Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies announced that Kevin Washo, formerly the executive director of the Philadelphia 2016 Host Committee for the Democratic National Convention, has joined the firm as a government relations principal. In this role, Mr. Washo will advise corporate and nonprofit clients on strategic engagement with the political and legislative processes at the state and federal levels. He will also act as a liaison to key government stakeholders to assist clients with government relations across Pennsylvania as well as in Washington, D.C., and New York. He will be based in Public Strategies’ Philadelphia office. Mr. Washo brings to the firm’s clients more than a decade of experience in Democratic politics, having served in various leadership positions in state and national government and politics.
“As a firm with a very active Pennsylvania presence and deep ties to the state, we are very excited to welcome Kevin to the team. His involvement with the Democratic party and success running the Host Committee exemplifies the respect and credibility he has with key city, state, and federal officials as well as the private sector,” said Mark Alderman, chairman of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies. “Kevin will be invaluable to helping our clients understand the political arena and strategic engagement with elected officials and stakeholders across all levels of government.”
“I am thrilled to join Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies where I believe my skills and experience in local, state, and national politics will help continue the firm’s momentum as a leader in government relations and public affairs,” said Mr. Washo. “I have always admired Mark Alderman, Howard Schweitzer, and the Public Strategies team, and the firm’s unique combination of state and federal work for a broad base of clients make this an ideal place for me to continue my career. I look forward to helping clients navigate the complexities of politics and policy.”
As executive director of the Philadelphia 2016 Host Committee, Mr. Washo managed and oversaw all aspects of the organization, including its operation, fundraising, external affairs, community outreach and strategic partnerships. He assumed this position after coordinating and leading Philadelphia’s win bid to host the convention. Lead liaison to the Democratic National Convention Committee, Mr. Washo also played a critical role in building a coalition of civic and corporate leaders necessary to successfully execute an event of that magnitude.
Mr. Washo previously served as vice president of New Partners Consulting, a Washington, D.C.-based political affairs firm, where he advised a wide variety of clients on government affairs strategy. Prior, he served as executive director of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party — from 2010 to 2013 — during which time the party quadrupled in size and became one of the largest, most effective Democratic operations in the country. He steered the party to historic gains in the 2012 election, helping to secure victories for President Barack Obama, Senator Bob Casey, and all three row offices in Pennsylvania for the first time in state history. In addition to managing and overseeing Pennsylvania’s Democratic operation, Mr. Washo directed the state party’s relationship with a variety of Pennsylvania and national political entities and interest groups.
Mr. Washo also brings federal executive branch experience to Public Strategies, having served in the Obama administration as White House Liaison to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In this role, he acted as the main point of contact between the USDA and the White House and identified, hired, and managed 235 presidential appointees as well as acted as the primary contact for the Office of White House Personnel to identify and vet candidates for presidential appointments requiring Senate confirmation.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Washo was a senior adviser to Senator Bob Casey, advising the senator on federal and state issues, policies and legislation. He was also the Pennsylvania political director for then-Senator Barack Obama’s presidential campaign in 2008.
Mr. Washo is a native of Scranton, Pa., and currently resides in Philadelphia. He received a B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh and now serves on the school’s Board of Trustees.
Source: www.cozen.com
