Andrew Bates, former White House aide, launches Wolfpack Strategies

The backstory: Bates is a native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and a proud alumnus of N.C. State — the Wolfpack.

Between the lines: Bates says his firm will offer crisis communications, press relations, strategic messaging and reputation management. He plans to help clients simplify complex subjects and avoid and defuse political issues.

• In the Obama-Biden administration, Bates was press secretary for U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman and a White House communications aide.

What they're saying: Former White House communications director Ben LaBolt said Bates is "the person you want in the trenches with you ... He combines endless determination and dedication with a deep set of government and campaign experiences that make him well positioned to take on any public affairs challenge."

• Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones (D-Ala.): "When it comes to strategic communications, Andrew is simply the best of the best — great instincts, quick responses and great anticipation. I saw his skills firsthand in the day-to-day communication efforts at the White House surrounding the confirmation of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court."

• Fox News Digital's Brooke Singman called Bates "the guy behind the sarcastic tweets and clever comebacks ... a quick-witted fighter."

Go deeper: Wolfpack Strategies