About Us

Our Founder

David P. White is an award-winning communications strategist with more than 30 years of experience shaping outcomes in the political, public affairs, and corporate arenas. 

From helping members of Congress win reelection and architecting advocacy campaigns that successfully enacted federal law to steering organizations through reputational crises and narrative conflict, David helps clients prevail with research-driven strategy, meticulous message development, and tenacious execution. 

At DPW Strategies, David led federal advocacy messaging efforts for Paris Hilton to help her secure passage of the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act. He orchestrated two Capitol Hill press conferences, wrote Ms. Hilton’s remarks, op-eds in the Washington Post and USA Today, and a resolution approved by the National Council of State Legislatures calling on Congress to pass the bill. The Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act was signed into law by President Biden on December 24, 2024, after being passed unanimously by the Senate and by a vote of 373-33 in the House of Representatives.

David also served as an on-the-record spokesperson for the Trump Transition Team in 2017, and as an advisor to Dr. David Shulkin during his Senate confirmation process to become Secretary of Veterans Affairs. He assisted with “murder board” confirmation hearing preparations, and with editing Dr. Shulkin’s opening statement before the Veterans Affairs Committee. Shulkin was the only nominee during President Trump's first term to be confirmed unanimously by the United States Senate.   

Prior to founding DPW Strategies, David was a senior vice president and public affairs group head at Edelman, one of the world's largest public relations firms.  He designed and managed impactful campaigns for clients such as the American Health Care Association (named a finalist for PR Week’s Public Affairs Campaign of the Year), Grocery Manufacturers of America, Association of American Railroads, Sikorsky Aircraft, and Walmart - leading public affairs, crisis and litigation communication efforts as part of Edelman's "war room" in the retailer's global headquarters. 

David also played a pivotal role in a successful international campaign on behalf of the Embassy of Morocco to free 404 wrongfully held Moroccan prisoners of war, winning the International Public Relations Association's awards for Best in Advocacy and Lobbying, Best in Social Responsibility, and Best Overall International Campaign.

David's skills were honed on Capitol Hill, where he served as a legislative assistant and press secretary to Congresswoman Nancy Johnson (R-CT) during her tenure as Chair of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee; and as campaign manager for Congressman Jim Saxton’s (R-NJ) nationally watched race in 2000.   

Early in his career, David also served as a staff assistant to Congressman Dick Zimmer (R-NJ), as an opposition researcher and director of advance for the Zimmer for Senate campaign, and as clerk of the House Subcommittee on National Economic Growth, Natural Resources, and Regulatory Affairs.

David holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Franklin & Marshall College.  

He is an active member of the Washington, DC-based Picnic Theater Company, performing regularly to benefit local charities.  

David resides in Washington, DC with his wife, Kimball, and twin sons.