BRG Communications (BRG), an award-winning communications agency specializing in health and wellness, today announced its acquisition of We Are HeadStart, a boutique public relations and marketing agency serving mission-driven startups and the organizations that help them grow. The agency will operate as BRG HeadStart, a division of BRG Communications, maintaining its specialized focus on startups and the broader innovation ecosystem.
Founded in 2021 by Michael Stern and Naomi Brodsky, HeadStart has built its business helping ambitious companies in health, work and growth establish credibility, gain visibility, and navigate pivotal moments. Its clients span startups, venture capital firms, accelerators, and other organizations supporting innovation. As a BRG Communications division, HeadStart will continue to serve these audiences with its entrepreneurial, startup-focused approach, while gaining access to BRG’s broader strategic counsel, sector knowledge and integrated communications capabilities.
“As BRG looks toward its next chapter, we’re focused on continuing to expand our expertise, strengthen our capabilities and reach new segments of the healthcare market,” said Jane Barwis, president and CEO of BRG Communications. “HeadStart brings an entrepreneurial approach, established relationships, and specialized expertise in the startup and innovation ecosystem that complement our strengths. Together, we’re creating new opportunities to serve clients, expand our reach and drive continued growth.”
Stern and Brodsky will continue to lead BRG HeadStart as Managing Directors, supported by their existing team, which will continue to operate remotely.
“This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to expand how we serve the health innovation ecosystem,” said Michael Stern, managing director of BRG HeadStart. “BRG’s 25 years of experience, top-notch team and strategic resources make them a perfect fit as we enter this new chapter as BRG HeadStart.”
The acquisition creates opportunities across both organizations. BRG HeadStart clients can draw on BRG’s expertise in healthcare and health services, medical technology, public health and prevention, as well as research and insights, digital strategy, creative, paid media and integrated campaigns. BRG clients, in turn, gain access to a team immersed in the startup and investment landscape, including the communications demands of launches, fundraising milestones and rapid growth. Each business will maintain its core client focus while collaborating where the combination adds value.
The acquisition comes as BRG Communications prepares to mark its 25th anniversary on November 19 and builds on a sustained period of agency growth. BRG has achieved six consecutive years of double-digit revenue growth and earned a place on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies for three consecutive years. In 2026, PRWeek named BRG its Outstanding Small Agency, following its Outstanding Boutique Agency honors in 2023 and 2024.
BRG has also made significant investments in senior talent and expanded capabilities, including research, insights and measurement; digital strategy; paid media; and creative services. The agency recently welcomed four senior leaders, including two vice presidents/managing directors and directors specializing in research and insights and digital strategy.
