In this episode, Chelsea and Kevin speak with the wildly patient and uber calm, Joe Solmonese about his career in politics, advocacy, and more. Joe shows us how we can find common ground with anyone and build bridges across major ideological divides while remaining calm and not sacrificing what we believe in.
About Joe:
Joe Solmonese is Senior Vice President for Government Relations and Strategic Communications. He oversees the organization’s government relations efforts at both the federal and state levels, as well as managing all aspects of strategic communications.
Joe has broad experience managing large and complex organizations, most recently serving as CEO of the Democratic National Convention, successfully planning and executing the first entirely virtual convention. Prior to this, he was the transition chair for Planned Parenthood Federation, managing the day-to-day operations of the national office, interfacing with 50 affiliates in providing care to those who need it most. And, as a partner at Gavin/Solmonese, he assisted corporate clients in navigating public policy issues and improving corporate responsibility.
Having spent an entire career advocating for equality and human rights, Joe served as president of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBTQ advocacy organization. Prior to joining the Human Rights Campaign, he worked for thirteen years at EMILY’s List, serving as CEO in his final two.
Joe is currently on the board of directors of the National Partnership for Women and Families, as well as the Planned Parenthood Action Fund and the advisory board of the Obama Scholars Program at Occidental College.
LinkedIn: Joe Solmonese
Twitter: @JSolmonese
Buy Joe’s Book!: The Gift Of Anger
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