Ep. 59, David Simas: CEO of the Obama Foundation and former advisor to President Obama
“Catalysts for Change” features one-on-one interviews with innovators, thought leaders, and policymakers on the biggest issues impacting America’s neighborhoods.
In this episode, Jill talks with David Simas, CEO of the Obama Foundation and former advisor to President Obama, about his upbringing in an immigrant family, his experience working in the White House, what he learned from traveling the country and speaking with Americans in every community, and how the Obama Foundation empowers local leaders from around the globe.
A native of Taunton, Massachusetts, David spent his entire career in public service, getting his start as the Bristol County Register of Deeds and then Deputy Chief of Staff for Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick. In 2009, David joined the Obama Administration as a Deputy Assistant to the President, working alongside senior advisors David Axelrod and David Plouffe. He then served as Director of Opinion Research for President Obama’s re-election campaign, and later, David became Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Political Strategy and Outreach. After leaving the White House, David was named CEO of the newly-created Obama Foundation, which is based on the South Side of Chicago.
To learn more about David Simas and the Obama Foundation, check out the resources below.