Today, veteran communications professionals Cody Hall and Stephen Lawson announced the creation of a new firm, Full Focus Communications. Hall and Lawson will leverage decades of experience at the highest levels of politics, campaigns, issue advocacy, public policy, and government to specialize in crisis communications, media relations, strategic communications, and coalition building for corporate, political, and non-profit clients.

"We are excited to launch Full Focus Communications and put our expertise to work for our clients," said partners Cody Hall and Stephen Lawson. "In an ever-changing media and public relations landscape, Full Focus knows how to cut through the clutter, drive an effective message, and deliver big wins. When it comes to communications, you name it, we’ve done it—and we look forward to helping businesses, organizations, and advocacy campaigns achieve their goals and maximize their success."

"Since 2018, my administration and campaigns have faced numerous challenges," said Governor Brian P. Kemp. "Through each one, Cody Hall has been a trusted leader on my staff who I could always count on to give honest advice and work hard to get the job done. Cody successfully led my communications staff and provided spot-on guidance in some tough circumstances. Marty, the girls, and I wish him well in this next step in his career, and look forward to him continuing as a senior advisor to Team Kemp in my second term.”

"Stephen played a huge role in the success of our campaign, and will continue to be a trusted advisor during my term as Lieutenant Governor," said Lt. Governor-elect Burt Jones. "I know he'll continue to do great things with the launch of his new partnership—and look forward to seeing his continued success."

"There simply aren't many better in the business than Stephen Lawson," said Agriculture Commissioner-elect Tyler Harper. "He is incredibly sharp, fiercely loyal, detail-oriented, proactive, dependable, and passionate about anything he sets his mind to. He was an integral part of our successful campaign—and will continue to be a trusted advisor and friend."

--

More About Cody Hall:

Cody Hall is a Partner at Full Focus Communications. Cody has successfully led messaging strategy, media affairs, issue and brand management, and public relations efforts for political campaigns, state government agencies, business organizations, and the Office of the Governor of Georgia.

A native of Dawsonville, Georgia and a graduate of the University of Georgia, Cody began his career in politics and public service at the Georgia Department of Agriculture, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and then statewide campaigns during the 2018 cycle. As press secretary during then-Secretary of State Brian Kemp’s 2018 gubernatorial campaign, Cody was the primary spokesperson and media contact for one of the most contentious elections of the cycle.

Cody continued as press secretary through Governor Kemp’s transition, inaugural activities, and initial two years in office. From January 2019 to December of 2020, Cody was on the frontlines of speech writing, communications, media strategy, and policy development for the Governor’s Office through the governor’s first two legislative sessions, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2020 election.

In December of 2020, Cody was tapped to serve as Governor Kemp’s director of communications, the youngest person to ever hold the title in a Republican administration in Georgia. A year later, Cody left the official office to join the Governor’s re-election campaign as director of communications and senior advisor. Following historic victories in both the primary and general election, Cody continued as senior advisor to Governor Kemp and currently leads the governor’s second term political operation as senior advisor to the Georgians First Leadership Committee.

Cody, his wife Taylor, and their two children currently reside in Dawsonville.

--

More about Stephen Lawson:

Stephen Lawson is a Partner at Full Focus Communications. He is a veteran political strategist and communications professional with over a decade of experience advising successful candidates, campaigns, and organizations at the highest levels.

A native of Tallahassee, Florida, Stephen got his start in politics working for the Republican Party of Florida. After a brief stint working at a boutique research and communications firm advising a wide range of clients, Stephen worked on then-Governor Rick Scott’s successful re-election campaign in 2014, serving as Rapid Response Director. Following the inauguration, he was tapped to serve as Governor Scott’s Director of Research and Writing, as well as in high-level positions in the Scott Administration at Enterprise Florida, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s tourism agency.

During the 2018 cycle, Stephen served as Communications Director for Ron DeSantis’s successful gubernatorial campaign. In this role, Stephen oversaw all messaging, media, communications strategy, and execution across 10 media markets within a $100 million campaign.

In 2020, Stephen was recruited to Georgia to serve as the Deputy Campaign Manager and Communications Director for the campaign of U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler. As a top advisor to the Senator, he directed the entire communications and external strategy for her statewide bid, including the 9-week runoff campaign, one of the most expensive political races in United States history.

In the 2022 cycle, Stephen served as Senior Advisor to Burt Jones’ successful Georgia Lieutenant Governor campaign, Tyler Harper’s successful Agriculture Commissioner campaign, Mike Collins’ successful Georgia 10th Congressional campaign, and others. He also served as a Senior Advisor for Herschel Walker’s 34N22 Super PAC and Chris West’s overperforming campaign for Congress in Southwest Georgia.

Stephen currently resides in the Atlanta, Georgia area with his wife Paige. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf, traveling, reading, and a good bottle of red wine.