About

Communications for a Complex World

DPW Strategies is a non-partisan, boutique public affairs and strategic communications firm specializing in high-stakes, high-profile issue advocacy, crisis and litigation communications, and corporate reputation management. We provide seasoned counsel and targeted campaigns that protect and advance our clients' interests when the pressure is highest. 

In today's hyper-connected and often volatile environment, clear, compelling, and strategically deployed communications are paramount. DPW Strategies was founded on the principle that expert counsel, creative thinking, and resolute execution can transform challenges into opportunities. 

Our Approach: Insight. Strategy. Impact.

Our founder’s extensive background – from leading public affairs at a global PR agency and managing winning political campaigns to serving as a senior communications advisor on Capitol Hill – informs our unique approach. We combine:

• Deep Political & Policy Acumen: Understanding the levers of influence and how to activate them.
• Corporate Communications Savvy: Navigating the intricacies of stakeholders, media, and public perception for major brands.
• Crisis-Tested Judgment: Providing calm, clear, and effective leadership when reputations are on the line.
• Integrated Campaign Expertise: Seamlessly blending traditional media relations, digital engagement, grassroots activation, and third-party ally development.

Trusted by Leaders

DPW Strategies has advised a distinguished roster of clients, including members of Congress, Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin, Fortune 500 companies, and national trade associations.  We are proud to have partnered with clients such as the American Health Care Association, Edison Electric Institute, Paris Hilton (11:11 Media), Walmart, the Embassy of Morocco, Sikorsky Aircraft, among others, to deliver tailored strategies that achieve their specific communications objectives.

Our Founder

David White is an award-winning communications strategist with more 25 years of experience shaping outcomes in the political, public affairs, and corporate arenas. 

As Founder and Principal of DPW Strategies, David delivers insightful counsel and creative solutions that achieve critical reputation and public affairs objectives for a diverse clientele. His career is marked by a consistent ability to navigate and prevail in high-stakes, high-profile communications challenges. From architecting legislative advocacy campaigns that successfully influenced federal law, to steering companies through complex crises, his approach is rooted in research-driven strategy, meticulous message development, and tenacious execution.

Prior to founding DPW Strategies, David was a Senior Vice President and Group Head at Edelman, one of the world's largest public relations firms. There, he led the Public Affairs Group, designing and managing impactful campaigns for clients such as Walmart, Starbucks, the American Health Care Association, and Sikorsky Aircraft. Notably, he played a pivotal role in an internationally acclaimed campaign for the Embassy of Morocco, helping to secure the release of wrongfully held Moroccan prisoners of war.

David's deep understanding of the media landscape was also honed as a press secretary and legislative assistant to Congresswoman Nancy Johnson (R-CT) during her tenure as a senior member of the House Ways & Means Committee, and as a campaign manager for Congressman Jim Saxton's nationally watched congressional race, orchestrating a decisive victory against a well-financed challenger. This unique blend of top-tier agency leadership, political campaign acumen, and senior Capitol Hill experience provides DPW Strategies' clients with unparalleled strategic insight.

David earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Franklin & Marshall College.  He is an active member of the Washington, DC-based Picnic Theater Company acting troupe, performing regularly to benefit local charities.  David resides in Washington, DC with his wife, Kimball, and twin sons.