Purple Elevates Rory Cooper to Partner

Cooper brings client expertise honed during a career in Washington spanning every professional angle, including the White House, congressional leadership, K Street, media and campaigns

Purple Strategies has elevated veteran political, policy and brand strategist Rory Cooper to partner. Rory has been a managing director at Purple since 2014, advising top executives and leading advocacy and reputation campaigns for some of the world’s most recognized corporations and issue-based organizations.

“Companies navigating incredibly high-stakes issues turn to Rory every single day because he’s been seasoned by a career at the intersection of politics, policy and reputation and has earned the role of trusted advisor to officials at the highest levels of business and government,” said Steve McMahon, Purple co-founder and CEO. “We were fortunate when Rory chose Purple seven years ago and are proud to welcome him as a partner today.”

Rory joined Purple after serving as communications director for House Majority Leader Eric Cantor where he advised leadership on the party’s agenda and legislative priorities. As part of the original staff in the Office for Homeland Security at the White House, Rory played a central role in the creation of the Department of Homeland Security and the development of a national homeland security strategy in the aftermath of 9/11.

Previously, Rory led communications and strategy for The Heritage Foundation, served as a senior policy advisor at the U.S. Department of Energy, and was director of legislative and intergovernmental affairs at NASA. Along the way, he’s worked on several presidential and congressional campaigns, including President Bush’s reelection efforts in 2004 and as a political staffer for the National Republican Congressional Committee.

“Rory has been there,” said Alex Castellanos, Purple co-founder and chairman. “Whether you are in a war room, fighting to protect your company’s license to operate, or renewing a brand that’s been pushed into the past, Rory Cooper is the guy you want taking you into the future. We are glad he is leading our clients and now, as a partner, leading Purple.”

A graduate of Tulane University, Rory lives in Virginia with his wife, Emily, and their three children.

“Since I’ve joined Purple, I’ve had the extraordinary honor to work with some of the sharpest minds in brands and advocacy,” Rory said. “It’s a joy to work with my colleagues to help our clients navigate issues and business and reputation challenges. I’m humbled by the clients we get to work with and the trust they place in our team.”

In addition to Steve McMahon and Alex Castellanos, Cooper joins a partnership that includes Kristen Morgante, the firm’s Chief Operating Officer; Jillayne Smyth Rogers, Chief Creative Officer; Mark Squier; John Gatti; and Chris Durlak.