John Podesta
John Podesta is an American political advisor and lawyer known for senior roles in Democratic administrations and campaigns.
John Podesta is an American political advisor and lawyer known for senior roles in Democratic administrations and campaigns. He served as White House chief of staff under President Bill Clinton, counselor to President Barack Obama, and chair of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. He is also the founder and chair of the Center for American Progress.
Early life and education
John Podesta was born in Chicago in 1949. He studied at Knox College and later earned a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. He has also been a visiting professor at Georgetown University Law Center.
Political career
Podesta held several senior roles in U.S. Democratic administrations, including White House chief of staff under Bill Clinton from 1998 to 2001 and counselor to Barack Obama, with responsibilities including climate and energy policy. He also served as co-chair of the Obama-Biden transition team in 2008.
Center for American Progress
Podesta founded the Center for American Progress in 2003 and has served as its chair. The organization is a Washington, D.C.-based policy think tank.
2016 presidential campaign
Podesta served as chair of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. His role made him one of the campaign’s most visible senior strategists.
Key facts
- Served as White House chief of staff to President Bill Clinton from 1998 to 2001.
- Was counselor to President Barack Obama, with responsibilities including climate and energy policy.
- Chaired Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign.
- Founded the Center for American Progress, a Washington, D.C.-based policy think tank.
- Served as co-chair of the Obama-Biden transition team in 2008.
Frequently asked questions
Who is John Podesta?
What was John Podesta’s role in the Clinton administration?
What did John Podesta do under President Obama?
What is the Center for American Progress?
What was John Podesta’s role in the 2016 election?
References
- Center for American Progress — https://www.americanprogress.org/people/podesta-john/Supports: Biographical details, current role, founding role, Obama and Clinton administration positions, Clinton campaign chair role.
- Georgetown Law — https://law.georgetown.edu/faculty/john-podesta/Supports: Counselor to President Obama, Obama transition co-chair, Center for American Progress chair, Clinton chief of staff, Georgetown visiting professor, education.
- United Nations — https://www.un.org/sg/en/management/bios/Podesta.shtmlSupports: White House chief of staff to President Clinton and co-chair of the Obama-Biden transition.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_PodestaSupports: Basic biographical details including full name, birth date, and major career positions.