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John Boehner

EXCLUSIVE
  • Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (2011-2015)
  • House Minority and Majority Leader
  • Senior Strategic Advisor, Squire Patton Boggs
  • Author of 'On the House: A Washington Memoir'

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Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives John Boehner has spent his political career working towards a smaller, less costly, and more accountable federal government. He took the gavel as Speaker of the House following a historic election in which Congressional Republicans, under Speaker Boehner’s leadership, picked up 63 seats in the U.S. House. Speaker Boehner represented the Eighth Congressional District of Ohio in the U.S. House for over two decades, serving as Chairman of the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, House Minority Leader, and House Majority Leader during his tenure. Boehner led the government through many pivotal historical moments, giving him a holistic view of politics, leadership, and decision-making.

For insight into what is happening behind closed doors in the current political landscape, turn to Speaker Boehner's firsthand perspective. His book, On the House: A Washington Memoir, recalls Boehner’s five years as Speaker of the House. Hosts such as Stanford University, Edison Electric Institute, the National Restaurant Association Public Affairs Conference, BMO Financial Group have sought his expert remarks.

 


John Boehner headshot
Past Hosts Include:
  • U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform
  • BMO Capital Markets
  • Edison Electric Institute
  • BMO Financial Group
  • M Financial Group
  • Managed Healthcare Associates
  • Vanderbilt University
  • Stanford University
  • The American College of Financial Services
  • State Chamber of Commerce
Rave Reviews About John Boehner
“
Speaker John Boehner was a powerful presenter at our board of directors meeting – his comments were candid and insightful, recognized the multi-nationality of the board, and reflected his wealth of experience and expertise in Washington and with the political landscape. Speaker Boehner commanded the room and held the attention of the audience for the entire session, balancing sincere and transparent remarks with interesting experiential commentary. In the Q&A portion, he tailored his answers carefully to the interests of the directors and was clear and concise in his responses, allowing us to ask many questions spanning a great diversity of topics.

”
More rave reviews

"The event was great, Boehner was fantastic. Attendees really enjoyed!"

-National Association of Water Companies

"Boehner was a great speaker – a little irreverent but very memorable!"

-National Restaurant Association Public Affairs Conference

"He was awesome! So raw and real! It was a home run for us!!"

-State Chamber of Commerce

"The feedback could not have been better. His comfortable presentation style created a warm and intimate environment – even in a room filled with over 1,000 attendees. His stories were funny, insightful, heart-filled and engaging."

-The American College of Financial Services

"The Speaker rocked as our keynote….for the rest of our convention I had people coming up to tell me how much they enjoyed him….mostly because he was so candid. That’s Boehner!"

-Major Trade Association

"The event was great!! We were thrilled with his willingness to talk about all subject matters. The audience was engaged the whole time and asked many great questions. For the most part, I can’t think of how it could have gone better."

-Stanford University

"Speaker Boehner was absolutely phenomenal - one of the most dynamic and engaging speakers we've ever had!"

-– Vanderbilt University Speakers Committee

"Speaker Boehner was excellent. It was clear he took into account the material we provided him about the audience and he was right on target speaking with them—especially with small business owners. He provided incredibly candid insights and opinions. The 'meet and greet' was also excellent and he told some great stories. We would absolutely recommend him as a speaker."

-Managed Healthcare Associates

"Everything went great! From the Speaker’s presentation to his attendance at the various activities and social events he was welcomed and well received by all."

-M Financial Group

"While his decisions on specific battles have spurred fierce debate within the GOP, Mr. Boehner has been transformational for the office."

-The Washington Times

"It was a home run. Everybody loved it and we're very pleased."

-A Major American Trade Association

"Speaker Boehner was a big hit with our audience. His presentation was insightful, amusing and thought-provoking, and it was an unvarnished assessment of what's going on in Washington and American politics."

-Edison Electric Institute
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Virt. Book Talk - Serving your constituents, leading through crisis, and other tales from public office | FJ Julia [58:09] - Get Sharable Link
Talks & Conversations with John Boehner
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High Stakes Leadership: Finding Common Ground

Former Speaker of the House JOHN BOEHNER, the Republican who was told he’d be missed by President Barack Obama when he announced his resignation, mastered working with both sides of the aisle to create impactful social, economic, and healthcare policies. Through Speaker Boehner’s candid conversation ...

Former Speaker of the House JOHN BOEHNER, the Republican who was told he’d be missed by President Barack Obama when he announced his resignation, mastered working with both sides of the aisle to create impactful social, economic, and healthcare policies. Through Speaker Boehner’s candid conversations, audiences will hear his thoughts on the futures of both parties, and how they (and any group) can work together to achieve their goals without losing their principles.

On The House: Behind the Scenes of How Washington Really Works

With his signature wit, former Speaker of the House JOHN BOEHNER reminisces on his time in Washington and shares his thoughts on what makes leaders successful. Speaker Boehner gives audiences a behind the scenes look at how decisions are made in the room where it happens, and what he predicts for th ...

With his signature wit, former Speaker of the House JOHN BOEHNER reminisces on his time in Washington and shares his thoughts on what makes leaders successful. Speaker Boehner gives audiences a behind the scenes look at how decisions are made in the room where it happens, and what he predicts for the future of politics.

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Speaker News

H.R. 1 and the Future of Healthcare: The world’s top policy and healthcare experts help organizations navigate transformational change 

The Harry Walker Agency represents a powerhouse roster of trusted public officials, economic thinkers, clinical leaders, and policy insiders who bring unmatched clarity to the complex realities of healthcare reform. As H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act dominates headlines and boardroom agendas, these experts deliver timely, nonpartisan insights that help audiences across industries understand what’s at stake—and how to respond. 

BILL FRIST, MD and FRANCIS S. COLLINS, MD, PHD bring clinical, scientific, and policy leadership to the discussion. SENATOR JOHN TESTER, DR. ROCHELLE WALENSKY, MD, MPH, and GOVERNOR CHRIS SUNUNU unpack how this sweeping legislation could reshape access, affordability, and innovation. Former Speakers and legislative insiders—JOHN BOEHNER, KEVIN MCCARTHY—alongside strategists like RAHM EMANUEL and KARL ROVE—offer candid, behind-the-scenes understanding of the Congressional dynamics driving this landmark bill. Top economic strategists including LAWRENCE SUMMERS, GARY COHN, EMILY OSTER, and JACK LEW break down the financial impact for business, government, and everyday Americans. Physician-economists and data storytellers like ANUPAM B. JENA, MD, PHD, JOEL BERVELL, and SHARON MALONE, MD bring the human implications of policy to life—translating data into action. 

Whether you’re advising clients, guiding teams, shaping public discourse, or preparing for disruption, this one-of-a-kind group offers the insight and credibility your audience needs—through keynotes, moderated forums, fireside chats, or private executive briefings. 

Explore HWA’s Healthcare Policy & H.R. 1 Experts >> 

Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives John Boehner showcases the importance of mentorship in leading change

Former Speaker of the House JOHN BOEHNER is a quiet mentor to House Speaker Mike Johnson, providing his perspective on politics, bipartisanship, and cohesive leadership. Boehner’s expertise is vital to understanding GOP dynamics. According to Axios, “The two men have bridged generational, ideological, and stylistic gulfs to form an extremely rare connection between today's hard-right Republicans and the pre-Trump party of Bush, McCain and Romney.”

Watch John Boehner in conversation with LIMRA >>

Watch John Boehner in conversation with HiMSS17 >>

John Boehner's new Washington memoir On the House is insightful, funny and surprisingly candid

Former Speaker of the House JOHN BOEHNER’s candid memoir holds the same storytelling power as his speeches and interviews. On the House: A Washington Memoir gives behind-the-scenes stories of how Washington really works, tells about Boehner’s comeback after being kicked off the leadership ladder, and what helps make a successful leader, from Ford and Reagan to Obama, Trump, and Biden – all delivered with Boehner’s signature wry wit. He also discusses how both the Republican and Democratic Parties have become so different today, where he sees them going next, and what advice he’s given to his own party about shaping the future of the party. A fantastic programming idea for your event is to send attendees Speaker Boehner’s book in advance to generate buzz about his honest reflections and leave your guests with a tangible memento. As a major trade association said after an event with Speaker Boehner: “The Speaker rocked as our keynote….for the rest of our convention I had people telling me how much they enjoyed him….mostly because he was so candid. That’s Boehner!," and another trade organization raved, "He didn’t hold back so we heard some great stories and zingers!"

Watch him on The Late Show here > >

Watch him on The View here > >

Speaker John Boehner’s firsthand experience leads to great events and rave reviews

With unparalleled experience on Capitol Hill serving in three of the most powerful positions in Congress, JOHN BOEHNER is, as Politico wrote, "one of the most high-profile political leaders of the last three decades." Speaker Boehner’s "audacious honesty" (as the Washington Post headlined), razor-sharp analysis, and refreshing willingness to highlight issues on both sides of the aisle, make him a go-to voice on decoding our current, and future, political landscape. CEOs and leaders from all kinds of organizations lean in for lessons from Speaker Boehner's experience governing through perilous times and rebuilding an economy. Here are a few of his reviews:

  • BMO Financial Group: “Speaker John Boehner was a powerful presenter at our board of directors meeting – his comments were candid and insightful… balancing sincere and transparent remarks with interesting experiential commentary.”
  • M Financial Group: "Everything went great! From the Speaker’s presentation to his attendance at the various activities and social events, he was welcomed and well received by all."
  • State Chamber of Commerce: "He was awesome! So raw and real! It was a home run for us!!"

Watch John Boehner in conversation on HiMSS17 >>

Watch John Boehner on FOX News >>

John Boehner is in-demand for energy sector events

Former Speaker of the House JOHN BOEHNER shares his experiences at the upper echelons of U.S. government affairs with energy industry organizations worldwide. Regularly in-demand for energy sector events, Boehner receives rave reviews at his engagements such as: "Speaker Boehner was a big hit with our audience. His presentation was insightful, amusing, and thought-provoking, and it was an unvarnished assessment of what's going on..." (Edison Electric Institute) Able to provide a candid, insider’s account of Washington policy decision-making and its impact on the energy industry, Boehner is heralded for balancing engaging (and downright funny) anecdotes with substantive takeaways.

Watch John Boehner on The Late Show >>

Watch John Boehner’s book talk on FJ Julia >>

Speaker John Boehner on bipartisan possibilities

Former Speaker of the House JOHN BOEHNER is consistently praised for his skill in finding common ground across the political aisle. In fact, Speaker Boehner was such a respected leader that he received a vote for the speakership in 2023. Boehner often shares his thoughts on the future of the GOP with major national news outlets. Edison Electric Institute Associates said, "Speaker Boehner was a big hit with our audience. His presentation was insightful, amusing, and thought-provoking, and it was an unvarnished assessment of what's going on in Washington and American politics."

Watch John Boehner on CBS Sunday Morning >>

Watch John Boehner in conversation with LIMRA>>

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Books by John Boehner
On the House: A Washington Memoir

On the House: A Washington Memoir

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Press & Media
How Notre Dame honors Joe Biden, John Boehner and political civility - Washington Post
The Audacious Honesty of John Boehner - Washington Post
John Boehner Unchained - Politico
It’s Boehner’s turn: Inside D.C. memoir on the way - Politico
John Boehner on His New Book, the Rise of Donald Trump and the Future of the GOP - Time
5 Revelations From John Boehner’s New Memoir - New York Magazine
The Consummate D.C. Insider, John Boehner, Isn't Holding Back Anymore: 'I Was Living in Crazytown' - People
Former House Speaker John Boehner reflects on path from Southwest Ohio to Washington and back - WCPO Cincinnati
Donald Trump bears some blame for Jan. 6 insurrection, former House Speaker John Boehner says - CNBC
Former House Speaker John Boehner, author of a new book, joins Gov. Ned Lamont to talk about divisive politics, life lessons and the media - Hartford Courant
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Ideas for the Meeting Planner
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Biography

A former small businessman, John Boehner served as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives for nearly five years (January 2011-October 2015), during which he led the drive for a smaller, less costly, and more accountable federal government. Boehner represented the Eighth Congressional District of Ohio in the U.S. House from 1991 to 2015. He now serves as Senior Strategic Advisor for Squire Patton Boggs LLP, one of the world’s foremost law and public policy firms.

The son of a bartender and second oldest of 12 brothers and sisters, John grew up mopping floors at the family tavern and playing football at Cincinnati’s Moeller High School. While working to pay his way through Xavier University, he met Debbie – his wife of 41 years – and started his own small business. He and Debbie still live in the home where they raised their two daughters, Lindsay and Tricia. John got involved in state and local government after seeing firsthand how high taxes and red tape impact entrepreneurs. Then in 1990, the voters sent John to the U.S. House, where he took a strong stand against pork-barrel spending and, as part of the reform-minded “Gang of Seven,” forced the closure of the scandal-ridden House Bank and House Post Office.

John’s reputation as a reformer grew as he worked alongside then-House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA), helping to craft the historic 1994 Contract with America and helping to lead the effort to enact the first balanced federal budget in a generation. Later, as Chairman of the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, he wrote legislation to expand school choice, strengthen America’s pension system, and reform the federal education bureaucracy to demand results for students and parents. Elected as House Majority Leader in 2006 and chosen to become House Republican Leader later that year, Boehner led the opposition to job-crushing proposals such as President Obama’s “cap and trade” initiative and ObamaCare while promoting better solutions to the challenges facing American families. On January 5, 2011, Boehner took the gavel as Speaker of the House following the historic 2010 election in which Congressional Republicans, under Boehner’s leadership, picked up 63 seats in the U.S. House. Guided by the Pledge to America – a new governing agenda reflecting the priorities of the American people – Speaker Boehner focused on removing government barriers to private-sector job creation and economic growth, addressing the drivers of America’s debt, eliminating pork-barrel “earmarks” and reforming Congress, and rebuilding the bonds of trust between the American people and their representatives in Washington.

Boehner, who became a first-time grandfather during the summer of 2015, left the United States Congress on October 31, 2015, after nearly 25 years of serving the people of Ohio’s 8th Congressional District and the nation. Boehner joined Squire Patton Boggs in the autumn of 2016 as the firm’s Senior Strategic Advisor.  In this role, he provides strategic advice to Squire Patton Boggs’ clients in the U.S. and abroad, and focuses on global business development.

His new book On The House: A Washington Memoir released in the Spring of 2021.

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