FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 22, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C.—James D. Elias has been named chief executive officer of Hager Sharp, the independent public relations and strategic communications firm based in Washington, D.C. He has also been elected to the company’s board of directors.
“The Board of Directors was unanimous in our choice of James to lead this outstanding strategic communications agency and its talented team as the company’s next chief executive officer,” said Marie C. Johns, chairman of Hager Sharp’s Board of Directors. “James is an exceptional public relations leader with a strong command of the business fundamentals needed to guide a professional services firm through its next stage of growth. He brings a disciplined approach to operations, client service, and talent development, along with a clear understanding of how media relations and strategic communications drive value for clients.”
“It is truly an honor to be entrusted with the responsibility of guiding this special company that has occupied such an important place in the history of public relations and business in Washington, D.C. since Susan Hager founded the firm in 1973,” Elias said. “It’s also an honor to work each day with an incredibly talented and dedicated team. As CEO, my focus is on sharpening the firm’s strategic direction, continued development of our core strengths, and creating greater value for clients by communicating with clarity, purpose, and impact. We are building on the engine that has propelled this company for the last 50 years, and I will work tirelessly to ensure the company’s brightest days are ahead of us.”
Since joining the company in 2010, Elias has served in senior roles advising multiple agency accounts in the private, public, and independent sectors on media relations, public affairs, crisis communications, and issues management. During his tenure, Elias’ strategic communications work has focused on areas related to early childhood, K-12, and higher education; social justice at the intersection of policy and advocacy; workforce development; and public health and healthcare. C-suite clients have sought his counsel to shape their brand narratives, strengthen trust with their audiences, and to scale their impact. Elias first joined Hager Sharp’s management team in 2015.
“James is the right leader for the next chapter in the history of this esteemed company—building on the firm’s strengths, scaling the business thoughtfully, and creating lasting value for clients, employee-owners, and partners,” said Hager Sharp Board Member Jerry Olszewski. “His leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the firm’s portfolio, enhancing core capabilities, and positioning Hager Sharp for sustainable, long-term growth.” Elias has led award-winning work for a number of Hager Sharp’s clients, including The Nation’s Report Card, Arizona State University, Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, The Leadership Conference, ACT, and the Educational Testing Service.
About Hager Sharp
Hager Sharp is a public relations and communication strategy firm with a mission to help people live better lives. Founded in 1973, Hager Sharp creates comprehensive, award-winning, integrated marketing and communications campaigns that garner attention and drive results for clients who want to make the world a better place. An independent employee-owned firm headquartered in the heart of Washington, D.C., Hager Sharp has worked with clients in the private, public, and independent sectors on “communications that make a difference.”
Follow us on Facebook.com/HagerSharp, X (formerly Twitter) at @HagerSharp and on Instagram at @HagerSharpCreates, or visit us at www.hagersharp.com.
Contact:
Alex McClung, Vice President
amcclung@hagersharp.com