Jamal Simmons has spent nearly three decades focused on politics and media, innovation, economic competitiveness, and diversity. Most recently he explored those themes as a political contributor for CBS News, opinion writer for The Hill and host of #ThisisFYI on Instagram and Facebook. Jamal produced and hosted Hill TV digital programming where he interviewed presidential candidates, congressional leaders, celebrities, and activists. Jamal was also with the Raben Group where he advised many leaders for decades. He also served as co-chair of the Internet Innovation Alliance and founded CRVIII (CRATE), a digital media start-up. Jamal managed Bill Clinton’s traveling press charter during his successful 1992 presidential campaign. Jamal interned with Citibank’s Global Trade Finance Group and served in a professional role in the United Technologies Corporation international affairs office in Washington. Before the age of 30, Jamal was chief of staff to a member of the House Appropriations Committee, managed over 60 media staff in 40 states for Gore/Lieberman 2000 and served as a Gore spokesman in West Palm Beach, during the Florida recount.

He also served as Communications Director for U.S. Senator Max Cleland’s reelection campaign (2002), and traveling press secretary to two presidential primary candidates (2004). In 2008, Jamal helped manage the Nevada Democratic Caucus, was the lead Obama campaign surrogate on CNN during the primaries, and worked for Obama/Biden at the Democratic National Committee. Jamal was a regular presence on MSNBC, NPR, and ABC’s This Week with George Stephanopoulos, as well as lead interviewer for Season 2 of The Root 100 miniseries on Magic Johnson’s Aspire network. Jamal is a Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation honorary board member, a former Council on Foreign Relations term member and French American Foundation Young Leader. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Morehouse College (1993) and a Master’s in public policy degree from Harvard University’s Kennedy School (1998). Jamal lives in Washington, DC with his wife Jewel James Simmons and their children. For speaking opportunities, please visit www.jamalsimmons.com