Heather Podesta
Founder and CEO
Heather Podesta is a seasoned business leader and legal professional with over 25 years of experience in the government relations, tax, and trade industries. As the Founder and CEO of Invariant, a leading government affairs and strategic communications firm, she leverages her extensive expertise in legislative and regulatory matters to drive impactful results for her clients.
Professional Overview
Heather is a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies, trade associations, and high-profile individuals, providing strategic counsel on complex policy issues and government relations strategies. Her deep understanding of the legislative process, combined with her strong relationships in Washington, D.C., enables her to navigate the ever-evolving political landscape and achieve successful outcomes for her clients.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Founder and CEO of Invariant, Heather oversees the firm's strategic direction and operations, leading a team of seasoned professionals in delivering comprehensive government affairs and communications solutions. Under her leadership, Invariant has become a sought-after partner for organizations seeking to navigate the intricacies of Washington, D.C. and advance their policy agendas.
Career Progression
Prior to founding Invariant, Heather held various legal and policy roles, including Partner at Blank Rome LLP, Tax and Trade Counsel for Representative Robert Matsui (D-CA), and Legislative Counsel for Tax and Trade for Representative Earl Pomeroy (D-ND). She also served as Assistant General Counsel and General Counsel at the Airlines Clearing House, where she gained valuable experience in the aviation industry.
Heather's diverse background and proven track record of success have positioned her as a highly respected figure in the government relations and policy advocacy arenas. Her ability to leverage her extensive network and deep industry knowledge to achieve positive outcomes for her clients has earned her a reputation as a trusted and effective leader.
Academic Background
Heather holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, where she graduated with distinction. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Berkeley, with a focus on Political Science and Economics.
Areas of Expertise
- Government relations and policy advocacy
- Legislative and regulatory analysis
- Tax and trade policy
- Aviation and transportation industry
- Strategic communications and crisis management
- Stakeholder engagement and coalition building
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Heather has been recognized for her contributions to the industry. She has served on the board of directors for several prominent organizations and has been a frequent speaker at industry events, sharing her insights and expertise with peers and industry leaders.
Conclusion
Heather Podesta's exceptional leadership, deep industry knowledge, and proven track record of success make her a valuable asset to organizations seeking to navigate the complex landscape of government relations and policy advocacy. As the Founder and CEO of Invariant, she continues to drive meaningful change and deliver impactful results for her clients.
