Heather Podesta

Heather Podesta, born on January 8, 1970, is an influential American lawyer and lobbyist based in Washington, D.C. She is the founder and CEO of Invariant, a prominent government relations and strategic communications firm that she established in 2007. Under her leadership, Invariant has gained recognition as one of the top firms in its field, known for its bipartisan approach and expertise in navigating the complexities of government relations.13

Education and Early Career

Podesta graduated with honors from the University of California, Berkeley, and earned her Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of Virginia School of Law. Her early career included significant roles on Capitol Hill, where she worked for various members of Congress, including U.S. Representatives Robert Matsui and Earl Pomeroy, as well as U.S. Senator Bill Bradley. She also held positions as assistant general counsel at the Air Transport Association and as general counsel at the Airlines Clearing House.234

Professional Achievements

Before founding Invariant, Podesta was known for her previous firm, Heather Podesta + Partners, which was recognized as the largest woman-owned government relations firm in the U.S. by 2012. Throughout her career, she has been involved in lobbying for a diverse array of clients across sectors such as energy, finance, healthcare, and education. Her contributions to political campaigns have also been notable; she has bundled significant contributions for Democratic candidates and organizations34 .

Recognition and Influence

Podesta has received numerous accolades for her work. She has been named one of "Washington's Most Influential Women Lawyers" by the National Law Journal and has appeared on lists recognizing powerful women in Washington by publications like GQ and National Journal. Her insights are frequently sought after in media outlets, where she is often described as one of the most knowledgeable figures in her field.134

Personal Interests

In addition to her professional endeavors, Podesta is an avid collector of contemporary art and serves on several boards, including the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles and Ford's Theatre. She is also involved with the National Advisory Council of the Institute of Governmental Studies at UC Berkeley and the Washington D.C. Police Foundation Board.123

Heather Podesta's career reflects a blend of legal expertise, political acumen, and a commitment to public service through her advocacy work and support for various causes within the Democratic Party.