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Local Keynote Speakers in Washington, DC

Searching for a top keynote speaker for your event in or around Washington, DC? You don't have to go far to find a high-caliber motivational, inspirational, or political speaker local to the Washington, DC area. From professors and CEOs to military leaders and media personalities, Washington, DC is home to some of the world’s most innovative minds and inspirational figures, far beyond the political arena. After all, the Washington, DC metropolitan region is home to over 50 of the nation’s leading colleges and universities, the third-highest number of bioscience companies in the world, numerous high-profile media outlets like Fox News, CNN, The Washington Post, POLITICO, and National Public Radio (NPR), top financial institutions, such as Capital One and Freddie Mac, as well as major corporations such as Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp., Northrop Grumman, and Marriott.

Leading Authorities Speakers Bureau represents Washington, DC's top local motivational and inspirational keynote speakers, political keynote speakers, leadership keynote speakers, business keynote speakers, and many more.

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Anthony S. Fauci, MD

Former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, World-Renowned Infectious Disease Specialist, Trusted Advisor to 7 U.S. Presidents

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Anthony S. Fauci, MD

Dr. Fauci has served the country with a relentless pursuit of discovery and innovation. Serving as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) for 38 years and being a public servant for more than 50 years, Dr. Fauci oversaw an extensive research portfolio devoted to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious and immune-mediated diseases. As the key advisor to 7 Presidents and their administrations, Dr. Fauci lead medical and public health preparedness and treatments against emerging infectious disease threats, including HIV/AIDS, pandemic influenza, Ebola, Zika, and COVID-19.

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Paul Ryan

Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (2015-2019)

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Paul Ryan

Paul Ryan served ten terms in the U.S. House of Representative and as Speaker of the House from 2015 to 2019. Known for his meteoric rise in politics and often praised for his seriousness and honesty, Ryan is a committed conservative and public servant who has spent his life advocating for real solutions that expand opportunity for Americans. Before serving as Speaker of the House, he was Chair of the House Budget Committee, Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, and a U.S. Vice Presidential candidate. He is exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau.

Topics & Types

Leadership Politics Healthcare Policy Healthcare Economic Outlook Finance Policy & Regulation Geopolitics Authors Political Leaders

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Hakeem Oluseyi

Astrophysicist, Former Space Science Education Lead for NASA, and Inspirational Speaker

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Hakeem Oluseyi

Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi has three degrees, 8 U.S. patents, four E.U. patents and has hosted shows on the Science Channel and on Discovery. But more impressive is his life story. Oluseyi grew up in the roughest neighborhoods of America, learned to survive on the street, and still taught himself Einstein’s theory of relativity from an old set of encyclopedias. At every turn he was presented with a compelling option to quit and yet he persevered. Today, he is a NASA astrophysicist, a global educator, and the author of the highly-anticipated memoir A Quantum Life: My Unlikely Journey from the Streets to the Stars where he recounts his journey from the streets to the stars. Dr. Oluseyi is exclusively represented by Leading Authorities.

Topics & Types

Inspiration & Motivation Resilience & Overcoming Adversity Turnaround Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion African American Speakers Authors Diverse Voices TED Speakers

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Stanley McChrystal

Former Commander of US and International Forces in Afghanistan, Best-Selling Author, & Co-Founder of the McChrystal Group

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Stanley McChrystal

General Stanley McChrystal is a four-star general, the former commander of U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan and the former leader of Joint Special Operations Command, which oversees the most sensitive counter-terrorism units. He is widely praised for revolutionizing warfare by fusing intelligence and operations and is credited with the capture of Saddam Hussein and the location and killing al-Qaeda’s leader in Iraq. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates called McChrystal “one of America’s greatest warriors.” McChrystal addresses leadership, teambuilding, and geopolitics.

Topics & Types

Leadership Middle East National Security Relationship Building Teamwork & Collaboration Decision Making Change Management Corporate Culture Crisis Management Geopolitics Authors College & University Speakers Military Leaders TED Speakers

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Jonathan Capehart

Journalist and Television Personality

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Jonathan Capehart

Jonathan Capehart is a journalist and television personality who has worked as a policy advisor to Michael Bloomberg’s campaign, a national affairs columnist, and was a member of the Daily News editorial board which won the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing. He is currently associate editor for The Washington Post, host of the podcast "Capehart," and is an MSNBC contributor and anchor for "The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart."

Topics & Types

Politics Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion African American Speakers Diverse Voices Emcee & Master of Ceremonies Media Moderator Political Analysts

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Jake Tapper

Award-Winning Journalist; Anchor and Chief Washington Correspondent, CNN

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Jake Tapper

CNN anchor and chief Washington correspondent, Jake Tapper, joined the network in January 2013. His one-hour weekday program The Lead with Jake Tapper debuted in March 2013. The program seeks to examine and advance stories that demonstrate Tapper's own curiosities and interests with headlines from around the country and the globe, from politics to money, and sports to popular culture.

Topics & Types

Politics Media Moderator Political Analysts

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Jim VandeHei & Mike Allen

Co-Founders of AXIOS and POLITICO | New Media Speaking Duo

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Jim VandeHei & Mike Allen

Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen are two of the nation’s most influential journalists. For years, they worked together building the nationally renowned digital media company POLITICO, transforming it from a newcomer on Captiol Hill to the website and accompanying newsletter that all of Washington considered a “must-read.” Now, they are co-founders of disruptive media company Axios, delivering quick, punchy news and insights on politics, business, media, and technology to a smart and highly-engaged audience. The company has already proved a disruptive force in the digital media space, specializing in high-quality news and analysis easily shared across social platforms by the country’s influential readers.

Topics & Types

Politics Relationship Building Business Leaders From Major Brands Duos Political Analysts

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Margaret Brennan

Moderator of CBS News’ Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan & CBS News’ Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent

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Margaret Brennan

Margaret Brennan is the moderator of CBS News' Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan and the network's senior foreign affairs correspondent based in Washington, DC. Brennan has reported on politics, international affairs, foreign relations, the economy, and global markets since she joined CBS News in 2012 and was named the White House and senior foreign affairs in 2017. Prior to joining CBS News, Brennan spent a decade covering global finance, anchoring a weekday show on Bloomberg Television called "InBusiness with Margaret Brennan."

Topics & Types

International Business Politics Geopolitics Female Speakers Media Moderator Political Analysts

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Chuck Todd

Chief Political Analyst at NBC, Moderator of Meet the Press from 2014-2023

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Chuck Todd

Chuck Todd is NBC News’ chief political analyst and previously hosted the network's Sunday news show Meet the Press from 2014-2023. He is regarded as one of Washington’s foremost experts on political campaigns at all levels. With what the Washingtonian calls a “savant-like knowledge of politics,” his up-to-the-minute analysis and nonpartisan commentary has made him a sought-after voice in American political coverage. Previously the network’s chief White House correspondent and host of The Daily Rundown, he has the unique ability to deliver an all-consuming passion for politics with razor-sharp analysis as he looks at politics, campaigns, and elections.

Topics & Types

Politics Media Moderator Political Analysts

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Beth Sanner

Former Presidential Intelligence Briefer, Former Deputy Director of National Intelligence

Fees

Local: $20,001 - $35,000*
US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
Europe: $35,001 - $55,000*
Asia: $35,001 - $55,000*

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Beth Sanner

A presidential-level communicator with more than three decades experience as a national security official, Beth Sanner is among the most influential voices at the highest levels of American intelligence. As the senior-most analyst for the entire Intelligence Community (IC), she was a trusted adviser to the President of the United States on our nation’s most important intelligence matters – first as the Office of the Director of National Intelligence’s director of the President’s Daily Brief and later as the Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Mission Integration. Having served in several leadership, staff, policy, and analytic positions in the IC, Sanner has briefed four Presidents and also advised vice presidents, congressional and cabinet officials, and foreign partners; her acumen is highly sought after by our nation’s decisionmakers and organizations across various industries. Sanner uniquely immerses audiences in her talks —making them feel as though they are our nation’s leaders being briefed on hot-button developments with the potential to reshape our world.

Topics & Types

Innovation National Security China Crisis Management Cyber Security Geopolitics Female Speakers

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Nate Mook

Activist Entrepreneur; Former CEO of World Central Kitchen

Fees

Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
Europe: $35,001 - $55,000*
Asia: Please Inquire

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Nate Mook

A seasoned leader and gifted entrepreneur, Nate Mook knows what it takes to turn words into action and ideas into impact. For five years, Mook was the CEO of World Central Kitchen, working alongside world-renowned activist and humanitarian Chef José Andrés on the frontlines to ensure people in disaster zones have access to fresh meals and building food resilient systems with locally led solutions. Widely recognized for his expertise in technology, filmmaking, and building nonprofit organizations, Mook brings a Swiss Army knife approach to crafting powerful stories that bring people together and drive change in the world.

Topics & Types

Leadership ESG & Corporate Social Responsibility Entrepreneurship Business Leaders From Major Brands CEOs Something Different TED Speakers

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Sue Gordon

Transformative Leader & Disruptive Technologies Expert, Former Top-Ranking National Intelligence & National Security Official

Fees

Local: $20,001 - $35,000*
US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
US West: $35,001 - $55,000*
Europe: $35,001 - $55,000*
Asia: $55,001 - $75,000*

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Sue Gordon

Sue M. Gordon is the former Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence (PDDNI) – the country’s number two ranking intelligence official. As the fifth PDDNI, she co-led the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and oversaw the entire Intelligence Community, comprised of over a dozen agencies that collect information on threats against the United States. In particular, Gordon’s transformative leadership focused on integrating intelligence across the organization, expanding outreach and partnerships, driving innovation, and advancing diversity and inclusion throughout the Community. With nearly four decades of legendary and dedicated service, Gordon has led at every level of the Intelligence Community with roles spanning numerous organizations and disciplines – drawing on this experience to inspire audiences to challenge the status quo, adapt to changing environments, and apply innovation to their business.

Topics & Types

Innovation Leadership National Security China Cyber Security Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Geopolitics Female Speakers

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Eric Traupe

National Intelligence Leader; Former CIA Assistant Director

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Eric Traupe

A powerful voice in the Intelligence Community and one of its leading national security professionals, Eric Traupe is the former assistant director of the CIA for the Near East and served on the front lines of U.S. counterterrorism efforts for more than 20 years. He remains a trusted advisor to our nation’s highest-ranking leaders, having advised CIA directors, presidents, cabinet and military officials, and members of Congress, and participated in momentous White House strategic, policy, and resource decisions. Traupe has tackled the full range of U.S. national security issues, and his leadership, acumen, and unmatched ability to cultivate enduring relationships between the U.S. and its foreign partners continues to be heralded in intelligence circles. To complement his highly sought-after leadership insights, Traupe is masterfully skilled at engaging audiences with his captivating perspectives on today’s top issues in risk management, national intelligence, and the ever-evolving geopolitical landscape.

Topics & Types

Leadership Middle East National Security Change Management China Crisis Management Geopolitics Military Leaders

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Charlie Cook

Election Handicapper

Fees

Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
US East: $10,001 - $20,000*
US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
Europe: $20,001 - $35,000*
Asia: $35,001 - $55,000*

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Charlie Cook

Charlie Cook is widely regarded as one of the nation’s leading authorities on U.S. elections and political trends. In 1984, at the age of 30, he started The Cook Political Report, an independent, nonpartisan newsletter that The New York Times once referred to as “being regarded as authoritative by both parties,” while legendary CBS Evening News anchor Bob Schieffer has called it “the bible of the political community.” In addition to lecturing, Charlie continues to write his weekly column for National Journal, while also serving as a political analyst for the publication. He is also a co-author of the 2020, 2022, and 2024 editions of The Almanac of American Politics. Al Hunt, in the Wall Street Journal, referred to Cook as “the Picasso of election analysis.” The late David Broder of The Washington Post, long considered "the Dean of the Washington political press corps," once wrote that Charlie Cook is “perhaps the best nonpartisan tracker of Congressional races.”

Topics & Types

Politics Media Political Analysts Pollsters & Public Opinion Experts

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Linda Weissgold

Influential National Intelligence Leader, CIA Deputy Director for Analysis from 2020-2023

Fees

Local: $20,001 - $35,000*
US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
Europe: $35,001 - $55,000*
Asia: $55,001 - $75,000*

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Linda Weissgold

At the height of her 37-year career as a distinguished national intelligence leader, Linda Weissgold was among an elite group of trusted advisors who informed the U.S.’s national security strategy. From March 2020 to April 2023, she served as the Central Intelligence Agency’s (CIA) Deputy Director for Analysis, making her the organization’s top analyst. As the CIA’s Deputy Director of Analysis, Weissgold was called upon by the nation’s highest-ranking officials, policymakers, and military leaders to brief them on global risks, emerging trends, and actionable opportunities, and provide the decision advantage needed to navigate the complexities of national security and protect our democracy. Having served seven presidents, including two years as President George W. Bush’s intelligence briefer, Weissgold offers audiences incomparable analysis of the national and global intelligence landscapes and their impact on organizations and society. Weissgold’s contributions to the Intelligence Community have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Presidential Rank Award — the most prestigious award for outstanding career senior leaders in the federal workforce. She is also the recipient of the CIA’s Distinguished Intelligence Medal, Distinguished Career in Intelligence Medal, and Director’s awards, as well as the William Langer Award.

Topics & Types

Leadership National Security Geopolitics Female Speakers

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Finding The Best Speaker For Your Washington, DC Stage

Whether you’re planning a sales kick-off meeting, annual meeting, corporate meeting, sales summit, convention, or special event in the Washington, DC area, our team of experts will work with you from start to finish to help you find the ideal keynote speaker and make sure all your needs are fully met throughout the process. We'll do research for you, talk with you about trending topics, make tailored speaker recommendations to fit your event and company, hunt down hard-to-find talent, quote fees, and handle travel and logistics so you can focus on the big picture.

Explore our extensive roster of top keynote speakers in Washington, DC, motivational speakers in Washington, DC, inspirational speakers in Washington, DC, and local speakers in Washington, DC area above and click into each of their individual speaker profile pages for more details about their expertise and speaking topics.

If you have any questions, want to check a speaker's availability and speaking fees, or would like to book one of these talented local speakers for your next event or meeting, contact our team today.

You can also fill out the form below, email contact@lauthorities.com , call 1-800-SPEAKER, or live chat with a member of our team right now.

If you are looking for a specific speaker not listed above, we still encourage you to reach out to our team as we specialize in placing hard-to-find and in-demand keynote speakers from Washington, DC, and across the globe, which may not be listed on our website.

Katie Ledecky

Speaker Paul Ryan

Amy Webb

Ginny Clarke

Local Keynote Speakers in Washington, DC