Learn
John Podesta
John Podesta is the Founder and President of the Center for American Progress. Under his leadership, the Center has grown from an eight-person policy operation into an organization consisting of over 180 full-time employees in just a few years. By placing equal emphasis on policy development and communications, the Center has truly shaken up the definition of a think tank and has become an indispensable resource for the progressive community.
Prior to founding the Center, Podesta served as Chief of Staff to President William J. Clinton from October 1998 until January 2001, where he was responsible for directing, managing, and overseeing all policy development and daily operations of the White House. Podesta is currently a Visiting Professor of Law on the faculty of the Georgetown University Law Center, a position he also held from January 1995 to 1997.
Podesta has held a number of positions on Capitol Hill including: Counselor to Democratic Leader Senator Thomas A. Daschle (1995-1996) and Counsel on the Majority Staff of the Senate Judiciary Committee (1979-1981). Additionally, in 1988, he founded, with his brother Tony, Podesta Associates, Inc., a Washington, D.C. government relations and public affairs firm. Recently, Podesta authored the book The Power of Progress: How America's Progressives Can (Once Again) Save Our Economy, Our Climate and Our Country.
He is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center, and of Knox College.
Upcoming Events
Your Administration
Open Government
Transition Directory
GSA Transition Directory
The Transition Directory was developed to introduce members of the Transition and the incoming Administration to the Federal government resources available to them.