John Stanford

John Stanford is a leading government relations and public affairs professional, recognized for his expertise in driving stakeholder-informed policy. As the Managing Partner of Prism Group since 2018, he has expanded the firm into a full-service, integrated public affairs consultancy with national and global reach. 

John specializes in federal-level Democratic lobbying, focusing on pro-growth and innovation agendas. His relationships on Capitol Hill and within the Executive Branch are built on nearly a decade of experience, making him one of Washington’s top lobbyists as named by The Hill. His work has been acknowledged in the Congressional Record, state legislatures, and various chambers of commerce. 

At Prism Group, John leads the global advocacy practice, developing strategies such as third-party activation and coalition building. He co-founded the Small Business Roundtable, the largest U.S. entrepreneurship coalition, and serves as Executive Director of Incubate, the voice of life science venture capital. John was also instrumental in advocating for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), emphasizing the importance of entrepreneurship and intellectual property protections. 

A frequent commentator on innovation and economic issues, John’s insights have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and on CNBC. Before joining Prism Group, he worked on Capitol Hill, in the British Houses of Parliament, and on various political campaigns. 

Originally from Denver, CO, John holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government from the College of William & Mary. Before his Washington career, he taught high school math in Arizona through Teach For America. An avid golfer, John now commutes between the Washington, DC, and Charlotte, NC offices of Prism Group.