Peter R. Orszag
Member of President Obama’s Cabinet and Director, Office of Management and Budget, 2009-2010; Director, Congressional Budget Office, 2007-2008; Vice Chairman of Institutional Clients Group at Citigroup, Inc.
Peter R. Orszag has been at the center of some of Washington's most consequential and contentious issues: He was head of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) for two years while George W. Bush was President before joining the incoming Obama administration. When President Obama named Dr. Orszag to head the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), both Republicans and Democrats praised the choice because of his proven work as CBO head. Dr. Orszag was one of Obama's top lieutenants on two of the president's signature legislative efforts: the stimulus bill and the healthcare overhaul. During the process, Dr. Orszag played full-court press, fighting internal battles over the shape of the plan, emerging as a key media spokesperson, and proving himself an adept congressional negotiator.
VIDEO SPOTLIGHT: Peter Orszag Addresses the Economic Recovery & Future (Council on Foreign Relations); A Conversation with Peter Orszag at the Aspen Ideas Festival
Robert Gibbs
Longtime Adviser to President Barack Obama
; President Obama's Campaign Adviser, Present; White House Press Secretary, 2009-2011
; Communications Director for Obama's 2008 Presidential Campaign and 2004 Senate Campaign
If your audience wants the inside view on what’s happening now in Washington and needs to prepare for what’s to come with regard to politics and the economy, there is no better source than Robert Gibbs.
For two years, Gibbs spent every day in the Oval Office at President Obama’s side. Each afternoon, he spoke to the press and the American people about every aspect of the Administration’s policies, from the economy, to healthcare, to foreign policy, and all issues that crossed the President’s desk.
Robert Gibbs continues to play an integral role in the political arena as the Adviser to President Obama’s 2012 Reelection Campaign. President Obama has said, “Robert, on the podium, has been extraordinary. Off the podium, he has been one of my closest advisers. He is going to continue to have my ear for as long as I’m in this job.” (The New York Times)
ARTICLE SPOTLIGHT: Click Here to read a stellar review posted in the GW Hatchet highlighting Robert Gibbs' event hosted by George Washington University.
VIDEO SPOTLIGHT: Click Here to watch Robert Gibbs address Election 2012 issues on MSNBC's Morning Joe.
Ezekiel Emanuel
Special Advisor on Healthcare Policy, President Obama’s White House Office of Management and Budget Nat'l Economic Council (2009-2011)
; Esteemed Member of Former President Clinton's Healthcare Task Force; Founding Chair of the Department of Bioethics at the National Institutes of Health (concluded tenure, August 2011); Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress (Focused on implementation of the Affordable Care Act and lowering healthcare costs)
As a respected oncologist and one of President Obama’s closest health policy advisors, Ezekiel Emanuel is central to improving the dialogue on US healthcare. He is shaping healthcare policy through his White House influence and as a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress. He offers a sweeping picture of healthcare’s most recent and contested issues, including the current cost and quality of healthcare, alternative reform proposals, and a comprehensive look at the Affordable Care Act.
Ezekiel Emanuel's robust experience in the health sector makes him a leading voice on the healthcare debate. He offers a sweeping picture of U.S. healthcare, including the current cost and quality of healthcare, alternative reform proposals, and a closer look at the Affordable Care Act.
VIDEO SPOTLIGHT: Dr. Emanuel talks family and healthcare with Charlie Rose. Watch videos...
Patrick Kennedy
U.S. Representative for Rhode Island, 1995-2011; Dedicated Advocate for Healthcare Reform and Neuroscience Research; Board of Trustees, East Providence Psychiatric Hospital for Children
Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy served 16 years in the United States House of Representatives, representing Rhode Island’s first congressional district. He distinguished himself as a leader in Congress on issues of health care, science, veterans, technology, civil rights, and mental health. A founding member of the 21st Century Health Care Caucus, the Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery Caucus, and the Down Syndrome Caucus, Congressman Kennedy has been a tireless advocate for access to healthcare and advancements in medical research.
VIDEO SPOTLIGHT: Congressman Kennedy, nephew of John F. Kennedy and son of Edward Kennedy talks to CNN's John King about his family's legacy.
ARTICLE SPOTLIGHT: Read The Boston Globe Article, "Patrick Kennedy's New Cause: The Brain"
R. Glenn Hubbard
Dean, Columbia Business School; Chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisors under President George W. Bush, 2001-2003
An economic advisor to Presidents, a well-respected Dean and Professor, R. Glenn Hubbard has been the architect of policies that affect millions. His groundbreaking research in the areas of tax policy, monetary economics, international finance and corporate finance has earned him international acclaim as a leader in economic theory and application. A prolific writer, he rises at 4 a.m. to pen research papers and op–eds that regularly appear in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. He’s a frequent guest on such programs as NPR's Marketplace and PBS's Nightly Business Report.
Howard Dean
CNBC Contributor; Founder, Democracy for America; Chairman, Democratic National Committee, 2005-2009; Architect of the “50-State Strategy”; 2004 Candidate for the Democratic Nomination for President; Governor of Vermont, 1991-2003
Howard Dean is a revolutionary political strategist, whose game-changing implementation of a new era of politics - based on grassroots support and cutting edge internet technology -fundamentally altered the way campaigns are run in America. His tenure as the Governor of Vermont and Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, provided him with both an insider's view and a reformer's commitment for visionary change, that has made him a sought-after voice on some of the most debated political issues of our day.
His 12 years as Governor and his Chairmanship of the National Governor's Association have given him a vast knowledge of domestic issues. His skillful stewardship of the party as Democratic National Committee chair began in 2005 and continued through the inauguration of President Barack Obama. As Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Governor Dean made the Democratic Party competitive in every race, in every district, in every state and territory, while integrating national and state party operations and standing up for Democrats' core values.
VIDEO SPOTLIGHT! CLICK HERE to watch an engaging point counterpoint between Howard Dean and Fred Thompson, which took place one day after the 2010 Midterm Elections.
William Frist, M.D.
18th Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, 2003-2007; U.S. Senator from Tennessee, 1995-2007; Heart-Lung Transplant Surgeon; Leading Voice on the Healthcare Debate; Board Member, Clinton Bush Haiti Fund; Co-chair, Partnership for a Healthier America; Founder, Tennessee State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE)
Uniquely qualified to discuss the challenges and solutions in healthcare policy, Senator Frist is consistently recognized among the most influential leaders in American healthcare. Both a nationally recognized heart and lung transplant surgeon and former U.S. Senate Majority Leader, Bill Frist has been at the forefront of many debates and government initiatives that have shaped a myriad of policies over the years. He brings and experienced voice to the current political, and health related issues of the day, with a keen focus on domestic health reform and global health policy.
ARTICLE SPOTLIGHT: "America's Greatness and 'Real' Healthcare Reform"
VIDEO SPOTLIGHT: "Former Senator Bill Frist on East Africa famine" featured on BBC News
Victoria Reggie Kennedy
Co-Founder and Trustee of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate
; “Senator Ted Kennedy's Closest Confidante, in Politics and Life” – The New York Times
; Passionate Advocate for Passage of Historic Health Care Legislation
; Trustee, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts ; Distinguished Professor & Mentor at the Univ. of Massachusetts Boston (Lecturing on Issues of the Day and Mentoring Students)
Described by The New York Times as the late Senator Edward Kennedy's “closest confidante in politics and life,” Victoria Reggie Kennedy shared her husband’s passion and dream of passing the long-elusive healthcare reform legislation. That dream was realized in 2010 with the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, a landmark moment that turned her husband’s dream into reality. “As Ted Kennedy said, across the decades, in the best and in the most discouraging hours, healthcare was the cause of his life,” said Vicki. “Tonight that cause becomes more than a dream, it becomes America’s commitment…Ted knew we would get here, and all of us who loved him and shared his hopes for America are deeply grateful.” Mrs. Kennedy worked tirelessly with White House and congressional leadership to lobby for this historic healthcare bill. She told members of Congress “You know no piece of legislation is perfect. But it's so important to make the progress, get the ball rolling. Teddy always talked about not letting the perfect be the enemy of the good.”
In Her Presentations, Vicki Kennedy inspires and motivates audiences around the country to be active participants in the life of the country and in their own lives. Topics of particular interest are: Healthcare Reform; Patient Advocacy; Engagement in the Political Process; and Empowerment of Women and Girls.
Karl Rove
Former Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to President George W. Bush; Author, Courage and Consequence
; Fox News Contributor; Wall Street Journal Columnist; Iconic Political Strategist
With over two decades of experience in the political arena, Karl Rove is an iconic political strategist, whose provocative and robust knowledge of the major political issues of the day have made him one of the most sought-after political pundits of our time.
Sponsors hosting Karl Rove's lectures have reported that he is "provocative, lively and thoughtful" (Nomura) with crowds being "very responsive, often erupting in applause" (Wabash College). Karl Rove has been described by respected author and columnist Michael Barone in US News & World Report as “unique...no Presidential appointee has ever had such a strong influence on politics and policy, and none is likely to do so again anytime soon.” A key member of the President’s inner circle, he has been called a master strategist whose “game has always been long term,” says columnist David Broder, “and he plays it with an intensity and attention to detail that few can match.” He was ranked #1 on both the Telegraph.co.uk’s List of the “50 Most Influential Political Pundits in America” and New York Magazine's “Most Popular Political Pundit Index.” As a Fox News contributor, Karl provides a “genuine feel of inside knowledge,” says David Zurawik, a television critic for The Baltimore Sun.
Fred Thompson
United States Senator from Tennessee, 1994-2002
Fred Thompson is one of the most respected and visible figures speaking out on the important challenges facing America today. Senator Thompson’s uniquely American life has been marked not only by recognizing opportunity when it arose, but by answering the call to public service and leadership. His dedication to law and passion for the founding principles that laid America’s foundation led him to serve for eight years as a Senator from Tennessee and to his 2008 presidential campaign.
VIDEO SPOTLIGHT! CLICK HERE to watch an engaging point counterpoint between Fred Thompson and Howard Dean, which took place one day after the 2010 Midterm Elections.
Richard Cheney
46th Vice President of the United States; Secretary of Defense; Congressman, House Leadership; White House Chief of Staff; Former Chairman and CEO of Halliburton
For over 40 years, Dick Cheney has served at the highest levels of the US Government and private sector. As White House Chief of Staff in the aftermath of Watergate and America’s withdrawal from Vietnam, Wyoming’s Congressman and a member of the House Republican leadership during the Reagan years, Secretary of Defense as the Cold War ended and America defeated Iraq in Desert Storm, former CEO of Halliburton, and Vice President of the United States on 9/11 at the dawn of the Global War on Terror, Cheney has participated in many of the events that have shaped our nation for over four decades. Few Americans alive today can match the breadth and depth of his experience and service.
As a statesman, policymaker, businessman, and politician – who never lost an election in which his name was on the ballot--Cheney’s insight, experiences and knowledge are unparalleled.
VIDEO SPOTLIGHT: Bob Schieffer from CBS' "Face the Nation" spoke with former Vice President Richard Cheney on the reception of his memoir "In My Time."
Cokie Roberts
Political Analyst for ABC News; NPR Senior News Analyst; Former Co-Anchor, This Week with Sam Donaldson & Cokie Roberts
Long-time ABC Congressional Correspondent and leading political pundit, Cokie Roberts is one of the most esteemed and brilliant broadcast journalists of our time.
OVATION SPOTLIGHT! Cokie spoke to approximately 800 attendees at the 2010 Yakima Town Hall Speakers Series, and the group reported that "She was absolutely fabulous!" Cokie presented a riveting insider's view of Washington and also followed her presentation with a luncheon Q&A for approximately 250 attendees. Her insider perspective also received the following praise from another event: "Cokie Roberts packed Smith Auditorium and was an unqualified hit.I would recommend her to any organization looking for a speaker who brings both insight and humor to an 'Inside Washington, D.C.' conversation. We enjoyed her immensely." (Willamette University)
Michael Gerson
Assistant to President George W. Bush for Policy & Strategic Planning, 2005-2006; Assistant to the President for Speechwriting and Policy Advisor, 2002-2005; Washington Post Op-Ed Columnist; Former Senior Fellow, U.S. Council on Foreign Relations
Michael Gerson has been called one of President Bush’s most trusted advisors, the most influential presidential speechwriter in almost a half-century and the conscience of the White House. As a senior administration official who has participated in some of the most important events of recent history, he brings a broad perspective, and strong and informed views, to the political and policy debates of the day.
Susan Dentzer
Editor-in-Chief, Health Affairs; Analyst on Health, The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer
A noted journalist, Susan Dentzer brings expert analysis to the state of healthcare today, as well as her extensive experience reporting on every public and private healthcare trend in recent memory to present to audiences a complete and concise picture of where we’ve been, where we are headed and the potential economic and policy implications of the current proposals being considered.
Bob Graham
Co-chair of the President's Oil Spill Commission; Member, Congressional Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission; Chair, Weapons of Mass Destruction Policy Center; Member, CIA External Advisory Board; Three-Time U.S. Senator; 2004 Presidential Candidate; Two-Time Governor of Florida
Senator Bob Graham is the former two–term governor of Florida and served for 18 years in the United States Senate. This is combined with 12 years in the Florida legislature for a total of 38 years of public service. As Governor and Senator, Bob Graham was a centrist, committed to bringing his colleagues together behind programs that served the broadest public interest. He was recognized by the people of Florida when he received an 83% approval ranking as he concluded eight years as Governor. Senator Graham retired from public service in January 2005, following his Presidential campaign in 2004. He is recognized for his leadership on issues ranging from healthcare, environmental preservation and education, to his ten years of service on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. He continues his government service as President Obama’s choice to co-chair the Bi-Partisan Commission on the Mexican Oil Spill.
Stuart Altman
Leading Expert in Healthcare Policy & Economics; Sol C. Chaikin Professor of National Health Policy, Brandeis University; Founder, Council on Health Care Economics & Policy
As one of the nation's leading experts in healthcare policy and economics, Stuart Altman has confronted some of the most critical problems existing in federal health policy. The Sol C. Chaikin Professor of National Health Policy at The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Dr. Altman is an economist whose research interests are primarily in the areas of federal health policy. His work spans decades and covers most of the policy issues that have and continue to impact all areas of nursing and healthcare delivery, as well as point to the future of healthcare delivery in the new millennium.
Barry Asmus
Senior Economist of the National Center for Policy Analysis
An unapologetic advocate of free enterprise and privatization, Barry Asmus is recognized as a revolutionary thinker who delivers his ideas in an energy-filled entertaining presentation. He doesn’t just talk policy – he makes it happen. A Senior Economist for the National Center for Policy Analysis, Asmus has directly influenced how world leaders approach social security, health care, monetary and fiscal policy and other equally complex issues. With presentations customized to reflect your particular economic policy needs, Asmus helps audiences understand major policy issues – without all the jargon.
Susan Blumenthal
Former U.S. Assistant
Surgeon General and Senior Global Health Advisor; Clinical Professor
of Psychiatry, Georgetown and Tufts University Schools of Medicine
Dr. Blumenthal is an internationally
recognized medical expert and leader who has been a major force in bringing
important public health issues including global health, women’s health,
obesity, and mental illness to increased attention, helping to place
them at the top of our nation’s health care agenda.
Tom Scully
Health Policy Expert and Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (2001-2003)
As one of Medicare's strongest proponents – and one of its toughest critics – Tom Scully worked tirelessly to bring reform to the nation's largest healthcare program, serving more than 40 million Americans. In his speeches, Scully makes sense of this constantly evolving issue, providing to-the-minute insights on current policy and its repercussions. Using ongoing legislative action as his starting point, Scully offers audiences a clear analysis of the future of Medicare and Medicaid.
Ian Morrison
Author; Consultant ; President Emeritus, Institute For The Future
With his eye firmly focused on the horizon, futurist Ian Morrison looks at where we’re going and how to plan for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Using the present to discover implications for the future, Ian Morrison helps audiences plan for long-term success by identifying the driving forces shaping their destiny. Drawing on cutting-edge research and practical experience as a consultant in the field, Morrison helps audiences recognize the unexpected opportunities that transform an organization, an industry or a life.
Jeff Bauer
Health Futurist
; Medical Economist
With 40 years of experience as a medical school professor and consultant to leading providers of health services, Dr. Jeff Bauer is an established expert on key trends that shape the future of the industry. As an internationally recognized industry thought leader, he has published over 200 publications that prepare health care leaders to approach the future proactively and strategically. Jeff Bauer gives dozens of speeches every year and consistently receives superb evaluations for insightful, thought-provoking presentations that provide attendees with a wealth of helpful “take home” information.
Antonia Novello
14th Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Service; 13th New York State Health Commissioner; UNICEF Special Representative for Health and Nutrition, 1993-1996
Dr. Antonia C. Novello’s appointment as the 14th Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Services was historic as she was the first woman and first Hispanic to hold this highly esteemed position. Dr. Novello has been an inspiration in all of her government positions - always pushing the envelope on educating the public. Sample Dr. Novello delivers inspiring and informative keynotes on issues relating to healthcare and health disparities, women’s issues and leadership, and issues pertaining to the Hispanic community.
Thomas Barker
Acting General Counsel, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2008-2009; Counselor for Health Policy to the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, 2005-2008
As the Acting General Counsel of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Mr. Thomas R. Barker oversaw the 400 attorneys who comprised the legal staff of the HHS Office of General Counsel. As a member of the Boston Bar Association and the American Health Lawyers Association, Mr. Barker is a frequent lecturer and author on health care legal matters.