Meet us

Founder
James Whitfield
James founded Umbra Public Affairs after a decade on Capitol Hill. He built the firm on the belief that policy wins are communications wins first. His client roster spans Fortune 100 companies, trade associations, and state governments navigating complex regulatory terrain.

Principal
Victoria Holt
Former bureau chief turned communications strategist. Victoria has placed stories in every major national outlet and knows exactly what makes an editor say yes.

Director, Executive Communications
Claire O'Brien
Claire coaches executives through IPOs, congressional testimony, hostile media, and investor calls. She has turned stumbling communicators into trusted voices.

Speech and Copywriter
Thomas Ballard
Thomas has written for governors, senators, CEOs, and a Secretary of State. His words have moved markets and moved voters. He believes every speech is an argument.

VP, Digital Strategy
Daniela Ruiz
Daniela built viral campaign infrastructure for three Senate races and a presidential primary. She understands how narratives move through networks and how to accelerate them.