Communications
Strategy
Research

HELPING IDEAS TAKE FLIGHT

Gartrell Public Affairs turns big ideas into bite-sized messages by crafting products that resonate with broad audiences and experts alike.

Our communications, strategy and research services provide solutions whether you are polishing a draft, engaging stakeholders, or starting projects from scratch.

From concept to launch and beyond, Gartrell Public Affairs helps ideas take flight.

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Services

When projects need more than one service, Gartrell Public Affairs offers more than one solution. We meet clients where they are, and work collaboratively to develop the plan that is right for you.

Communications

  • Executive Communications

  • Speechwriting

  • Op-Eds

  • Media Training

  • Message Development

  • Video/Social Media Scripts

  • Copywriting

  • Ghostwriting

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Strategy

  • Government Affairs

  • Political Campaigns

  • Coalition Building

  • Congressional Testimony

  • Congressional Investigations

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Research

  • Reports

  • White Papers

  • Due Diligence

  • Legislative Histories

  • Policy Memos

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About

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Peter Gartrell has spent two decades at the intersection of business, policy and communications as a congressional investigator and journalist.

An experienced communicator, Peter has:

  • Drafted speeches, talking points and correspondence for dozens of members of Congress;

  • Ghostwritten op-eds published by USA Today and the Philadelphia Inquirer;

  • Developed messaging for congressional and state legislative campaigns;

  • Earned media coverage in regional, national and international outlets; and

  • Lectured at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Business, and Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health, among others.

During 12 years on Capitol Hill, he led eight major investigations, and developed expertise on issues ranging from health care to energy and transportation. His work has repeatedly influenced the arc of public policy, and been widely cited in court cases, regulatory probes, books, papers, and news accounts.

The Wall Street Journal described a 2015 investigation as "the most transparent look ever into pricing decisions in the modern drug business,” while a 2023 investigation uncovered nursing home oversight failures in dozens of states.

He began his career as a journalist covering the coal industry, first for the Gillette News-Record, a daily newspaper in Wyoming, and then for Platts, an international energy news service. His byline has appeared in outlets including the Denver Post, Salt Lake Tribune and Journal of Commerce.

Originally from Durham, N.C., Peter holds a B.A. in Geography from Macalester College. He enjoys cooking, playing guitar, collecting license plates, and traveling, having visited 49 states.

Work Featured In

testimonials

  • “Peter listened to my goals, distilled my thoughts, and quickly produced high quality content that felt true to me for my political campaign and a commencement address. Excited to work with you again!”

    - Amy Spieker, public health expert, Cheyenne, Wyo.

  • “Peter’s deep experience with federal policy issues, outstanding writing skills, and good judgement make him a terrific choice for any communications or research project.”

    - John Angell, former staff director, U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, Washington, D.C.

  • “Peter helped me turn a Facebook post about my twin brother’s military service into an op-ed printed in USA Today. He gave me space to tell a story that was true to myself while honoring my brother, who died in the line of duty.”

    — Rev. Charles R. Cowherd, pastor, Herndon, Va.