Novel Strategies Unveils New Model for D.C. Influence and Expansion

By Michael Bennett

Washington, DC – February 17, 2026 – In a significant move signaling a strategic evolution, Washington advocacy firm Prism Group announced today it has relaunched as Novel Strategies. The rebrand is far more than a name change, encompassing an expanded 20-person team, a new full-floor office on Pennsylvania Avenue, and the ambitious launch of an affiliated think tank and a charitable foundation.

The transformation positions Novel Strategies as a firm explicitly designed for a political and corporate landscape where traditional boundaries have all but dissolved. “The bright lines between GR, PR, strategic comms and corporate strategy no longer exist,” said John Stanford, Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Novel Strategies, in the announcement. “Organizations have challenges and opportunities – whether in boardrooms or the halls of power – and we are singularly focused on effective and innovative ways to meet the moment.”

The relaunch aims to formally align the firm's identity with its integrated operational model, which weaves together policy expertise, strategic communications, and direct advocacy. The firm serves clients in innovation-heavy sectors, including life sciences, technology, and financial services, helping them navigate complex regulatory environments and shape public narratives.

“This isn’t about a change in direction,” added Ed Stewart, Partner and Chief Operating Officer. “It’s about making sure our name reflects the team we’ve built and the way we work together—bringing policy insight, strategic communications, and execution under one roof.”

Redefining the Influence Playbook

Novel Strategies’ core assertion is that the modern influence game requires a unified approach. This concept of integrated services is an increasingly prevalent trend in the competitive D.C. public affairs market. Major players like BGR Group, Cornerstone, and 720 Strategies have long offered comprehensive suites of services that blend government affairs, public relations, and digital advocacy. The industry has been moving in this direction for years, driven by the complexity of the 24/7 news cycle and the multifaceted nature of policymaking.

Where Novel Strategies aims to differentiate itself is in its framing and execution. The firm’s leadership emphasizes a belief that they are “doing something new. Something novel.” While the integrated model itself may not be entirely unique, the firm's focus on innovation-driven sectors and its simultaneous launch of non-profit arms suggest a deliberate effort to build a self-reinforcing ecosystem of influence. The rebranding appears to be less about inventing a new playbook and more about perfecting a modern one, where narrative, policy, and advocacy are not just coordinated but are developed as a single, cohesive strategy from the outset.

A Bipartisan Powerhouse

A key asset in the firm's strategic arsenal is its bipartisan leadership. The partnership of John Stanford and Ed Stewart provides clients with deep connections and strategic insights across the political aisle—a critical component for effective advocacy in a divided Washington.

John Stanford, the firm’s CEO, brings a background rooted in Democratic politics, having worked for a Democratic House Member and on presidential and Senate campaigns. His expertise lies in communications and driving policy formation for clients in the innovation economy, and he is a co-founder of the venture capital advocacy group Incubate. His recognition by The Hill as a top lobbyist underscores his effectiveness in communicating client objectives to government stakeholders.

Complementing Stanford is COO Ed Stewart, a 30-year veteran of Washington with a background in Republican politics, international affairs, and congressional relations. Stewart’s extensive career includes roles at the International Republican Institute and representing the interests of sovereign governments and major corporations. His specialty lies in assembling and managing inter-disciplinary teams that fuse legislative, political, and media expertise to achieve client goals on a global scale. This blend of a Democratic-leaning communications specialist and a Republican-leaning government affairs expert gives Novel Strategies the breadth and depth needed to navigate Washington’s complex political terrain, regardless of which party holds power.

Beyond Consulting: Building a Policy Ecosystem

Perhaps the most forward-looking aspect of the relaunch is the creation of two non-profit entities: Novel Concept: A Modern Think Tank and the Novel Strategies Foundation. This move signals an ambition that extends beyond client service into the broader world of policy development and public discourse.

Novel Concept is positioned as a think tank for “original thinking,” designed to bring together voices from policy, industry, and culture to explore future challenges. Set to launch in early 2026, its stated mission is to foster “thoughtful conversation” and “open, honest collaboration.” By creating a platform for policymaker education and idea generation, Novel Strategies can help shape the intellectual environment in which its clients operate, subtly influencing policy debates long before they reach the legislative floor.

The Novel Strategies Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable organization, has a different but complementary mission: to help “worthy advocacy efforts lacking access and experience gain a foothold in Washington, DC.” This philanthropic arm not only serves a social good but also provides the firm with a mechanism to build goodwill and expand its network, potentially identifying emerging issues and future allies outside of its traditional corporate client base.

An Aggressive Bet on Growth

The physical and operational changes accompanying the rebrand underscore a strategy of aggressive growth. Moving into an entire floor of a Pennsylvania Avenue office, just blocks from the White House, is a powerful statement of intent. Doubling the team to 20 professionals provides the necessary manpower to service a growing client base and staff its new initiatives.

Furthermore, the launch of an “always-on” hiring portal indicates a proactive and continuous approach to talent acquisition. Rather than simply reacting to immediate needs, Novel Strategies is building a pipeline of talent with diverse skills in policy, communications, digital strategy, and non-profit management. This strategy suggests the firm is preparing for sustained expansion and aims to remain agile by constantly integrating new perspectives and expertise.

This aggressive scaling positions Novel Strategies to compete more directly with larger, more established firms in the D.C. public affairs arena. By investing heavily in its team, location, and a multi-pronged strategic model that includes non-profit arms, the firm is making a confident bet that its integrated, ecosystem-based approach will not only resonate with clients but also set a new standard for wielding influence in the nation's capital.