Bringing the Best of Commerce and Government Together | Government Integration Solutions of the Year-2024
govciooutlookapac

Bringing the Best of Commerce and Government Together

Elizabeth Southard, The JYB3 Group | Gov CIO Outlook | Government Integration Solutions of the YearElizabeth Southard, Partner, Laura Owens, Partner
The JYB3 Group is a leading public affairs consulting firm distinguished for its ability to collaborate with leading organizations that deliver innovative products and services to the public sector across the state of Kentucky.

As the founding partner, John Y Brown III, put it, “For a vendor to succeed, having exceptional products and services is merely the beginning; our firm helps our clients understand the specific needs, goals, desires and objectives of each public sector entity whether in healthcare, technology, economic development, education, workforce development, transportation or financial services and modify the message and offering accordingly in the right way, to the right people and for the right reasons.” We feel that is our firm’s key value proposition and the secret to our clients’ success.

John Y Brown III, Founding Partner

JYB3 Group’s core services encompass both legislative and executive branch consulting. While the legislative efforts constitute a significant portion of work, The JYB3 Group has had an especially robust and successful procurement practice. The firm’s expertise extends across various levels of government, including state, county and municipal work as well as higher education and K-12. The company ensures clients understand the nuanced and distinct current needs of these entities and assists in crafting messages that resonate in the most relevant, helpful and compelling way.

“Our insights empower clients to engage state and community leaders with deep, actionable knowledge, fostering more effective communication that drives successful outcomes,” says Brown.

The JYB3 Group views its role as more than just aiding clients in doing business with the state. The company’s primary mission is to help the Commonwealth of Kentucky achieve its goals and vision. To this end, it invests significant effort in understanding the priorities, short-term and long-term objectives, and timelines of each cabinet, agency and government entity they interact with.

This understanding allows the company to guide clients in ways that fulfill their business objectives but, most importantly, contribute to the state’s overall mission in the most cost-effective and efficient manner possible.

JYB3 Group’s foundation is deeply rooted in the extensive experience and high-profile roles the partners have held in state government. Laura Owens served as Secretary of the Education Cabinet and as a Commissioner of Workforce. John Y Brown III spent eight years as Kentucky’s Secretary of State and later ran for lieutenant governor on a gubernatorial ticket.

Elizabeth Southard joined the company several years later, bringing her valuable experience working with the Kentucky House Speaker and a U.S. Congressman. This wealth of experience provides the JYB3 Group with a distinctive perspective on lobbying, allowing them to engage with state officials as peers and problem-solvers rather than mere advocates.

A hallmark of the JYB3 Group’s approach is its commitment to long-term relationships and high standards of professionalism. The company views itself as an extension of each client’s team and demands a level of dedication and integrity that goes beyond traditional consulting. This philosophy is reflected in the company’s attention to clients’ performance, ensuring the ongoing projects are successful. The JYB3 Group believes the best strategy for attracting new business is delivering outstanding results on existing projects


Our guidance empowers clients to engage state leaders with deep, actionable knowledge, fostering more effective communication and driving successful outcomes for both our clients and the state.

The company’s impact on Kentucky is profound and far-reaching. It has assisted clients in implementing systems that provided health insurance to over 600,000 Kentuckians who previously had none, navigating regulatory challenges to secure economic development benefits, which has ultimately created thousands of new jobs. The JYB3 Group’s clients have introduced innovative services that have saved the state tens of millions of dollars and enhanced citizen services. Healthcare clients have delivered significant and lasting health improvements to those with serious health challenges. The company has facilitated the delivery of government services online, ensuring they are accessible around the clock. The JYB3 Group’s contribution has also been instrumental in building the state’s infrastructure, from roads and bridges to high-speed internet access and cybersecurity protections.

The mottos of the JYB3 Group encapsulate its mission and values: “Your partner for the commonwealth;” “Connect to Kentucky’ and ‘Dedicated to the commonwealth and the common good.’ These guiding principles reflect the company’s commitment to fostering positive change for Kentucky, delivering tangible benefits to the people and institutions of Kentucky, and shaping a brighter and more prosperous future for all Kentuckians.

Government Integration Solutions of the Year - 2024

Company
The JYB3 Group

Management
Elizabeth Southard, Partner, Laura Owens, Partner and John Y Brown III, Founding Partner

Description
The JYB3 Group is dedicated to bringing the best of commerce and government together for the commonwealth of all Kentuckians. The firm started in 2008 and immediately became one of Kentucky’s fastest-growing public affairs consulting companies. In 2015, it was named “Best Very Small Business” in the entire Greater Louisville region and is a Kentucky member of The Advocacy Group, a network of the nation’s top lobbying firms.