Alexandria, VA – OnMessage Public Strategies today announced that Chris Syrek has joined the firm as Executive Vice President.
Syrek most recently served as Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a role he has held since January 20, 2025. Prior to this, he served as the lead sherpa during VA Secretary Doug Collins’ Senate confirmation process and helped guide the department through the Trump–Vance presidential transition, overseeing key strategic and operational priorities.
In a statement announcing his departure, VA Secretary Doug Collins said “Chris has been a key part of our leadership team and my most trusted advisor since day one. He’s done an amazing job helping us make the department work better and delivering on President Trump’s promises to those who have worn the uniform.”
Syrek previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff at the Department of Veterans Affairs from 2018 to 2021 during the first Trump Administration. Earlier in his career, he was a Director in KPMG’s consulting practice.
OnMessage Public Strategies is a fast-growing public affairs and lobbying firm known for its political and advocacy work over the past two decades. In addition to its electoral track record, the firm has advised a wide range of organizations and coalitions, including the families of hostages held by Hamas, the Big Ten, the National Association of Broadcasters, Concord Fund, Air Methods, and Press Ganey.
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