Donna Brazile Joins Purple

Purple Strategies welcomes veteran political strategist, New York Times bestselling author and Washington icon Donna Brazile as a senior advisor.

“CEOs are seeing the political and social issues of the day playing out not just in the society in which they operate but also among investors, activists, NGOs, and increasingly, within their own walls among their employees. And they are seeking help from those who have the sophistication, experience, and judgment to advise them in navigating this changing dynamic. Donna Brazile is exactly the kind of seasoned thought partner a smart executive wants to have in their corner,” said Steve McMahon, Purple co-founder and CEO. “The perspective and wise counsel Donna brings, and the reputation she has earned within both the Beltway and boardrooms, will be a meaningful addition to our Purple roster and to our clients.”

Donna is a veteran political strategist, New York Times bestselling author, chair of the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, and sought-after Emmy- and Peabody-award-winning media contributor to such outlets as ABC News, USA Today and TheGrio. She previously served as interim Chair of the Democratic National Committee and of the DNC’s Voting Rights Institute. Donna was the first Black American to serve as the manager of a major-party presidential campaign, running the campaign of Vice President Al Gore in 2000. She serves as an adjunct professor in the Women and Gender Studies Department at Georgetown University and served as the King Endowed Chair in Public Policy at Howard University and as a fellow at the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School. She has lectured at nearly 250 colleges and universities on diversity, equity and inclusion; women in leadership; and restoring civility in American politics.

“Steve and I both consider ourselves lucky to count Donna as a longtime friend and we’re excited we can finally paint her Purple!” said Alex Castellanos, Purple co-founder and chairman. “Donna is one of the finest human beings I know. I have enjoyed time side by side at podiums and in television studios – at first by chance, then as pundits, and now intentionally because we choose to. Working together reminds us how much strength and clarity can come from approaching any topic or issue from different perspectives. That idea has been at the very heart of Purple since we began, and we’re proud to have Donna with us advancing that ‘Purple’ approach moving forward.”

“I couldn’t be happier about joining the team at Purple,” Donna Brazile said. “Alex and Steve are great friends from way back. Just as important, they are both consummate and dedicated professionals who have built something incredibly special with Purple. I very much look forward to spending time and making a difference with all of the great people at Purple.”

Donna is the second senior advisor Purple has added to the team this year. David Bickerton, seasoned communications, advocacy and corporate reputation leader and visiting fellow at the University of Oxford, joined the firm as a senior advisor earlier in 2022.