Joel Benenson

Joel Benenson, founder and CEO of the Benenson Strategy Group, is one of the leading political and corporate strategists in the world. Benenson led the award-winning research and polling programs for President Obama’s 2008 and 2012 campaigns and is the only Democratic pollster in history to have played a leading role in three winning presidential campaigns. Throughout his career as a pollster and strategist, he has been a trusted advisor to heads of state, political leaders, Fortune 100 companies and their CEOs, and leaders of major advocacy and nonprofit institutions.

Named “Pollster of the Year” by the American Association of Political Consultants and ranked among the “most powerful” people in D.C. by GQ, Benenson has left his mark at the highest level of politics. In addition to his role with President Obama, Benenson served as Senior Strategist to Hillary Clinton. He also worked on President Bill Clinton’s team during the 1996 race.

Benenson’s communications expertise, which led him to be a member of three presidential debate teams, has also made him a go-to consultant for C-suite executives seeking communications advice on both internal and external challenges. In the private and advocacy sectors specifically, his nuanced analytical approach, and ability to craft deft, winning strategies has powered organizations such as AARP, the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Football League, Toyota, and Procter & Gamble.

Benenson’s success as a consultant and strategist stems from the diverse professional experiences he brings to the table. From his work as a journalist at the New York Daily News, to his role as communications director for Governor Mario Cuomo, and his work as vice president at FCB, one of the largest global advertising agencies.

Since opening in 2000, his firm, the Benenson Strategy Group, has developed a team of strategists, researchers, and consultants who service clients around the globe; a team that is widely known for getting results and driving successful outcomes.