As the Obama Administration and the new Congress take office, Tony Podesta is being recognized as one of the shrewdest strategists and most important figures in a transformed governmental, economic, and media environment. Newsweek included Tony as one of eight of “The DC Powers,” branding him “The Lobbyist.” The Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times each listed Tony among the most important people in the nation’s capital. Additionally, Business Week featured The Podesta Group as one of seven of the “Lobbyists Likely to Thrive in the New Washington.” A top legislative, political, and public relations strategist and a fierce competitor, Tony has built his three-person business into what is now one of the leading lobbying firms according to Fortune, Influence, and Washington Business Journal. He is respected throughout the political and legal community as one of Washington’s best lobbyists; recently, he received the distinction of being named one of the top 10 lawyer-lobbyists of the last decade by Legal Times. In addition to being ranked third by Washingtonian magazine on their list of ”The City’s Top 50 Lobbyists,” he has consistently been named a top lobbyist by Roll Call and The Hill newspapers. As the chairman of the Podesta Group, which The Washington Times calls “one of Washington's most successful firms of its kind,” Tony has delivered successful outcomes for clients on everything from defense and education to financial services and health care. Clients as well as key players in Washington rely on Podesta’s unparalleled legislative, public relations, and campaign management expertise. It is no wonder that Washington Life named him to their “Power 100” list of the most influential movers and shakers. His long-standing personal ties to members of Congress and the public interest community distinguish him from competitors, and when organizations – whether corporations, small businesses, or non-profits – need help in Washington, Tony Podesta is the man they call for direction.