Taft is pleased to welcome John R. Hammond IV as partner to its Public Affairs Strategies Group. Hammond joins with extensive experience at both the federal and state level, having served in several senior-ranking positions in both Indiana and Washington, D.C. across his accomplished career.

This addition comes at a period of strategic growth for the firm’s Public Affairs Strategies Group.  Taft has steadily expanded its public affairs bench this year, most recently adding six new attorneys to advance its public infrastructure capabilities and welcoming prominent partner and former U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge to the team.

“I’m very pleased to welcome John to our team as we continue to grow the Public Affairs Strategies Group. He is a demonstrated leader, with an extensive background that further adds to our wide breadth of experience across the practice. We look forward to getting him on board as we continue to grow this exceptionally talented team,” said Lacy M. Johnson, partner-in-charge of Taft Washington, D.C.

“What a fantastic addition John is to our growing practice. His experience at the local, state, and federal level, coupled with his comprehensive expertise with numerous government entities and programs, makes him a great fit at Taft. We look forward to working with him here in D.C. and across the firm,” said Graham Hill, partner at Taft Washington, D.C.

Prior to joining Taft, Hammond was Deputy Chief of Staff for Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb for nearly eight years, leading all state, legislative, and federal affairs, intergovernmental affairs, and strategic communications, while serving as the primary liaison to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. Prior to his role in the Office of the Governor, he spent nearly a decade living and working in Washington, D.C., serving several members of the United States Congress.

“John has deep roots in Indiana and a strong background in Washington. He is a talented and driven attorney, whose dedication to the public is evident throughout his impressive career. I am so pleased to work with him in this next step in his career as he helps solidify the service strength and leadership we have in this group,” said Kyle Hupfer, Taft Indianapolis partner and co-chair of the Public Affairs Strategies Group.

The Public Affairs Strategies Group has grown extensively since formally launching in 2021. The practice now has 34 attorneys and professionals across Washington D.C. and Taft’s markets—a team of highly experienced professionals with decades of government experience to advocate for Taft clients.

“Taft provides an unprecedented platform for growth and a demonstrated investment in building on the already strong foundation of their public affairs practice. I’m excited to capitalize on all the opportunities afforded to Team Taft. There is no dispute that clients benefit when a firm continues to invest in top-tier talent with a culture rewarding cross-practice collaboration and entrepreneurial thinking,” Hammond stated.