Always Forward

Strategies for clarity and impact in a rapidly changing world

We help leaders and organizations move forward with momentum, influence, and results.

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About Forward Strategies

Modernizing government affairs to drive change forward

Forward Strategies bridges policy, innovation, and community to ensure change moves forward responsibly — and meaningfully. We help organizations, companies, and campaigns build influence with integrity, translating big ideas into real-world impact.

Founded by Andrew Simmerman — with more than 15 years at the intersection of public policy, education, and emerging technology — we operate as trusted partners who align self-interest, purpose, and political reality.

"Progress is inevitable, but purpose isn't. We ensure both move forward together."

Andrew Simmerman — Founder of Forward Strategies
Andrew Simmerman
Founder & Principal
Our Approach

How We're Known

01

Clarity in Complexity

We distill competing priorities, political dynamics, and organizational goals into a clear path forward.

02

Strategic Influence

We bridge internal teams, policymakers, partners, and communities to create alignment that accelerates outcomes.

03

High-Impact Government & External Affairs

Cross-sector fluency in policy, innovation, education, and workforce to help leaders navigate and shape what comes next.

04

Relationship-Driven Trust

Authentic, long-term relationships across political, nonprofit, and corporate ecosystems that open doors and move initiatives.

05

Momentum That Endures

We turn stalled ideas into measurable wins through strategic execution — and build the internal capacity to keep advancing.

06

Purposeful Progress

Innovation grounded in integrity. We pursue work that aligns with purpose and contributes to lasting, meaningful change.

What We Do

Services

Tailored engagements designed for impact — from discovery through lasting results.

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Strategic Government Affairs & Influence

Clear, modern strategies that help leaders navigate political landscapes with confidence. Your ideas gain traction with the people who shape decisions.
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Cross-Sector Strategy & Advisory

Guidance at the intersection of innovation, community, and public policy — spanning education, workforce development, and emerging tech.
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Coalition Building & Stakeholder Alignment

Bringing together partners, communities, and power centers around shared purpose. Your initiatives gain momentum through collective influence.
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Message Development & Narrative Strategy

Crafting stories that clarify value, sharpen positioning, and move audiences to action. Your organization speaks with authority and consistency.
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Capacity Building & Internal Systems

Strengthening the people, processes, and playbooks that sustain long-term success. Your organization leaves stronger and equipped to keep moving forward.
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How We Work

What Working Together Looks Like

01

Discovery

Understanding your goals, constraints, and landscape — identifying where progress is stuck and where influence matters most.

02

Alignment

Clarifying priorities and establishing shared direction across leaders and stakeholders.

03

Strategy

Designing a forward-focused plan integrating policy insight, coalition-building, and narrative development.

04

Implementation

Executing alongside you — moving initiatives, navigating dynamics, and delivering real-world traction.

05

Reflection

Assessing wins, codifying lessons, and mapping the next phase of momentum.

Results

Selected Work

Education & Government Affairs

Strengthening GA Capacity for a Charter Network

Embedded with a mid-sized charter management organization to redesign external affairs strategy during a politically complex renewal cycle — building relational influence, training staff, and delivering sustainable GA infrastructure.

Successful charter renewal Stakeholder alignment GA playbook delivery Community mobilization
Tech & Public Sector

Positioning a Tech Startup for Public-Sector Growth

Partnered with an early-stage tech company entering a regulated space to build foundational government relations, clarify their policy narrative, and generate early momentum with policymakers in California.

Credible public positioning Policymaker engagement Policy brief development Multi-state expansion roadmap
Leadership & Public Speaking

Keynote & Workshop Presenter on Relationship-First Leadership

Delivered a keynote address to a national audience of direct sales leaders on building influence before you need it — drawing on coalition-building strategy and government affairs experience to reframe how leaders think about relationships, trust, and long-term momentum. Also a frequent workshop presenter bringing the same framework to executive and leadership audiences across sectors.

National keynote delivery Leadership audience engagement Relational influence framework Cross-sector applicability
Capacity Building & Internal Systems

Brand & Systems Audit for a University Career Services Office

Conducted a comprehensive branding audit for a career services office at a Southern California university navigating an institutional restructuring — transitioning from student services to an academic unit under the Provost. Led internal focus groups to surface staff perspectives and build buy-in, then delivered rebranding recommendations that aligned the office's identity with industry and academic expectations. Recommendations were adopted by the Provost.

Branding audit & strategy Internal focus groups Stakeholder buy-in Provost-adopted recommendations
Let's Move Forward

Ready to build
momentum?

Reach out to start a conversation about how Forward Strategies can help your organization move forward with clarity, influence, and results.

Email Andrew → Call 310-804-6822
Los Angeles  |  San Diego  |  Sacramento
andrew@forwardstrategiesco.com