About
Clarus helps companies, trade associations, and coalitions pursue public policy objectives and influence legislative and administrative decisions.
Our approach is to fully understand your organization, its strengths, and commitments. By taking the time and energy to fully understand your organization, we are confident that we can craft an effective strategy and be successful in the execution of that plan.
We keep out clients involved every step of the way, and the development of this strategy and its execution is accomplished by working together. Every situation is judged on its own set of circumstances, and with that in mind, our mission is to do all within our power to achieve your goals and objectives.
Meet Our Team
James Candland
James is the Founder and President of Clarus Companies, and since its inception, started Clarity Media & Communications. Clarus was formed in 2010 focused on public relations, communications, crisis management, and government relations, and serves clients both here in the U.S. and internationally.
With over 23 years of corporate, government, and business ownership, James has developed skills that lead and guide organizations in all of their communications needs. In the private sector, James has worked for large organizations such as Pinnacle West Capital, and Global 500 organizations such as Siemens. Working in the corporate world, James developed skills in external communications, public relations, business development, marketing, and corporate relations.
James transitioned his corporate experience to government, working as the Chief of Staff to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, representing the 3rd largest county in the U.S. James managed and directed a $2.5B budget, along with communications and public relations for the Board of Supervisors. James left Maricopa County in 2010 to start Clarus Companies and Clarity Media & Communications.
James has served on many boards and commissions, to include: Maricopa County Public Health Board and Deferred Compensation Committee. James has served as a member of the Board of Trustee’s for Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona. Furthermore, James was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Town Council for the Town of Gilbert in Arizona.
James has also worked nationally with federal, state, and county elected leaders on energy and infrastructure needs. James served on the national task force for energy with the National Association of Counties. James currently serves as the Chairman of the Board and President for BFCS Charters in Arizona.
James holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business as well as a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.
Beth Badillo
Beth does research and communication for Clarus and Clarity Media & Communications. Beth helps our clients understand the business and regulatory climate in which they operate, and provides solutions to help them navigate the these changing environments.
Beth acts as a resource to our clients helping them research and develop responses to issues and concerns in the regulatory and business marketplace. Beth works with our clients and plays a critical role in their understanding of U.S. regulations as well as international regulatory environments.
Beth holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations with a Minor in Communications.
Brian Downing
As a recent college graduate, Brian has spent the last few years on our team as a client services representative. Bryan works on issue management as well as communications and public relations for our clients.
Bryan is also in regular contact with all of our clients understanding needs and communicating strategies and outcomes best suited to help our clients navigate in the changing business and regulatory environments in which they operate.
Brian has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Marketing.
Lexi Morris
Lexi helps to manage the public relations and communications needs with many of our clients. Lexi provides strategic advice to our clients and team.
With experience in communication and writing, Lexi is able to help our clients in their social and external media communications and relations.
Lexi has been involved with public relations and communications work in both the public and private sectors.