Mike DuHaime, MAD Global Strategy founder and CEO, announced the expansion of his new firm to Ohio on June 1, along with two key hires.

Jai Chabria, who currently serves as chief strategist for U.S. Senate candidate JD Vance, will head the Columbus office. Chabria previously served as an advisor to Ohio Gov. John Kasich.

Taylor Van Kirk, who currently serves as communications director for Vance, is also joining the firm’s Ohio operation. Van Kirk previously served as press secretary for the Ohio Speaker of the House and the Majority Caucus.

Chabria and Van Kirk also each previously worked at public strategy firm Mercury with DuHaime.

“Jai Chabria has been a friend and a colleague for more than a decade. There’s no one better in the business. His leadership puts our firm on the map in Ohio,” said DuHaime. “Taylor Van Kirk is a communications professional with deep government affairs roots in Columbus, which will be an immediate benefit to our growing firm.”

“When I had the opportunity to join my former colleague, Mike DuHaime, one of the best problem solvers I’ve ever met, I jumped at the chance,” said Chabria. “It’s exciting to help MAD Global become a world-class strategy firm.”

The expansion and new hires continue a flurry of activity for the Summit-based firm. Last week, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former U.S. Sen. Jeff Chiesa and former New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino became members of MAD Global’s advisory board. Last month, Laura Matos, a democratic strategist joined the firm as a partner.