Julianna Smoot

Julianna Smoot is a prominent American political aide, fundraiser, and the co-founder of WaterWorks, an investment firm focused on sustainable water solutions. She has played significant roles in various political campaigns and the Obama administration.

Career Highlights

• Political Fundraising: Smoot served as the National Finance Director for Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign, where she was instrumental in raising record amounts of money, making it the most successful campaign in U.S. history at that time. She continued her fundraising efforts as the Deputy Campaign Manager for Obama's 2012 reelection campaign.12

• Roles in the Obama Administration: Following her campaign work, she held several key positions in the Obama administration, including:

  • Chief of Staff to the United States Trade Representative, Ron Kirk.
  • White House Social Secretary, where she managed social events at the White House.13
  • Co-chair of the Presidential Inaugural Committees for both 2009 and 2013.23

• WaterWorks: As a co-founder and senior advisor at WaterWorks, Smoot focuses on funding clean water and sanitation infrastructure projects. The firm aims to address global water crises through innovative investment solutions.12

• Political Consulting: In addition to her work with WaterWorks, she co-founded the Smoot Tewes Group, a political consulting firm, and has served on the board of the Barack Obama Foundation.12

Education and Personal Life

Julianna Smoot graduated from Smith College in 1989. She is married to Lon Johnson, a former chairperson of the Michigan Democratic Party.24

Smoot's extensive experience in political strategy and fundraising continues to influence her work in both public service and private sector initiatives aimed at improving access to clean water globally.