Karen Finney most recently served as Senior Advisor for Communications and Political Outreach and Senior Spokesperson for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign. Additionally she was Communications Director for Senator Tim Kaine, the Vice Presidential nominee. From her experience working in media, national politics, political and communications strategy in both the public and private sectors, Finney brings a unique perspective to her work. Finney hosted her own television show on MSNBC, “Disrupt with Karen Finney”, where she also worked as a contributor and political analyst for five years. Her work also includes four presidential campaigns, service in the the Clinton White House, and Hillary Clinton’s first New York Senate race.  As an independent consultant Finney worked with political and corporate clients in the United States and globally on message development, crisis communications, branding, public affairs and strategy. Her international work included a joint project with the French American Foundation and the American Embassy working with minority political candidates in France following the election of Barack Obama.

The first and only African American spokeswoman for the Democratic National Committee, Finney helped lead the DNC’s communications and media strategy for Howard Dean’s “50 State Strategy,” re-branding the Democratic Party, the successful 2006 Congressional elections and DNC communications efforts during 2008 presidential campaign. 

Finney has also worked to improve public education. As Chief of Staff to the Chairman, CEO and President of Scholastic Inc., Karen led a number of corporate projects including branding campaigns, internet strategy and partnership development. As Director of Business Development and Strategy, she developed and oversaw the growth of Scholastic, Inc. into new market areas and cultivated strategic relationships with key organizations in the public and private sectors.  As the chief spokesperson and Communications Director for the New York City Board of Education, Karen also managed crisis communications in the aftermath of 9/11. Karen has served on the boards of the Women's Leadership Forum Network, NY; Teach for America, NY and the Women's Vote Center. Currently she serves on the boards of NARAL pro-choice America and the Civic Engagement Fund. Finney continues to appear regularly on television as a political analyst and has written columns for The Hill and US News and World Report.

Bio updated July 2017