David Plouffe Joins Orchestra to Grow Advisory Practice
Former Obama Campaign Manager, White House Senior Advisor, and corporate communications strategist brings decades of cross-sector leadership to the communications firm.
NEW YORK — David Plouffe has joined Orchestra, a strategic communications and marketing company built for today’s complex and fragmented world, as a Partner to grow and lead the advisory practice. He will co-lead the practice with Josh Isay and is joined by Lily Adams and Heather Perlberg in helping clients align communications strategy with business objectives and navigate increasingly complex stakeholder relationships. His appointment comes as AI drives massive changes in communications and clients increasingly demand high-level strategy and insight to support C-suite, philanthropic and advocacy leaders.
Plouffe brings a distinguished track record across politics, government, technology, and philanthropy. Best known as the architect of President Obama’s two presidential campaigns, Plouffe pioneered the extensive application of data and analytics in campaigns. As Senior Advisor to President Obama in the White House, he was central to shaping responses to the defining policy debates of our time—including tax and entitlement reform, health care, immigration, and foreign policy.
In the private sector, Plouffe served as a top executive at Uber, negotiating ride-sharing legislation across dozens of countries. He also helped launch the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative alongside Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan, guiding early philanthropic strategy and policy positioning.
Plouffe is the author of two New York Times best-selling books and has hosted several acclaimed political podcasts. He currently advises corporate CEOs and chairs the boards of two key bi-partisan immigration and criminal justice organizations.
In addition to Josh Isay, former CEO and co-founder of leading public affairs firm SKDK, the advisory practice’s recent hires include Heather Perlberg, who joined the firm as Executive Vice President of Financial Communications after a decade as a reporter for Bloomberg News, and Lily Adams, previously a senior aide to U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.
Plouffe will work alongside seasoned founders and partners to offer first-chair counsel, from one leader to another. Amid political maelstroms, market fluctuations, and AI disruptions, the advisory practice provides C-suite leaders unfettered access to senior counsel and deep expertise across finance, politics, technology, sports, and more.
Plouffe’s experience reaching everyone from voters to tech leaders—and background in research, audience development, testing, and consistent messaging—is indicative of the group’s strengths. By applying the spirit of a campaign, the insights of an AI-driven intelligence engine, reputational and regulatory expertise, and the tactical execution of Orchestra’s integrated team, the advisory practice is uniquely positioned to support today’s executives.
“David is a rare force—he combines campaign brilliance, public policy savvy, and private sector agility,” said Orchestra CEO Jonathan Rosen. “He’s shaped conversations at the highest levels, and his instinct for where culture, power, and strategy intersect will be invaluable to our clients. As AI continues to revolutionize communications, David will give C-suite leaders the senior-level strategy they need in a rapidly changing world.”
“David is a generational talent who honed his strategic skills in the most high pressure, high stakes and high visibility challenges,” said Orchestra Partner Josh Isay. “I’m so excited to work with my friend of three decades on the complex issues facing current and future clients.”
“Josh and I often talked about working together again,” said David Plouffe, “and this is the perfect moment and opportunity to combine our talents. With Orchestra, Jonathan Rosen has built something unique and forward-thinking, and I’m eager to lend my experience to help their existing clients and new projects.”
About Orchestra
Orchestra is the first strategic communications and marketing company built for today’s complex and fragmented world. Bespoke teams help clients decode audiences, design bold strategies, and orchestrate people, platforms, and stories to build lasting influence. The company brings together 700+ channel experts and storytellers—with deep expertise across technology, consumer, philanthropy, sports, politics, and more. Since 2022, Orchestra has acquired nine firms: BerlinRosen, Civitas, Derris, Glen Echo Group, Inkhouse, M18, Message Lab, Onward and Small Girls PR. It also launched Brightmode, a talent acquisition firm for communications professionals, and Versus Media Group, a strategy-first political media team.
