Forging a career in Washington, DC has provided Jessie Howe Brairton valuable government affairs experience and an extensive professional network that allow her to navigate a shifting political landscape and effectively advocate for her clients. Ms. Brairton joined Thorn Run Partners in 2011 and specializes in policy strategy and issue advocacy for a diverse portfolio of clients including corporations, nonprofits, and coalitions.
Prior to joining Thorn Run Partners, Ms. Brairton made an impact in the private, nonprofit and government sectors. She was Director of Federal Government Affairs in Eli Lilly’s Washington, DC office where she lobbied both chambers of Congress on Medicare, patient assistance programs, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Ms. Brairton led the internal ACA team and worked cross-functionally to deliver results for the company.
Before entering the corporate world, Ms. Brairton managed federal public policy development for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s largest advocacy organization representing small and independent businesses. At NFIB, she co-chaired the Small-Business Health Plan (SBHP) Coalition and developed lobbying, press and grassroots strategy.
Ms. Brairton launched her career working for the United States Senate’s Special Committee on Aging, chaired by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA). After working in the Senate, she joined the office of Congressman Lamar Smith (R-TX 21) who served tenures as Chairman of both the House Judiciary and House Science Committees. Ms. Brairton managed Congressman Smith’s legislative initiatives before these committees, with a broad portfolio that included intellectual property, anti-trust legislation, crime, terrorism, and space exploration.
With extensive experience as a lobbyist and Capitol Hill staffer in the areas of health care, business, early education and care, and judiciary related issues, Ms. Brairton has built relationships in both the Senate and the House that enable her to directly influence policy outcomes for her clients.
Ms. Brairton earned a B.A. in Political Science and French from Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia. She lives in Arlington, VA with her husband and two children.
