Josh Earnest

Former White House Press Secretary, Chief Communications Officer for United Airlines, & Well-Known Political Commentator
Josh Earnest
  • Legendary communications strategist who worked with President Obama from March 2007 through his second term in office
  • In-demand political commentator who was voted "best press secretary to work with" by White House Correspondents surveyed by Politico
  • Witty and charismatic speaker whose insights on today’s top issues are informed by a near decade spent in the White House

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A legendary communications strategist, Josh Earnest was selected by President Obama to assume the most-visible job in American politics as White House press secretary in 2014. He quickly distinguished himself as a tactful and charismatic White House ambassador earning the respect of Washington insiders in both parties for his ability to marshal facts and construct persuasive arguments, even during heated exchanges with the White House press corps. Whether managing a legislative setback, celebrating a diplomatic breakthrough, or reacting to a terror attack, Earnest earned a reputation for uncommon poise under an intense spotlight where there is no margin for error. Voted the “best White House press secretary I’ve worked with” by White House correspondents surveyed by Politico in 2015, Earnest provides his informed take on political issues inside the Beltway and breaking news around the world. He is currently Chief Communications Officer for United Airlines.

Known for his quick wit and ability to discuss the most complex and consequential issues in the world on a global stage, Earnest is a skilled speaker who infuses topical political insights with eye-opening anecdotes from his time in the West Wing. Exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau, Earnest’s refreshingly candid and forward-looking presentations offer a guided overview of the intersection of policy and public opinion in Washington—and shine a light on how things really get done on Capitol Hill. As one of our nation’s most recent press secretaries, he is a go-to voice frequently sought-after by informed audiences for his experience with and perception of major issues confronting Republican and Democratic lawmakers alike.

In addition to his work in front of the cameras, Earnest played a leading role behind the scenes to help develop and implement an innovative communications strategy that took the President to unconventional venues like ESPN to talk about Cuba policy and “Running Wild with Bear Grylls” to talk about climate change. This pioneering approach was paired with a fully-integrated digital media presence that put the world’s most powerful man at the forefront of an evolving media landscape. The successful implementation of this strategy contributed to President Obama’s ability to buck historical trends, confound the critics who were quick to label him a ‘lame duck’ and redefine the way a second-term President wields authority in Washington.

Earnest started at the White House on “Day 1” in January 2009 as deputy press secretary, managing the White House press office and filling in for the press secretary on Air Force One and at the podium. In eight years, Earnest traveled across the country and around the world – three dozen countries – with President Obama and participated in multilateral summits including the G-20, G-7, NATO, the UN General Assembly, ASEAN and APEC.

Earnest first joined Obama’s team in March 2007 helping steer the President to an historic victory in the Iowa caucuses that catapulted him to the White House. He went on to work as deputy communications director during the 2008 election. His two-decade career in politics has taken him from Capitol Hill to some of the largest states and most competitive races in the country, including four presidential campaigns, statewide races in Texas and Florida and Mike Bloomberg’s first campaign for Mayor of New York City.

A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Earnest attended Rice University, where he majored in political science and policy studies.

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Managing Through COVID-19: How Corporate America has Been Reshaped in the Post-Pandemic Era. As former White House Press Secretary, Josh Earnest leveraged his unique experience on the frontlines of high-profile national security and political crises to guide United Airlines through the most disruptive crisis the commercial airline industry has ever faced, and has since led the airline’s mobilization and reemergence amid the challenges and disruption of the pandemic. In this talk, Earnest, who serves on United’s executive team as the chief communications officer, shares his strategies for successfully navigating United’s business during a time of unprecedented crisis, along with insights on how they and other smart business leaders will carry this momentum into the post-pandemic world. Audiences will walk away with a new perspective on how their companies and organizations can effectively navigate the shifting strategic terrain and reposition themselves for success in the evolving business landscape.

Shining A Light On Today’s Top Issues. Sought-after commentator and Washington insider Josh Earnest offers his engaging and honest analysis of the current (and future) political landscape. Constantly in-demand for his spot-on insights into today’s top issues and unique perspective on life in the White House, Earnest showcases his tremendous breadth of experience and sharp wit at every engagement. Often interviewed by popular TV hosts including Seth Meyers and Stephen Colbert, Earnest is a true pro who brings relevance, insight, and humor to every issue. He is a go-to voice, unafraid to provide frank commentary that takes a critical look at both sides of the aisle. Earnest is a powerhouse political speaker that keeps Q&A going for hours.

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