American lawyer and political consultant (born 1968)
Stephanie Cutter (born October 22, 1968) is an American communications andpolitical consultant . She served as an advisor to PresidentBarack Obama , PresidentBill Clinton ,First Lady Michelle Obama andVice President Kamala Harris .[ 1] Democrats includingTed Kennedy andJohn Kerry .[ 2]
In 2013, she co-founded Precision Strategies, a political consulting firm, with fellow Obama campaign alumniJen O'Malley Dillon and Teddy Goff. During the2020 election , she was producer of the all-virtualDemocratic National Convention , and followingJoe Biden 's victory, she was tapped to act as producer of the2021 inauguration , which included mostly virtual festivities.[ 3]
Early life and education [ edit ] Cutter was born inTaunton, Massachusetts , and was raised in nearbyRaynham, Massachusetts .[ 4] Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School in 1986.[ 5] Smith College and aJ.D. degree fromGeorgetown Law School .[ 6] [ 2]
[ edit ] Cutter began her career working as a junior aide toNew York Governor Mario Cuomo prior to joiningBill Clinton 's1992 election campaign .[ 7] Environmental Protection Agency and the Clinton administration, eventually becomingWhite House deputycommunications director .[ 8] [ 9] impeachment .[ 10]
Beginning in 2001, she served as Communications Director for SenatorTed Kennedy .[ 11]
In November 2003, she was named communications director for theJohn Kerry campaign,[ 12] [ 9] [ 13] [ 14] Hyannis Port with what would turn out to be a deadlybrain tumor , Cutter was the first call Kennedy's wife made after dialing911 .[ 9]
[ edit ] Cutter joinedBarack Obama 'sfirst presidential campaign in 2008 as a senior advisor to Barack Obama and as thechief of staff toMichelle Obama .[ 15] [ 10] [ 8] GQ [ 10] [ 16]
She served as the Chief Spokesperson for theObama-Biden Transition Project .[ 17] [ 2] Timothy Geithner 's counselor[ 18] Troubled Asset Relief Program and the A.I.G. bailout."[ 10] Supreme Court justice Sonia Sotomayor .[ 19] [ 9] [ 20] [ 10] GQ [ 21]
In fall of 2009, Cutter was under a fellowship at theHarvard Institute of Politics , when she received a request from Michelle Obama to provide strategic counsel. As part of her role, Cutter helped develop and launchLet's Move! , apublic health initiative from the first lady's office.[ 9] [ 10]
In 2010, Cutter was named Assistant to the President for Special Projects, charged with managing communications and outreach strategy for thePatient Protection and Affordable Care Act .[ 22] Barack Obama .[ 23] [ 2]
In September 2011, the White House announced Cutter would leave her position as Deputy Senior Advisor to serve as deputy campaign manager for Obama for America.[ 24] [ 9] The New York Times [ 10] Steve Schmidt , a Republican strategist, stated that Cutter is "arguably the strongest player on either side out there now."[ 9]
CNN announced on June 26, 2013, that Cutter will join a new version ofCrossfire [ 18] Newt Gingrich ,S. E. Cupp , andVan Jones .[ 25] Crossfire after maternity leave. She remained with the series until it ended in July of that year.[ 26] [ 27] ABC News as a contributor, focusing on "political analysis and insight across ABC News programs and live events."[ 28]
In 2013, Cutter joined the board of theEdward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate .[ 29] University of Chicago Institute of Politics as a founding board member.[ 30] Smithsonian Institution 'sNational Zoological Park and Conservation Biology Institute.[ 31]
In 2013, Cutter co-founded Precision Strategies withJennifer O'Malley Dillon and Teddy Goff, all of whom had previously worked together on theBarack Obama 2012 presidential campaign team. The consulting firm, based inNew York City andWashington, D.C. , reportedly worked with a variety of political and private clients, includingJustin Trudeau ,[ 32] March for Our Lives ,[ 33] Earthjustice , theIndependent Restaurant Coalition , andGeneral Electric .[ 34] Boston -basedprivate equity firm focused on media, communications and business services.[ 35] [ 36]
In 2020, Cutter was the Chief Program Executive for the2020 Democratic National Convention , held for the first time as a virtual event rather than an in-person gathering due to theCOVID-19 pandemic .[ 37] Joe Biden 'sinauguration was held as a largely-virtual celebration due toCOVID-19 virus cases in the United States. Cutter andRicky Kirshner served asexecutive producers of the event.[ 38] [ 39] Celebrating America Outstanding Live Variety Special award at the73rd Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards .[ 40] [ 41]
In August 2024, campaign officials forKamala Harris 's2024 presidential campaign announced that Cutter will be senior adviser for strategy messaging.[ 42] Ricky Kirshner served as co-executive producers of the2024 Democratic National Convention .[ 43] viral moment byLil Jon during the roll call vote on Tuesday night.[ 44]
^ "Cutter to leave White House for Obama campaign" ,politicaltracker , CNN, September 26, 2011, archived fromthe original on September 28, 2011, retrievedFebruary 13, 2012 ^a b c d "Stephanie Cutter" .Whitehouse.gov . RetrievedDecember 11, 2018 .^ Rampton, Robert (December 15, 2020)."Inauguration Day, From Home: Biden Team Plans Celebration Amid COVID-19" .NPR . RetrievedDecember 15, 2020 . ^ Zeleny, Jeff (November 21, 2008)."Stephanie Cutter" .The New York Times .ISSN 0362-4331 . RetrievedApril 13, 2019 . ^ Alspach, Kyle (November 8, 2008)."Raynham native named chief spokesperson for Obama transition" .The Enterprise . RetrievedAugust 28, 2012 . ^ Zeleny, Jeff (November 21, 2008)."The New Team - Stephanie Cutter" .The New York Times . RetrievedNovember 23, 2008 . ^ Ball, Molly (May 30, 2012)."The Resurrection of Stephanie Cutter" .The Atlantic . RetrievedApril 5, 2022 . ^a b Zeleny, Jeff (November 21, 2008)."The New Team: Stephanie Cutter" .The New York Times . RetrievedApril 5, 2022 . ^a b c d e f g Romano, Lois (July 8, 2012)."The 1-woman rapid response team" .Politico the original on April 13, 2019. RetrievedApril 5, 2022 . ^a b c d e f g Chozick, Amy (October 12, 2012)."A Messenger Who Does the Shooting" .The New York Times . RetrievedApril 5, 2022 . ^ Johnson, Dennis W. (October 18, 2016).Democracy for Hire: A History of American Political Consulting ISBN 9780190272708 ^ [1] [dead link ^ Ashburn, Lauren (September 4, 2012)."How Stephanie Cutter, Obama's One-Woman Warrior, Wages Political Combat" .The Daily Beast . RetrievedJanuary 27, 2012 .Stephanie Cutter may have kind words for Ann Romney, but she's a pit bull when it comes to the Republicans. She talks to Lauren Ashburn about gender issues and the 2012 campaign. A graduate of Smith College and Georgetown Law School, Cutter, 43, has climbed the political ladder one rung at a time. She moved from the Clinton White House to Ted Kennedy's staff, from communications director of the Democratic National Committee to the same post on John Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign ^ Ball, Molly (May 30, 2012)."The Resurrection of Stephanie Cutter" .The Atlantic . RetrievedDecember 11, 2018 . ^ Alspach, Kyle (November 8, 2008)."Raynham native named chief spokesperson for Obama transition" .The Enterprise the original on December 2, 2013. RetrievedApril 5, 2022 . ^ Draper, Robert; Naddaf, Raha; Goldstein, Sarah; Hylton, Wil S.; Kirby, Mark; Veis, Greg; Newmyer, Tory (October 13, 2009)."The 50 Most Powerful People in D.C." GQ . RetrievedMay 11, 2022 . ^ "All today's politics in one place | Front Page" . PoliticsHome. RetrievedApril 13, 2012 .[permanent dead link ^a b "Our Team" .Precision Strategies . RetrievedApril 13, 2019 .^ Cillizza, Chris (May 17, 2009)."Cutter to White House for Court Fight" .The Washington Post . Archived fromthe original on June 3, 2012. RetrievedMay 17, 2009 . ^ Stolberg, Sheryl Gay (April 22, 2010)."White House Chooses Cutter to Pitch Health Care" .The Caucus . RetrievedMay 9, 2025 . ^ "49. Stephanie Cutter" .GQ the original on June 16, 2010. RetrievedNovember 21, 2009 .^ Ben Frumin (April 22, 2010)."White House Taps Stephanie Cutter To Sell Health Care Reform" . TPMDC. RetrievedApril 13, 2012 . ^ Daley, Bill (January 27, 2011)."Full text of Bill Daley's announcement" .Politico . RetrievedJanuary 27, 2011 .^ Schneider, Elena."Meet The Five Secret All-Stars Behind Barack Obama's 2012 Campaign" .Business Insider . RetrievedApril 13, 2019 . ^ " .CNN . June 26, 2013. Archived fromthe original on June 30, 2013. RetrievedJune 26, 2013 .^ "Stephanie Cutter Pregnant With First Child" .HuffPost ^ "Stephanie Cutter, Obama strategist turned CNN star, is pregnant" .Washington Post ^ Evans, Greg (July 8, 2018)."Stephanie Cutter Named ABC News Contributor; Former Barack Obama Campaign Staffer Most Recently At CNN" .Deadline . RetrievedMay 9, 2025 . ^ Levenson, Michael (March 13, 2013)."After tensions, Kennedy Institute brings first Republicans and first senators on to its board" .www.boston.com . RetrievedJune 30, 2025 . ^ Kang, Esther (July 9, 2013)."Ray LaHood joins UChicago Institute of Politics' Board of Advisors | University of Chicago News" .UChicago News . RetrievedJune 30, 2025 . ^ "Stephanie Cutter" .Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute . RetrievedJune 27, 2025 .^ Delacourt, Susan (November 7, 2020)."Canada-U.S. relations changed over four years with Donald Trump — Justin Trudeau and Joe Biden will find some useful lessons" .Toronto Star . RetrievedApril 25, 2022 . ^ Criss, Doug (May 10, 2019)."A young girl teaches active-shooter training to grownups" .CNN . RetrievedMay 5, 2022 . ^ Meyer, Theodoric; Thompson, Alex (July 2, 2021)."One of the most Biden-connected firms in D.C. is exploring a sale" .Politico . RetrievedApril 11, 2022 . ^ Ruderman, Jess (February 13, 2023)."Precision Strategies receives minority investment from Abry Partners" .www.prweek.com . RetrievedMay 30, 2025 . ^ Dorbian, Iris (February 27, 2023)."Public affairs firm Precision Strategies secures investment from Abry" .PE Hub . RetrievedMay 30, 2025 . ^ Smeyne, Rebecca; Barrayn, Laylah Amatullah; Lee, Christopher; Gilbertson, Ashley (August 23, 2020)."Opinion: What the First Virtual Convention Looked Like Across America" .The New York Times . RetrievedApril 11, 2022 . ^ Rampton, Roberta (December 15, 2020)."Inauguration Day, From Home: Biden Team Plans Celebration Amid COVID-19" .NPR . RetrievedApril 5, 2022 . ^ Judkis, Maura (January 22, 2021)."Still dazzled by the inauguration show? Here's how it came together, and why Tom Hanks looked so cold" .The Washington Post . RetrievedApril 11, 2022 . ^ Freiman, Jordan (September 20, 2021)."2021 Emmy Awards: Complete list of winners and nominees" .CBS News . RetrievedApril 11, 2022 . ^ "Outstanding Music Direction Nominees / Winners 2021" .Academy of Television Arts & Sciences . RetrievedApril 11, 2022 .^ Michael Scherer; Tyler Pager (August 2, 2024)."Harris hires Obama campaign veterans to join 2024 effort, replacing Biden loyalists" .The Washington Post . ^ Crusader, Staff (August 16, 2024)."Democratic National Convention Reveals 2024 Convention Stage" .Crusader Newspaper Group . RetrievedNovember 22, 2024 . ^ Zeitchik, Steven (August 27, 2024)."DNC Executive Producer: Even My Staff Believed Beyoncé Was Coming" .The Hollywood Reporter . RetrievedMay 30, 2025 .
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Office Name Term Office Name Term White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel 2009–10 National Security Advisor James L. Jones 2009–10 Pete Rouse 2010–11 Thomas E. Donilon 2010–13 William M. Daley 2011–12 Susan Rice 2013–17 Jack Lew 2012–13 Deputy National Security Advisor Thomas E. Donilon 2009–10 Denis McDonough 2013–17 Denis McDonough 2010–13 White House Deputy Chief of Staff for PolicyMona Sutphen 2009–11 Antony Blinken 2013–14 Nancy-Ann DeParle 2011–13 Avril Haines 2015–17 Rob Nabors 2013–15 Dep. National Security Advisor, Homeland Security John O. Brennan 2009–13 White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations Jim Messina 2009–11 Lisa Monaco 2013–17 Alyssa Mastromonaco 2011–14 Dep. National Security Advisor, Iraq and Afghanistan Douglas Lute † 2009–13 Anita Decker Breckenridge 2014–17 Dep. National Security Advisor, Strategic Comm. Ben Rhodes 2009–17 White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Planning Mark B. Childress 2012–14 Dep. National Security Advisor, Chief of Staff Mark Lippert 2009 Kristie Canegallo 2014–17 Denis McDonough 2009–10 Counselor to the President Pete Rouse 2011–13 Brooke D. Anderson 2011–12 John Podesta 2014–15 White House Communications Director Ellen Moran 2009 Senior Advisor to the President David Axelrod 2009–11 Anita Dunn 2009 David Plouffe 2011–13 Daniel Pfeiffer 2009–13 Daniel Pfeiffer 2013–15 Jennifer Palmieri 2013–15 Shailagh Murray 2015–17 Jen Psaki 2015–17 Senior Advisor to the President Pete Rouse 2009–10 Deputy White House Communications Director Jen Psaki 2009–11 Brian Deese 2015–17 Jennifer Palmieri 2011–14 Senior Advisor to the President and Valerie Jarrett 2009–17 Amy Brundage 2014–16 Assistant to the President for Liz Allen 2016–17 Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs 2009–11 Director,Public Engagement Tina Tchen 2009–11 Jay Carney 2011–13 Jon Carson 2011–13 Josh Earnest 2013–17 Paulette L. Aniskoff 2013–17 Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton 2009–11 Director,Intergovernmental Affairs Cecilia Muñoz 2009–12 Josh Earnest 2011–13 David Agnew 2012–14 Eric Schultz 2014–17 Jerry Abramson 2014–17 Director of Special Projects Stephanie Cutter 2010–11 Director,National Economic Council Lawrence Summers 2009–10 Director, Speechwriting Jon Favreau 2009–13 Gene Sperling 2011–14 Cody Keenan 2013–17 Jeff Zients 2014–17 Director, Digital Strategy Macon Phillips 2009–13 Chair,Council of Economic Advisers Christina Romer 2009–10 Chief Digital Officer Jason Goldman 2015–17 Austan Goolsbee 2010–13 Director, Legislative Affairs Phil Schiliro 2009–11 Jason Furman 2013–17 Rob Nabors 2011–13 Chair,Economic Recovery Advisory Board Paul Volcker 2009–11 Katie Beirne Fallon 2013–16 Chair,Council on Jobs and Competitiveness Jeff Immelt 2011–13 Miguel Rodriguez 2016 Director,Domestic Policy Council Melody Barnes 2009–12 Amy Rosenbaum 2016–17 Cecilia Muñoz 2012–17 Director, Political Affairs Patrick Gaspard 2009–11 Director,Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships Joshua DuBois 2009–13 David Simas 2011–16 Melissa Rogers 2013–17 Director, Presidential Personnel Nancy Hogan 2009–13 Director,Office of Health Reform Nancy-Ann DeParle 2009–11 Johnathan D. McBride 2013–14 Director,Office of National AIDS Policy Jeffrey Crowley 2009–11 Valerie E. Green 2014–15 Grant N. Colfax 2011–13 Rodin A. Mehrbani 2016–17 Douglas M. Brooks 2013–17 White House Staff Secretary Lisa Brown 2009–11 Director,Office of Urban Affairs Adolfo Carrión Jr. 2009–10 Rajesh De 2011–12 Racquel S. Russell 2010–14 Douglas Kramer 2012–13 Roy Austin Jr. 2014–17 Joani Walsh 2014–17 Director,Office of Energy and Climate Change Policy Carol Browner 2009–11 Director, Management and Administration Bradley J. Kiley 2009–11 White House Counsel Greg Craig 2009–10 Katy A. Kale 2011–15 Bob Bauer 2010–11 Maju Varghese 2015–17 Kathryn Ruemmler 2011–14 Director, Scheduling and Advance Alyssa Mastromonaco 2009–11 Neil Eggleston 2014–17 Danielle Crutchfield 2011–14 White House Cabinet Secretary Chris Lu 2009–13 Chase Cushman 2014–17 Danielle C. Gray 2013–14 Director, White House Information Technology David Recordon 2015–17 Broderick D. Johnson 2014–17 Director,Office of Administration Cameron Moody 2009–11 Personal Aide to the President Reggie Love 2009–11 Beth Jones 2011–15 Brian Mosteller 2011–12 Cathy Solomon 2015–17 Marvin D. Nicholson 2012–17 Director,Office of Science and Technology Policy John Holdren 2009–17 Director,Oval Office Operations Brian Mosteller 2012–17 Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra 2009–12 Personal Secretary to the President Katie Johnson 2009–11 Todd Park 2012–14 Anita Decker Breckenridge 2011–14 Megan Smith 2014–17 Ferial Govashiri 2014–17 Director,Office of Management and Budget Peter R. Orszag 2009–10 Chief of Staff to the First Lady Jackie Norris 2009 Jack Lew 2010–12 Susan Sher 2009–11 Jeff Zients 2012–13 Tina Tchen 2011–17 Sylvia Mathews Burwell 2013–14 White House Social Secretary Desirée Rogers 2009–10 Brian Deese 2014 Julianna Smoot 2010–11 Shaun Donovan 2014–17 Jeremy Bernard 2011–15 Chief Information Officer Vivek Kundra 2009–11 Deesha Dyer 2015–17 Steven VanRoekel 2011–14 Chief of Staff to the Vice President Ron Klain 2009–11 Tony Scott 2015–17 Bruce Reed 2011–13 United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk 2009–13 Steve Ricchetti 2013–17 Michael Froman 2013–17 White House Chief Usher Stephen W. Rochon † 2009–11 Director,Office of National Drug Control Policy Gil Kerlikowske 2009–14 Angella Reid 2011–17 Michael Botticelli 2014–17 Director,White House Military Office George Mulligan 2009–13 Chair,Council on Environmental Quality Nancy Sutley 2009–14 Emmett Beliveau 2013–15 Michael Boots 2014–15 Dabney Kern 2016–17 Christy Goldfuss 2015–17
Position Appointee Chief of Staff to the Vice President Steve Ricchetti Counsel to the Vice President Cynthia Hogan Counselor to the Vice President Mike Donilon Assistant to the Vice President for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Liaison Evan Ryan Assistant to the Vice President and Director of Communications Shailagh Murray Deputy Chief of Staff to the Vice President Shailagh Murray Deputy National Security Adviser to the Vice President Brian P. McKeon Residence Manager and Social Secretary for the Vice President and Second Lady Carlos Elizondo National Security Adviser to the Vice President Colin Kahl
