Where Strategy Meets Government
Bayou Consulting Group is a government affairs and strategic advisory firm that helps organizations build, strengthen, and extend their government relations capabilities.
We work with companies, nonprofits, and growing organizations that may not have an in-house government affairs team—or that have a lean team and need additional capacity, expertise, or multistate support. Our fractional model allows us to operate as an extension of your organization, providing senior-level government relations support without requiring you to build a larger internal department.
From legislative strategy and stakeholder engagement to public-sector growth and multistate expansion, we help clients understand where decisions are being made, build the right relationships, and move from strategy to action.
Experience in the rooms where decisions are made.
Kernard Jones
Kernard Jones is a nationally recognized government affairs strategist who has built his career at the intersection of public policy, politics, and organizational growth. Known for turning complex policy environments into actionable opportunities, Kernard has advised organizations on multistate government relations strategy, legislative engagement, public-sector partnerships, and navigating the relationships that drive government decision-making.
His work has helped secure more than $12 million in state funding and public investment, while building relationships with governors’ offices, legislators, state agencies, education leaders, and national policy organizations across the country.
Kernard has twice been recognized as a NILE Top Lobbyist of the Year. His experience extends beyond traditional government affairs; he has served in gubernatorial and civic leadership roles and remains deeply engaged in the communities and institutions where public policy takes shape.
At Bayou Consulting Group, Kernard brings clients a combination of senior-level strategy, political judgment, and hands-on execution. Whether an organization is building its first government relations function, expanding into new states, or strengthening an existing team, he helps leaders understand not only who they need to know, but how to turn those relationships into meaningful outcomes.
Partner
Sector Experience
Technology & AI
Education & EdTech
Energy, Oil & Gas
Housing & Community Development
Financial Services
Our Reach Is Built on Experience
Tyler Smith
Tyler Smith is a government affairs strategist with more than a decade of experience spanning legislative strategy, technology policy, coalition building, grassroots advocacy, and political engagement. He has built a national network of relationships with elected officials, advocacy organizations, and political institutions across the country.
Tyler began his government affairs career working on Capitol Hill and in statehouses nationwide. He served as Special Assistant to U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff, where his policy portfolio included banking, voting rights, the judiciary, infrastructure, reconciliation, and technology. He later served as Director of State and Local Government Affairs at Chamber of Progress, representing companies including Amazon, Google, Meta, and Airbnb before state legislatures and helping connect senior government officials with technology industry leaders.
As Deputy Regional Director of Government Affairs for Everytown for Gun Safety, Tyler led government affairs strategy across the Southern United States and helped secure more than $10 million in state funding for local community projects while building grassroots coalitions to advance public policy priorities.
His political and civic experience also includes work with Senator Kamala Harris, Beto O’Rourke, and the Texas Democratic Party. Tyler was named a 2024 Obama Foundation USA Leader Fellow, a 2023 National Lobbyist of the Year, an Andrew Young Emerging Leader, and a Wilson Center Foreign Policy Fellow.
At Bayou Consulting Group, Tyler brings clients a combination of policy expertise, coalition strategy, political judgment, and national relationships to help organizations navigate government, expand their reach, and strengthen their government affairs capabilities.
Partner
Technology & Innovation
Financial Services & Banking
Public Safety
Infrastructure & Public Investment
Nonprofits & Advocacy Organizations
Sector Experience
