Josh Holly

Whether clients need defense or budget expertise, national media contacts or innovative advocacy strategies, they need not look any further than Josh Holly. Leveraging a vault of distinguished experience in the halls of Congress, Josh has the know-how – and know-who – to deliver results. With close ties to Republican leadership, Josh offers Podesta Group clients varied legislative expertise from national security to education and workforce issues. He also draws upon a solid background in government acquisition policy to support clients interested in building or expanding their presence in the federal marketplace. Josh has had a seat at the table for many of the major national security debates and decisions of the past decade, from the military surge in Iraq to the nation’s ongoing efforts in Afghanistan. Serving as a top communicator for the US House Committee on Armed Services from 2005 through 2011, Josh worked on six successive National Defense Authorization Acts. This comprehensive annual legislation authorizes funding for all the policies and military programs within the Department of Defense, as well as national security programs at the Department of Energy. He also played a role in enacting the Military Commissions Act and two laws which reformed the acquisition process for major weapons systems. As chief spokesman for the committee, Josh developed and managed a comprehensive strategic communications plan, as well as created and managed the social media strategy. He worked directly with Chairman Howard P. “Buck” McKeon, as well as the current Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh. Earlier in his career, Josh served as director of media affairs for the US House Committee on Education and the Workforce under Rep. John Boehner (R-OH), then Chairman and now Speaker. In this capacity, Josh coordinated communications on issues including the No Child Left Behind education reform legislation. Earlier in his career, Josh was deputy press secretary in Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN)’s 2002 campaign, press secretary for Rep. Ernie Fletcher (R-KY), and director of news analysis for the National Republican Congressional Committee. A native Kentuckian who grew up in Tennessee, Josh has a bachelor’s from the University of Tennessee. He has served as the president of the National Capital Chapter of the University of Tennessee Alumni Association and currently serves as public relations director of the International Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta, which he served also as a field secretary from 1997 through 1999. A long-distance runner – an important skill in government relations – he has completed one marathon, many half-marathons and five Army Ten-Milers and is currently training to run the Marine Corps Marathon.