Career
A prominent Democratic lobbyist, she has been described as the “Insider’s Insider” and the “lieutenant Girl” of Washington. She is also recognized as a patron of contemporary art and as a philanthropist. As a lobbyist, Podesta’s clients include the energy, finance, healthcare, retail, real estate, education, and transportation sectors.
She also served as assistant general counsel at the Air Transport Association and general counsel at the Airlines Clearing House.
Podesta is known as a major political player, especially for her commitment to supporting and advising Democratic candidates across the country. The National Journal ranked Podesta as one of “Washington’s Most Influential Women,” Gentlemen’s Quarterly named her one of the “50 Most Powerful People in Washington,” and The Hill has repeatedly named her one of its “Top Lobbyists.” In 2010, the National Law Journal ranked Podesta as one of “Washington"s Most Influential Women Lawyers.”
She received her law degree from the University of Virginia Law School and graduated with honors from the University of California, Berkeley, where she now sits on the National Advisory Council of the Institute of Governmental Studies.
Police Foundation Board. Named by ARTnews as one of the 200 top collectors in 2012 and 2013, she was also named one of the “Philanthropic 50” by Washington Life in 2010.
In 2009, Podesta donated Shepard Fairey’s iconic Barack Obama “Hope” poster to the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, District of Columbia.