Chris Jaarda, formerly a senior policy adviser and counsel to House Speaker Mike Johnson, has transitioned from his role on Capitol Hill to become a partner at the prestigious law firm, Holland & Knight. After two impactful years with Speaker Johnson, Jaarda will now enhance Holland & Knight's lobbying practice, leveraging his extensive legislative experience and insights into key policy areas.

During his tenure with Speaker Johnson, Jaarda handled a diverse portfolio that ranged from privacy and emerging technologies to foreign intelligence and homeland security. Furthermore, he played a pivotal role in the development of seven of the eleven titles in this summer's GOP megabill, positioning him as a significant figure in recent legislative efforts.

Jaarda’s new role at Holland & Knight involves advising clients on strategic engagement at both state and federal levels, particularly as the Trump administration and various statehouses start to implement recent legislation. His arrival at the firm follows the hiring of Andrew Siracuse, another former Hill staffer, who joined the team in August after working with Texas GOP Senator John Cornyn on the reconciliation bill.

With a rich background that includes a three-year stint as deputy chief of staff for policy and legislative director for Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and earlier roles with other GOP members and committees, Jaarda brings a wealth of knowledge and connections to his new position. He plans to register as a lobbyist, a move that will allow him to fully engage with key players and legislative processes that influence federal and state policy directions.

Reflecting on his career shift, Jaarda expressed enthusiasm about applying his Capitol Hill experience to benefit Holland & Knight’s diverse client base. "Understanding the process on the Hill, and what moves the needle on certain issues, will hopefully be very helpful to the firm’s clients," he said.

Jaarda's move is part of a broader trend of House GOP leadership staff transitioning to the private sector. Earlier this year, Johnson’s policy director, Dan Ziegler, left the Hill for Williams & Jensen, and top aides to House Majority Leader Steve Scalise have also made similar moves.

This migration underscores the dynamic nature of careers at the intersection of government and private sectors, highlighting the ongoing exchange of expertise that shapes public policy and corporate strategy alike. As these seasoned professionals move into new roles, their influence continues to extend beyond the confines of Capitol Hill, shaping both political landscapes and business outcomes.