Ranny Cooper

Ranny Cooper is president of Weber Shandwick’s public affairs practice and oversees the firm’s research and advocacy advertising divisions. A nationally known political strategist, she directs sensitive crisis and public policy activities on behalf of the firm’s major clients. She also specializes in designing and implementing strategic communications campaigns for clients from both the public and private sectors. Ranny has advised a diverse number of trade associations and corporations including the American Council on Education, the Bank of America Foundation, CVS, General Electric, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and Boston Scientific. She has also counseled a number of non-profit organizations, including the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, Human Rights Watch, the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, the Partnership for Healthcare Excellence, the American Library Association and the American Educational Research Association. Prior to joining the firm, Ranny was chief of staff to Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA), responsible for all of his legislative and political activities. She currently serves on the Board of the newly established Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate. Ranny is also a member of the board of directors of the National Partnership for Women & Families, EMILY’s List, the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation and Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, and the board of overseers of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. In 2000, she received the prestigious Women in Communications Matrix Award for exceptional achievement in public relations. She currently serves as co-chair of the Women’s Leadership Network at Interpublic Group, an organization focused on advancing the role of women within IPG.