington office. Anderson brings a breadth of experience in crisis, strategic, political, and international communications to the firm.
Anderson comes to FGH from communications consultancy BlueDot Strategies, where he was a founding partner. In addition to his time at BlueDot, Anderson’s career has included leadership appointments across the Executive Branch, Congress, presidential campaigns, and corporate and nonprofit organizations.
“Very few people can claim to have ‘done it all,’ but Lars is one of them. Founded a firm; worked on the Hill; served in the U.S. Air Force and at NATO; managed a crisis for New York City; and advised at State, Defense, FEMA, USAID and Homeland Security,” said FGH’s Joel Johnson, head of the Washington office. “It’s an understatement to say his experiences and insights will make an immediate impact on behalf of our clients across the board.”
Anderson’s service during the Obama Administration spanned the Departments of State, Defense, and Homeland Security, most recently as the deputy chief of staff and counselor to the administrator at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
In March 2020, Anderson was recruited to serve temporarily as the deputy chief of staff to the commissioner of New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) providing communications, operations, and strategic counsel during the height of the city’s response to the outbreak of COVID-19.
During his tenure at the Department of Defense, Anderson supported Secretary Ashton Carter during his first 100 days and advised him on key public affairs issues, including military operations, diplomatic initiatives, and military engagements around the world.
As the press director and spokesman for USAID from 2010 to 2012, Anderson directed press engagement strategy and managed relationships with regional, national, and international press to accurately and energetically tell the USAID story. On Capitol Hill, he served for three years as the communications director for U.S. Representative Adam Smith.
Anderson began his career in the United States Air Force and acted as NATO spokesman in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, during a period of heightened tension in 2001. He earned a Master’s Degree from George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs and a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Air Force Academy. .
About Finsbury Glover Hering
In 2021, Finsbury Glover Hering and Sard Verbinnen & Co. completed their merger to create the world’s leading strategic communications firm advising clients in navigating critical opportunities and challenges. The firm brings together over 1,000 communications professionals, operating from 25 offices in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the United States, including its global headquarters in New York.
CONTACT:
Lauren Miller
lauren.miller@fgh.com