Kristian Denny

Kristian Denny has 23 years experience in strategic and crisis communications; primarily in politics on the national level and in state and federal government.

She began her career in 1992 in her home state of Florida as an aide to then-Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Bo Johnson. In 1993, Denny Todd moved west where for five years she worked for U.S. Representative Gary Condit (CA-18) and later for the Washington state Democratic Party, as well as, the 1996 Washington state Democratic Coordinated Campaign effort.  In 1998, Denny Todd worked as Press Secretary in U.S. Senator Ernest “Fritz” Hollings’ reelection campaign in South Carolina.

In 1999, she moved to Washington DC where she worked in the office of U.S. Senator Patty Murray (WA) as Press Secretary. In 2000, Denny Todd became the first Public Relations Director for Atlantic Media Group, a Washington- based company that publishes politically centered staples such as the well–respected National Journal and The Hotline, as well as the historic Atlantic Monthly.  For two years, Denny Todd worked to create and implement communications and promotions strategy for Atlantic Media Group publications and correspondents.

In 2002, Denny returned to politics by accepting a position with U.S. Senator John Edwards’ (NC) leadership PAC, New American Optimists. She spent a year as Senior Political Aide in Iowa where she was sent to lay the groundwork for Senator Edward’s 2004 run for the Democratic nomination for President. In early 2002, Denny Todd was the first 2004 Presidential staffer on the ground in Iowa.

Later in 2003, Denny returned to her Florida roots when U.S. Senator Bob Graham (FL) entered the race for the Democratic nomination for President. Out of respect and admiration for the former Florida Governor, as well as a little home state pride, she went to work for his campaign as National Spokesperson.

In 2004, Denny joined The Strategy Group as a Strategist where she helped guide former Senator John Kerry’s win in the Iowa Caucus’ and later, when Senator John Edwards was added to the ticket, worked with the Kerry-Edwards campaign for President, where she provided key support in swing states such as Iowa.  

In 2006, she coordinated all media efforts – both paid and earned – on the highly successful Jim Webb Senate campaign in Virginia.  Jim Webb upset an entrenched Republican incumbent, with 26 years in Virginia politics – including 4 years as Governor.  Webb’s win in Virginia tipped control of the US Senate back under Democratic control. 

In 2007, Denny created Maverick Strategies & Mail where she consults with progressive groups and causes including the ONE Campaign, VoteVets and the North Carolina Democratic Party.  In 2008, Denny Todd assisted in the creation, development and implementation of an early vote/marginal voter mail program in North Carolina designed to maximize the Democratic vote in North Carolina.  As a result, Democrats swept all statewide offices including Governor and US Senate, which was unprecedented.  President Obama won North Carolina, essentially turning a red state blue.

Denny has also consulted with major US corporations.  From 2010-2012, Denny Todd worked with FedEx Corp as an Issues and Crisis Communications Consultant.  Among her duties, she assisted in the creation and executed an education initiative for the corporation. 

In 2014, Denny was an advisor to Muriel Bowser’s successful campaign for Mayor of Washington DC.

Denny is currently an adjunct professor at Columbia University in New York City where she teaches at the Picker Center for Executive Education in the School of International and Public Affairs.  She speaks on organizational and crisis communications.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Florida State University and her Masters of Public Policy from California State University.

Denny resides in Arlington, Virginia with her husband, daughter and son.

Education

- MPP, California State University

BA in English, Florida State University