WASHINGTON, DC—Government relations specialist Elmendorf | Ryan and Home Front Communications, a strategic communications firm, made merged to create a new integrated firm, Subject Matter.

Three of the four firm principals, Steve Elmendorf, Paul Frick, and Dan Sallick, worked closely together in the 1990s for then House Democratic Leader Richard Gephardt. The fourth, Jimmy Ryan, worked for Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid as well as Senator Charles Schumer. The two firms have previously worked together on clients including Airlines for America.

In addition, Debra DeShong will join the firm as executive vice president and managing director for public affairs. DeShong most recently served as chief of staff to US Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy in Tokyo. Previously, she held communications roles for the Kerry presidential campaign, the Democratic National Committee, and Congressman Steny Hoyer.

Founded in 1998, Home Front offered advertising, branding, design, digital strategy, interactive development, content solutions, media strategy and targeted outreach. Established in 2006, Elmendorf | Ryan assisted clients with their public policy objectives.