Hirons, a leading full-service marketing and communications consulting agency providing advertising, public relations, crisis communications and digital services, has hired Brandon Smith as account director, public relations.
Smith brings more than 15 years of digital and broadcast journalism experience to the agency. As part of the Hirons’ director team, Smith will oversee planning and strategy for public relations accounts, including specialized services such as crisis communication, succession planning and social media monitoring.
“Brandon’s perspective from being in front of the camera will bring unique insights and innovative solutions for our client’s public relations strategies. He is a charismatic leader with a thirst for continual learning and a similar eagerness for sharing his expansive expertise,” shares Jay Schemanske, executive vice president at Hirons.
Prior to joining Hirons, Smith held reporting roles in Plano, IL, and Columbia, MO, before serving as Statehouse Bureau Chief for Indiana Public Broadcasting (IPBS) in Indianapolis. During his 14-year tenure, Smith covered state government for 10 public media stations across Indiana, including Indianapolis’ own WFYI.
“Brandon Smith has earned his reputation as a trusted voice, known for his fairness, insight, and ability to clearly communicate complex issues to a wide audience,” said Deana Haworth, chief executive officer at Hirons. “We’re excited Brandon is bringing those skills and his deep media expertise to tell our clients’ stories at Hirons.”
Additionally, Smith served as host, producer and writer of Indiana Week in Review on WFYI, a weekly, statewide panel discussion program on politics and policy in Indiana, from 2016 to September 2025. The program was distributed across television, radio and podcast formats.
“It’s been a pleasure to contribute to the broadcast landscape across the Midwest for more than 15 years. Now, I’m ready to step away and explore new skills and opportunities — and I can think of no better place than Hirons to do that,” Smith said.
A graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism, Smith grew up in Chicago, where he maintains his pro sports loyalties. He now resides in Indianapolis with his wife of 12 years, Zoe.
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