Obama and Chef José Andrés Alum Jennifer Kohl Joins Purple Strategies

Communications strategist Jennifer Kohl has joined corporate reputation strategy firm Purple Strategies as a senior director. With experience on Capitol Hill and in political campaign, government, corporate, agency and non-profit work, she most recently led the public relations team for Nobel Peace Prize nominee Chef José Andrés and his restaurant group, ThinkFoodGroup.

“This year has put into stark relief how highly interconnected the reputation landscape has become for companies and executives,” said Steve McMahon, Purple co-founder and CEO. “Jen’s deep experience advising leaders and operating across government, politics, media, non-profits and corporations is exactly the sort of cross-disciplinary mentality our clients are seeking, and we’re pleased to have her on our team.”

In her role for the celebrity chef, she was able to marry her passion for food with her passion for communications, overseeing all public relations, earned media, and social media for José and his three dozen restaurants and 20 brands (including two with two Michelin stars each and The New York Times 2019 #1 Best New Restaurant). Prior, she worked at a progressive communications agency, where she built and led the firm’s media relations team and helped non-profit and corporate clients with crisis communications, messaging, and proactive PR campaigns for new programs and initiatives.

Jen was the communications director for President Obama’s successful re-election campaign in Virginia, one of the top two battleground states in the country. Previously, she worked as strategic communications advisor to FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg, on Capitol Hill for Rep. Elijah Cummings and the House Armed Services Committee, and on multiple statewide and local political campaigns.

“Purple’s campaign mindset toward the challenges facing corporate leaders is exactly the kind of thinking and strategy needed to successfully navigate today’s reality,” said Kohl. “I’m excited to join the incredibly smart and talented team at Purple in this important work seeing our clients through these turbulent times.”

Jen joins a growing Purple team that has added several senior hires to its ranks in recent months, including Rebecca Ballard, managing director for communications, marketing and engagement; Jordan Davis, senior director; Chris Dealy, executive creative director; and Stacey Jaffe, senior director and insights lead.