Brian Symmes, Former Deputy Chief of Staff for South Carolina Governor, Joins McGuireWoods Consulting

McGuireWoods Consulting has added Brian M. Symmes, former deputy chief of staff for communications for South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, as a vice president in the firm’s South Carolina government affairs team, where he will provide clients with strategic and crisis communications services.

Symmes joins McGuireWoods Consulting immediately after having served in the governor’s office for two consecutive administrations. He began his career as deputy press secretary in the office of then-Gov. Nikki Haley in 2013 and began leading the office’s communications efforts when McMaster took office in 2017.

Symmes served as the governor’s lead communications strategist, chief spokesperson for statewide and national media outlets and as the primary point of contact to cabinet agency directors and public information officers for strategic communications and media relations guidance. In addition, his crisis communications experience was hard-earned, having been intimately involved in the state’s responses to several natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Brian is a skilled communicator and problem solver. He has worked in senior communications roles for two governors, and has extensive relationships with South Carolina’s business, government and political leaders. He is a great addition to our growing South Carolina team,” said former South Carolina Gov. Jim Hodges, president of McGuireWoods Consulting.

McGuireWoods Consulting Chairman Mark Bowles added: “With his years at the center of South Carolina politics and his deep experience working with state and national media, Brian brings invaluable insight for our clients.”

Director of the firm’s South Carolina team, Brian Flynn echoed: “Brian has been a key player in crafting media messages for some of the most noteworthy governors and policies in the country and helping them navigate a challenging media landscape. We are glad to have Brian join our team.”

Symmes received his B.A. from Clemson University, where he was a member of the Clemson Tigers Football team.