MAD Global Strategy announced Feb. 8 it is expanding to the Pacific Northwest, tapping Cary Evans to launch a new Seattle office.

The expansion marks the fourth new state the Summit-based firm has opened offices in since its launch just 12 months ago, with a presence in Ohio and Pennsylvania to go along with its home office in New Jersey and this new one in Washington.

“MAD Global already has a footprint in the Pacific Northwest with clients in the tech, energy, and health care sectors in and around Seattle, so it made smart business sense to grow our presence in Washington state,” said Mike DuHaime, MAD Global Strategy founder and CEO. “There is no better person to lead that effort than Cary Evans.”

Evans is a seasoned health care executive with an extensive career in public affairs and politics. Most recently, he served as vice president of government affairs and community relations at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, a leading health system in Washington.

“Cary is a smart, strategic, accomplished public affairs professional who has been trusted by people at the highest levels of business and government in America, and we are so fortunate to have him join our team,” said DuHaime.

“I am excited to join MAD Global and help chart its future on the West Coast,” said Evans. “I have worked with Mike and members of the MAD Global team for two decades, and they are the best in the business.”

The hiring is MAD Global’s second major addition in the past two weeks, after it tapped Brenton Temple – former campaign manager for Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine – to lead its Columbus, Ohio, operation.

The bipartisan public affairs firm works with clients across a number of sectors, such as health care, energy, sports, tech and more. Its advisory board includes former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former U.S. Sen. Jeff Chiesa, and former New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino.