John Wittman Joins Vianovo as Partner; Sam Taylor Named Senior V.P., Bolstering Texas Public Affairs Practice

Vianovo today announced a major expansion of its Texas public affairs practice with the addition of John Wittman as Partner and Sam Taylor as Senior Vice President in the firm’s Austin office. Wittman and Taylor are veterans of high-profile political roles in Texas, bringing deep experience at the intersection of policy, politics, and communications. Wittman joins the firm from PLUS Communications, where he was a Partner and led its Texas operations. He previously served as Communications Director to Governor Greg Abbott.

At Vianovo, Wittman will be reuniting with his former colleague Matt Hirsch, who previously served as Governor Abbott’s deputy chief of staff and top communications advisor. Together, they bring unmatched experience at the highest levels of Texas politics and media and will expand Vianovo’s capabilities in coalition building, legislative campaigns, and grasstops advocacy.

“I could not be more excited to join Vianovo, continue working alongside Sam, and collaborate with some of the most talented minds in public affairs,” said Wittman. “Texas is a growth market, and there’s no firm better equipped to help companies and institutions position their brands, shape the media conversation, and achieve policy and business goals.”

In addition to its leading practices in national crisis communications and geopolitical risk, Vianovo has built a reputation as the go-to Texas firm for companies and organizations facing issues that intersect with the Capitol, combining political savvy, policy depth, and communications expertise. From navigating complex legislative and regulatory landscapes to shaping public narratives that influence decision-makers, the firm helps clients anticipate challenges, seize opportunities, and tell their story in the Lone Star State.

“John is one of the most respected communication strategists in Texas, with a proven track record of helping clients succeed in complex political and business environments,” said Vianovo Managing Partner Rob Norcross. “With the addition of John and Sam to our Austin office, we are even better positioned to help our clients succeed in Texas.”

Founded in Austin and now in its 20th year, Vianovo is a bipartisan strategic advisory firm specializing in high-stakes brand, policy, and crisis issues. The firm serves Fortune 100 companies and other leading organizations from its headquarters in Austin and offices in Washington, Dallas, Monterrey, and Mexico City.

John Wittman is a seasoned public affairs strategist with deep experience in Texas politics. He was most recently a Partner at PLUS Communications, where he led the firm's Austin office and advised clients on navigating Texas government, media, and public policy. Prior to that, he served as Communications Director for Governor Greg Abbott and spent nearly a decade working in senior political and policy roles. Wittman also held positions on Capitol Hill with the House Republican Conference and on Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign. A graduate of Miami University, he lives in Austin with his wife, Cait, and their children.

Sam Taylor has more than a decade of experience in government and political communications, specializing in media relations, legislative advocacy, coalition building, as well as strategic and crisis communications. Taylor previously served as head of communications for four Texas Secretaries of State, Communications Director for Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19), and Deputy Press Secretary for Governor Greg Abbott. In these roles, Taylor developed extensive expertise in election policy, public diplomacy, trade, economic development, and international relations. Taylor is originally from Friendswood, TX, and earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Syracuse University before going on to earn a master’s degree from the University of Chicago. He currently lives in Austin.

Vianovo is a bipartisan strategic advisory firm specializing in high-stakes brand, policy and crisis issues. We serve Fortune 100 clients from headquarters in Austin and offices in Washington, Dallas, and Mexico City.