<<

special feature | the power 100

THE POWER 100 The brains behind the poltical players that shape our nation, the media minds that shape our opinions, the developers who revitalize our region, and the business leaders and philanthropists that are always pushing the envelope ... power, above all, is influence

he socialite-hostess gathers the ripe fruit of These things by their very nature cannot remain static – political, economic, and cultural orchards and serves it and therefore our list changes with . Tup as one fabulous cherry bombe at a charity fundraiser Power in Washington is different than in other big cities. or a private soirée with Cabinet secretaries and other major Unlike , where wealth-centric power glitters with political players. Two men shake hands in the U.S. Senate and the subtlety of old gold, wealth doesn’t automatically confer a bill passes – or doesn’t. The influence to effect change, be it power; in Washington, rather, it depends on how one uses it. in the minds or actions of one’s fellow man, is simultaneously Washington’s power is fundamentally colored by its the most ephemeral quantity (how does one qualify or rate proximity to politics, and in this presidential season, even it?) and the biggest driving force on our planet. more so. This year, reading the tea leaves, we gave a larger nod

In Washington, the most obvious source of power is to the power behind the candidates: foreign policy advisors, s È political. However, we’ve omitted the names of those who fundraisers, lobbyists, think tanks that house cabinets-in- draw government paychecks here, figuring that it would waiting, and influential party leaders. When one takes the be too obvious to list all the senators, congressmen, and nature of that beast into consideration, it would make sense political appointees in Washington, as a quick glance at that power would change direction, bending with the current on by j.c. suar with the aforementioned keywords shows. For of the moment. This year in particular, it would be impossible i our purposes, power is knowledge, access, influence, and, to call Washington’s power anything but supercharged with

perhaps as important, it is the perception of power itself. political electricity. I l l u s t r a t

56 WASHINGTON LIFE | m ay 2 0 0 8 | washingtonlife.com politics

Top row, left to right: Carly Fiorina, Charles R. Black, , Frank Fahrenkopf, Jr. Bottom row, left to right: Al Gore, , Wesley Clark, Don Beyer. At right: .

THE POWER 100 Politics, Law and real proof of his pedigree? He was former the short list as ’s VP pick, played a significant role in the Lobbying President ’s lawyer way back Beyer becomes one of the top Democrats recount. Other inner-sanctum lobbyists when, during the Paula Jones imbroglio. to run for the open Senate seat from who have hitched their wagon to Bob Barnett . Either way, he came out early for McCain’s rising star include former Rep. Partner, Williams & Connolly Wayne Berman Obama, and with his wife Megan (who Tom Loeffler (R-), who founded the When former British Prime Minister Tony Managing Director, serves on the Women For Obama steering Loeffler Group, and Kirk Blalock of Fierce, Blair needed a publisher, he called Barnett, Ogilvy Government Relations committee with Governor Kane’s wife Isakowitz & Blalock, who leads McCain’s a Washington attorney who has brokered An admitted political junkie, Berman Anne Holton and Sheila Johnson) has younger supporters and has raised more book deals for former President Bill served as assistant secretary of commerce raised a bundle for the candidate as his than $250,000 for him. Clinton (who received a cool $10 million during the administration of the first mid-Atlantic finance director, where he advance for the bestseller My Life) and President Bush. He is the founder of serves with Hyatt heiress Penny Pritzker, thomas hale boggs, jr. former Federal Reserve chairman Alan Berman Enterprises, a lobbying and Obama’s Presidential National Finance Partner, Hale & Boggs Greenspan. Others on his impressive client business consulting firm he merged with Committee Chair. In short, Beyer has This year, Boggs’ firm was ranked number list include Hillary Rodham Clinton, The Federalist Group (for a princely access and clout aplenty. one in Journal’s listing of , Lynne Cheney, Karen sum) and which was recently acquired by Washington lobbying powers. Often Hughes, Karl Rove, , Ogilvy Government Relations (where he Charles R. Black labeled “King of ,” most still view Ari Fleischer, Tim Russert, Stephen White, raked in even greater sums). His role as Founder, BKSH & Associates Tommy Boggs as the “King of K Street.” and Barack Obama. one of McCain’s early financial supporters Black recently left his plush position as His firm boasts the highest receipts of any is sure to increase his influence if the chairman (and founder) of the lobbying other lobbying firm, and includes clients Robert Bennett Republicans retain the White House. firm BKSH & Associates, where high- ranging from large corporations to large Partner, Skadden, Arps, Slate, profile clients included General Motors, nations. Meagher & Flom Don Beyer United Technologies, JP Morgan and A former homicide trial prosecutor, Former Lieutenant Governor AT&T, to work full-time for Sen. John William J. Clinton Bennett’s clients have included ex-New of Virginia, Mid-Atlantic McCain’s presidential campaign. Black Chairman, William J. Clinton York Times reporter Judith Miller, ex- Finance Chair for Obama, and worked on both the Reagan and George Foundation World Bank president Paul Wolfowitz, Owner, Don Beyer Volvo H.W. Bush presidential campaigns and Regardless of whether or not Sen. and the Duke lacrosse players embroiled in With whispers growing louder that served as an advisor to George W. Bush’s Clinton wins the Democratic nomination, the famous rape allegations in 2006. The former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner is on campaigns in 2004 and 2000, where he the former President will continue to

WASHINGTON LIFE | m ay 2 0 0 8 | washingtonlife.com 57 special feature | the power 100

exert his power within Democratic circles his weight behind Obama, Daschle’s access almost all hope was lost, they are the Most importantly, Dean is one of the few and beyond. Earlier this year, we learned and influence on the potential presidential campaign’s primary gatekeepers. Davis who can bring the gavel down on “super- that he has earned approximately $100 nominee is considerable, ranking with such has assembled a team of trusted McCain delegates” and settle the contentious million since leaving the White House and Obama longtime friends as Harvard Law advisors that includes Doug Holts-Eakin nominee fight by the end of June. raised $400 million for his Clinton Global Review classmates Julius Genachowski of and Kevin Hassatt (of AEI), both of whom Initiative foundation, which attracts over Rock Creek Ventures and Tom Perelli of advise on domestic policy. Frank Fahrenkopf, Jr. 50 heads of state to its annual conference. Jenner and Block. He and his wife, Linda, President & CEO, Last year’s gathering brought in $7.3 one of the top aviation lobbyists in town, Howard Dean American Gaming Association billion in committed donations for causes are among Washington’s premiere power Chairman, Democratic National Forget Vegas: viva Frank Fahrenkopf, Jr. near to Clinton’s heart: health security, couples. Committee A former Republican party chairman, economic empowerment, environmental Although perhaps deliberately not as Fahrenkopf is the national advocate security, leadership development, and Rick Davis and Mark omnipresent as his predecessor, Terry for the commercial casino industry cross-cultural understanding. The former Salter McAuliffe, Dean’s 2004 presidential and is responsible for positioning the president is also Senator Clinton’s top Campaign Manager and Former campaign revolutionized internet AGA to address regulatory, political, and foreign policy advisor together with Senate Chief of Staff to John fundraising, and insiders say Obama’s educational issues affecting its members. Madeleine Albright, Richard Holbrooke, McCain (respectively) success in this arena is “Dean 3.0.” His Now he’s pushing legislation to allow and a host of retired generals. Salter, who is known as “McCain’s closest power is also reflected in his enforcement casinos to operate in the U.S. instead of confidante and alter-ego,” recently left his of the presidential candidates’ agreement on offshore and enable users to gamble from Tom and Linda Daschle Senate position to join manager Rick Davis the Florida and vote, as well as their television sets. Special Policy Advisor, Altson and senior advisor in leading the fact that he appoints the 25 swing votes & Bird and Lobbyist, Baker the campaign. A speechwriter for McCain to the Democratic Convention Credentials Carly Fiorina Donelson Bearman & Caldwell and a former aide to neo-conservative Committee (which could ultimately help Chair, Victory 2008 (respectively) diplomat Jeanne Kirkpatrick, Salter is also decide who becomes the nominee should Republican National committee When the former Senate majority leader close with , McCain’s most this race go all the way). Party powers are Over the past year, Washington has seen lost his seat, some thought influential foreign policy advisor. Together also impressed with his micro-targeted more and more of the former Hewlett his political days were numbered. But as with Davis, whose lobbying shop stepped approach to rebuilding the DNC’s voter Packard head and savvy business executive, one of the first senior Democrats to throw up to the plate for McCain last year when file and the rollout of his 50-state strategy. and after recently being named chairman

Power Politician To get to the White House, you’re going to need more than a good babysitter

chief of staff requests and invitations while simultaneously survival. Hot right now: Obama National The chief of staff is any politician’s tracking where the boss is, how long they’ll Finance Director Julianna Smoot, McCain right hand, responsible for be there, and what happens after that. advisor Tom Loeffler, and Clinton Finance everything from personnel to Among the best: Sue Keenom with Sen. Director Jonathan Muntz. daily briefings to throwing on a Gordon Smith (R-OR), Sally Cluthe with tux to accompany the boss to a Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Robin image consultant fundraiser. Among the busiest: Jay McCain in the office of Senate Majority A political star needs to project an image Heimbach in Sen. Sherrod Brown’s Leader (D-NV). that inspires confidence, from his tie to his (D-OH) office and Eric Mogilnicki in handshake. The image consultant analyzes ’s (D-MA). pollster their every move and correct their flaws. Politicians have an insatiable appetite for Among the best: former TV correspondent Speechwriter poll numbers, and their chief pollster is C. Jackson Bain, Republican image A good speechwriter gets inside the a powerful asset, often steering the boss consultant Fifi Frandle, and former Hill politician’s head, mimics their speech wherever they point. The numbers guys: staffer Marjorie Kline. patterns, and delivers the right tone every Harrison Hickman, Jim Zogby, Mark s time. Golden pens: Jeff Nusbaum and the Mellman, Celinda Lake, Stan Greenberg, traveling chief of staff è

team at West Wing Writers, Wendy Button and Frank Luntz. The traveling chief of staff is ready with vital u a r S .

(freelance), Jon Favreau (Obama), and Mark information, water, a second cell phone, and C . Salter (McCain). fundraising guru anything else the boss needs. The pressure of J Political fundraising is big business, but it’s this job means they usually burn out after o n b y scheduler also fraught with legal and ethical perils. about two years. Still going: Joe Donoghue i Schedulers are the nerve center of a The fundraising guru keeps their eye (McCain), Huma Abedin (Clinton), and politician’s office, filtering the countless on every aspect of a candidate’s financial (Obama). I l l u s t r a t

58 WASHINGTON LIFE | m ay 2 0 0 8 | washingtonlife.com LAW/lobbying

Left to right: Brendan Sullivan, Jr., Thomas Hale Boggs, Jr., Bob Bennett, Til Hazel, and Bob Barnett.

of Victory 2008 for the RNC, we’re likely been a major force behind the anti-piracy journalist and best-selling author now A day doesn’t go by without the Pew to see more of her. An early supporter movement, encouraged movie theater cultivates enlightened leadership and Research Center’s studies getting of McCain (who’s been open about his attendance through a variety of catchy intellectual dialogue at the Aspen Institute. mentioned in . Kohut not lack of economic knowledge), her name “campaigns,” and replaced the late Jack A political moderate, Isaacson’s influence only helps to gauge public opinion on has been discussed as one of his possible Valenti as its prime lobbyist. A freemason derives from his ability to bring major everything from current issues to voting Cabinet picks. and friend of the World Food Program, he players like , Bill Clinton, trends throughout the election, but he also continues to speak passionately on matters and Henry Kissinger to the table to tackle gives valuable interpretation of the data Howard Friedman of world agriculture and its globalization. some of the most divisive political issues which is very useful to political analysts. President, American-israel of our time. political action committee Juleanna Glover Anthony Lake and The AIPAC presidency carries with it Lobbyist, Ashcroft Group Al Gore Congress’s utmost attention, as Friedman Glover, who once worked for Vice Former Vice President and Senior fellows at the knows well. called this President Cheney, has made her chairman of Current TV Brookings Institution million-member powerhouse “the most Avenue residence a place to be for power Gore must get mighty tired of repeating Word has it that former Clinton National important organization affecting America’s hobnobbing, the release of the latest “it the phrase, “I have no plans to run.” but Security Advisor Tony Lake and Susan relationship with Israel.” However, book,” or fundraisers for local charities. he’ll have to forgive those who can’t stop Rice (a former assistant secretary of state “JStreet,” which recently launched a PAC The Republican operative and power asking; 2007 was definitely the Year of under Clinton) are Senator Obama’s two and lobbying arm, may soon provide an hostess is known as much for putting on Gore. Receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, top foreign policy advisors. As such, the alternative and perhaps more “progressive, her dancing shoes as her power suits. As an starring in the Academy-Award-winning duo are members of a team that includes mainstream pro-Israeli” voice, given that it early backer of McCain’s presidential bid, documentary An Inconvenient Truth, foreign policy director Denis McDonaugh has recruited respected former members she traveled with the senator and assisted organizing global warming benefit concert (formerly with Tom Daschle), Center for of AIPAC and prominent Israelis and with communications during the crunch Live Earth, Gore went from losing the American Progress foreign policy expert American Jewish community members before he locked the nomination. 2000 election by one Supreme Court vote Lawrence Korb, Clinton-era National from security, military, diplomatic, political, to becoming a bona fide environmental Security Council Southeast Europe religious, and academic backgrounds. Warren Gorrell rock star in a comeback that rivaled John specialist Mark Brzezinski, and recently Though the political influence Friedman Chairman, Hogan & Hartson Travolta’s. As arguably the most senior departed Pulitzer-prize-winner Samantha and AIPAC exert is undeniable, JStreet Known for his law practice in corporate Democratic leader and super-delegate Power. Obama will put all these players to appears poised to succeed in its mandate finance, securities offerings, mergers and who remains uncommitted, he is likely to good use if elected, as he’ll no doubt have to broaden the public policy debate. acquisitions, real estate, and investment trusts, play a key role in the eventual resolution a number of foreign policy conundrums this superlawyer is able to manage his practice of the nomination race. Moreover, to sort out …. Dan Glickman as well as his firm – no small task with over together with a coterie of environmental President, MPAA 1,100 lawyers and 22 offices worldwide. groups like the NRDC, the Sierra Club, Bill Kristol President Bill Clinton appointed this and the Alliance for Climate Protection Co-founder of Project for the former congressman secretary of Walter Isaacson (which he chairs), he continues to exert new American century agriculture, and Glickman served in the President & CEO, the Aspen tremendous influence on environmental Although Dick Armitage may be the administration from 1995 to 2001. A Institute security policy. primary realist foreign policy advisor Pollywood player in the truest sense of the After a career that included stints as the to John McCain, insiders consider Bill word, he took over the Motion Picture editor in chief of Time Magazine and Andrew Kohut Kristol ( commentator, Weekly Association of America in 2004, where he’s as chairman of CNN, this successful Director, Pew Research Center Standard editor, former chief of staff to VP

WASHINGTON LIFE | m ay 2 0 0 8 | washingtonlife.com 59 special feature | the power 100

Quayle, son of neo-con godfather Irving This pretty much makes the AARP one groups make him an obvious choice for a of star talent, Sullivan and Craig are two Kristol, war cheerleader, and now, of the most powerful interest groups on list of Washington’s must-hire-lobbyists. standouts. In addition to his legal practice, op-ed columnist for The New York Times) the planet. Novelli has made it his mission where he’s represented a host of well- to be the most influential voice in the to explore economic changes in Social Cecile Richards known clients including John Hinckley campaign on such matters. As a testament Security and prioritize the continued President, Planned Parenthood and Elian Gonzales, Craig has handled to his influence, Kristol has helped to well-being of 35 million American senior Federation of America debate negotiations for the Obama embed other neo-cons into the McCain citizens age 50 or older, half of whom Raised in Texas (she’s the daughter of the campaign and advises the senator on camp, including Randy Scheunemann remain actively employed. He has also late former Texas Gov. Anne Richards), foreign policy. Sullivan has defended Ollie (McCain’s foreign policy director who successfully crusaded against President Cecile Richards obviously doesn’t cotton North during the Iran-Contra scandal, drafted the Iraq Liberation Act and served Bush’s approach to health care and will to antiquated notions of women’s roles. enough to get him Mount Olympus on the PNAC board with Kristol), former exert considerable influence in the She previously served as founder and status among Washington litigators. CIA director James Woolsey, former Wall upcoming presidential election. president of America Votes, a coalition Described by as a Street Journal editorial editor Max Boot, of more than 30 national organizations, “world-class lawyer,” and consistently and brothers Robert and Frederick Kagan, Theodore Olsen including the Planned Parenthood ranked by the National Law Journal as of SAIS and AEI, respectively, who co- Partner, Gibson, Action Fund, of which she also served as one of “America’s One Hundred Most authored the report that led to the Iraq- Dunn & Crutcher president. As former deputy chief of staff Influential Lawyers,” Sullivan has also surge strategy and were brought into the As former solicitor general of the United to Rep. Nancy Pelosi she has considerable represented former Housing and Urban administration with the support of Dick States and assistant attorney general for the access and influence, as does her husband, Development Secretary Henry Cisneros, Cheney and Joe Lieberman to convince Office of Legal Counsel, Olsen has argued Kirk Adams of the Service Employees former chairman of Cendant Corporation the President to approve the escalation. nearly 50 Supreme Court cases, including International Union (SEIU). Walter A. Forbes, and a number of states the infamous Bush v. Gore and Bush v. Palm against Microsoft. Wayne LaPierre Beach County Canvassing Board. He has Karl Rove CEO, National Rifle Association served as private counsel under the Reagan Political Operative and John Sweeney As controversial as gun laws are, there’s no and the current Bush administration, and Commentator President, the American doubt that gun lobbyists are a powerful insiders say he is likely to manage McCain’s Though he’s no longer in the power seat Federation of Labor - Congress bunch regardless of the outcome of a judicial selection committee. at 1600 Avenue, most believe of Industrial Organizations particular bill. LaPierre has served as that Rove’s star is still rising. Right-wing Sweeney ushered in a breath of fresh air executive vice president and chief executive and Republicans can’t get enough of his at the major labor union, bringing with officer of the National Rifle Association david axelrod political commentary on Fox News, and him a focus on a younger generation of since 1991. He’s no stranger to politics, and Partners, AKP&d Message & Media the man known as “Bush’s brain” recently workers. Eventually, his commitment he lobbied effectively against presidential A former strategist at the Democratic signed big contracts with The Wall Street to change shook up the AFL-CIO, nominee in 2004. In a congress Congressional and Senatorial Campaign Journal, , and Simon & Schuster; which split in two. Service Employees run by Democrats, his power is reflected in committees, Plouffe, together with the latter offered him a cool $1.5 million International Union president and power the absence of anti-handgun legislation. pollster-strategist David Axelrod, is in the for his memoirs. The GOP still believes he broker Andrew Stern now leads the new nerve center of the Obama campaign. holds the cards to securing the Republican “Change To Win” branch of the AFL/CIO Grover Norquist The two are joined there by Director of base McCain needs to win. with Anna Burger, SEIU International President, Americans for Tax Communications (who secretary-treasurer and James Hoffa. Reform travels with Obama), National Press Bob Strauss and Jr. of the Teamsters. Gerald McEntee, Norquist, who serves on the board and Secretary Bill Burton, speechwriter Jon Bruce McLean president of the American Federation of performs standup comedy for the Funniest Faverau, and Domestic Policy Advisor Founder and Chairman, Akin State, County, and Municipal Employees Celebrity in D.C. competition, has had Heather Higgenbottom. Axelrod and Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld International, stuck with Sweeney and an extensive list of corporate interests Plouffe have produced winning media (respectively) the AFL-CIO. Taken together, these five Bob Strauss and Bruce McLean preside over the years (including serving on and messages for over 150 campaigns at represent the most influential players over top lawyer and lobbying shop Akin the board of the NRA and acting as an the local, state, and national levels and, in the labor movement and will exert Gump, which just won a $666 million advisor to Microsoft). This in-your-face along with Obama’s Senate Chief of Staff considerable influence in this year’s Medicare settlement (the largest in the lobbyist heads the conservative Americans Peter Rouse, have helped turn a relative presidential election. history of Medicare program) from the for Tax Reform and hosts the “center- newcomer into the likely nominee for the Federal Government for 660 hospitals, on right weekly Wednesday meetings” for Democratic party. , Strobe top of a string of successful cases. American Republican power players (recently Talbott, and Chris DeMuth Lawyer ranked their litigation practice hosting ). McCain will Tony Podesta President, Center for American as among the five best in the country. likely need to reach out to Norquist (who President, Podesta Group Progress, President, the Partner Steven Ross, who manages the has expanded these weekly gatherings to Podesta has been named one of Brookings Institution, and firm’s oversight practice (ranked second 45 state capitals) to solidify his Republican Washington’s top lobbyists and best- president, American Enterprise by National Journal after Patton Boggs in base. connected dealmakers by The National Institute (respectively) Journal, Wired magazine, and The Hill terms of revenue) says the workload has These three think tanks likely house Bill Novelli newspaper. As a legislative and public more than doubled from 2006 to 2007. the largest number of future cabinet Executive Director, AARP relations strategist, his message is members and political staffers ready to As we know from the deterioration of frequently on point, and he played an Brendan Sullivan, Jr. return to government when the White the financial stability of Social Security, instrumental role in Senator Clinton’s and Greg Craig House changes hands. Podesta, who was Americans are aging in record numbers. win in Pennsylvania. Additionally, his ties Partners, Williams & Connolly President Clinton’s chief of staff, founded to members of Congress and local interest Although this law firm has its fair share and developed CAP into the pre-eminent

60 WASHINGTON LIFE | m ay 2 0 0 8 | washingtonlife.com BUSINESS

Top row, left to right: Abe Pollin, James Johnson, , Anthony Lewis, Michael Harreld. Bottom row, left to right: David Rubenstein, Sheila Johnson, , , and . At right: Daniel Snyder

center left think-tank. A number of CAP’s for the campaign and play an important Who needs Washington Post Classifieds decades of business experience to make a fellows are busy advising Clinton, and even role advising both Senator Clinton and when you have these top Washington mark in philanthropic circles. more have signed on with Obama. Talbott, former President Clinton” (according headhunters to find your next job? Known who was a Rhodes Scholar with President to an internal email), while Wolfson and for being key players in the K Street business Thomas Donohue Clinton, helms the centrist Brookings Garrin are tasked with helping to shape scene, Carr and Olsen have each skillfully President & CEO, U.S. Chamber of Institution, whose reports are the third- the Senator’s message. landed major private sector posts for Commerce most cited by members of Congress. former government officials and top legal Since Donohue took over in 1997, the Brookings fellows are advising all three General Anthony Zinni professionals around the city. In this market, Chamber has tripled its annual revenues campaigns. Since 1986, Christopher and general Wesley Clark their phones must be ringing off the hook. to $160 million and has been influential in DeMuth has presided over the growth and These two outspoken anti-Iraq war Just hope you aren’t put on terminal hold. helping to lower trade barriers and win new rising influence of AEI on the Republican generals have helped bolster the free trade agreements on the international right, bringing in neo-conservative Democratic party’s position on foreign Steve and stage.Through its grassroots organization, architects of the Iraq war such as Richard policy. Zinni is considered a top choice Chairman, Revolution and www.voteforbusiness.com, the Chamber Pearle. AEI’s Kevin Hassett is one of John for vice president on an Obama ticket and Chairwoman, The Case has become highly influential in helping to McCain’s key economic advisors. Clark, who has Southern and national Foundation (respectively) elect pro-business candidates. security credentials, has been an ardent Steve Case may have left the helm of Howard Wolfson advocate for Senator Clinton and is likely AOL, but he’s still been quietly working Richard D. Fairbank Communications Director, to be tapped for a senior role if either to revolutionize the health and wellness and Nigel Morris for president Democratic candidate wins. industry with his aptly named Revolution CEO & Co-founder, Capital One When chief strategist was Health, as well as Exclusive Resorts and (respectively) stripped of his title, political consultant Business and Miraval. He is developing an $800 million, Americans are buying more and paying and former Glover Park Group partner Philanthropy 650-acre luxury resort in Costa Rica. His later than ever before, thanks in part to Howard Wolfson took over the top job in star power helped attract Carly Fiorina Fairbank and Morris, the grand viziers the Clinton campaign. Ironically, though Lyles Carr and and others to his latest projects. In 2007, of credit lines. For 11 years, Fairbank the titles may have changed (and pollster/ Nels Olson Case and Ted Leonsis joined in a $5.5- has been CEO of Capital One Financial strategist Geoff Garrin has been brought Headhunters, The McCormick million investment in widget syndication (COF), which ranks number two within in), much is the same, with Penn’s firm, Group and Korn Ferry specialist Clearspring Technologies. He diversified financials. Co-founder Morris Burson-Marsteller continuing “to poll (respectively) and his wife Jean, have leveraged two grew the company’s customer base to

WASHINGTON LIFE | m ay 2 0 0 8 | washingtonlife.com 61 special feature | the power 100

45 million, managed loans increased to hole courses, including “Copperhead,” a sports team, producing a movie, creating a Man.” His babies, Thayer Capital and more than $70 billion, and the company regular stop on the PGA-tour. Johnson net worth of over $100 million, owning a Thayer Lodging, have given birth to seven emerged as one of the top seven issuers of is also the chairman of the board of Ferrari, meeting , and even taking equity funds with $1.5 billion in capital credit cards in the world. When one can governors of Parsons The New School care of his in-laws. There’s little left for this and four hotel investment funds with $1 happily waive an annual salary and live on for Design, and she sits on the board of vice chairman emeritus of AOL to do, billion committed. Malek wisely invested stock options, as Fairbank reportedly does, VH1’s “Save the Music” and Americans since he achieved many of these things by early in McCain’s presidential bid (even one has it made — especially if that stock for the Arts. In 2007, Johnson added 2007. To name one, he had an incredibly holding signs for him in ) is in the 11th largest bank in the world, Hollywood credits to her résumé when successful run at the 2008 Sundance Film and serves as deputy national finance chair Capital One. Fairbank is also partner in she helped produce two films: Kicking Festival with his movie Nanking (which for his campaign, for which daughter Lincoln Holdings LLC, and one of the co- It, which premiered at Sundance, and A also made the Oscar nominee short list) Michelle Olsen has raised $100,000. owners of the Capitals pro-hockey team as Powerful Noise, which is opening at the and then followed up by getting his next well as the . Tribeca Film Festival. Johnson’s backing of film, Kicking It, into the Sundance, Tribeca J.W. Marriott Barack Obama (she serves on the Women and Silverdocs film festivals. But it’s the Chairman, Michael Harreld for Obama steering committee) will likely philanthropic heart beating off-camera Marriott International Regional President, PNC Bank only increase her influence if he wins. which led to Leonsis’ coining the term He’s the force behind the $4 billion and PNC Bank enjoyed a banner year in 2007 due “filmanthropy,” which remains the hallmark growing hotel chain. Having acquired to a previous merger with Riggs Bank which Vernon Jordan of his silver-screen efforts. the Ritz Carlton, among other brands, increased business by 30 percent. Harreld Senior Managing Director, Marriott continues to grow and look spent 16 years at the helm in Louisville, Ky., Lazard Freres & Co. and Senior John Lee for other opportunities to add to their prior to a 2005 move to the Washington area Counsel, Akin Gump Strauss Chairman, Northern Virginia holdings worldwide. They have over 3,000 to run PNC’s operations here. Wife Susan Hauer & Feld Tech Council & CEO, Lee hotels in 70 countries and recently added is highly involved in civic organizations; in Jordan may sit on more corporate boards Technologies a new boutique, “Edition,” in collaboration 2007, the Harrelds chaired the Wolf Trap Gala, than anyone else in the country, and he’s Boasting 1,100 companies and over with Ian Schraeger, with two slated to among other events here. remained an active player in Washington 200,000 employees, Lee’s technology open in Washington. despite spending considerable time in New company is one of the largest in the James Johnson York. He’s a member of the Council on world. So it seems a natural fit that he Tony Nicely Vice Chairman, Perseus LLC Foreign Relations and was part of the Iraq also leads the regions’s largest technology Chairman, GEICO Johnson’s presence in Washington power Study Group. Although he is a big Clinton industry association. The N.V.T.C’s annual Nicely shaped GEICO into the $21.9 circles is fortified by his sheer ubiquity. supporter, he also hosted one of the first networking events connect area leaders billion insurance behemoth that it is today He has run , led the Brookings fundraisers for Obama’s Senate campaign. and are considered to be a “hot ticket.” and helped expand its brand with the Institution, been chairman of the Kennedy In short, this Democratic powerbroker The Council and Lee’s influence will only gecko (and most recently, the “caveman”) Center, and has been involved in almost could play an instrumental role in healing continue to grow. advertising icon, raising its policyholder every Democratic presidential campaign the nomination fight over the next few count to nearly 8 million and counting. (he’s thrown his weight behind Obama) months and is likely to see his influence Tony Lewis increase should either Democrat win the since 1972. In addition to helming Perseus, President, Verizon Washington, David Rubenstein presidency. he is a board member of Goldman Sachs, D.C. Co-founder, Company, Inc., KB Home, Since the lifelong jazz drummer took over When officials at the National Archives Target Corporation, Temple-Inland, and Robert Kogod and operations for Verizon in 2005, he hasn’t needed someone to buy the last privately UnitedHealth Group, as well as a member Robert Smith missed a beat. As president of one of the owned copy of the Magna Carta for of the American Friends of Bilderberg, the Philanthropists city’s largest corporations, Lewis has been $21 million, it’s no surprise they called Council on Foreign Relations, and the You don’t even have to live in Washington instrumental in helping engage his 1,400 this economic powerhouse to put in the Trilateral Commission. to know these two names. Their donations employees from the region to give back, winning bid at the December Sotheby’s include $45 million to the University of not only through monetary donations but auction. Though his firm took plenty of Sheila Johnson (Smith) and $25 million to the by volunteering their time while staying heat for the collapse of two of its outside- CEO of Salamander Hospitality Smithsonian (Kogod). These brothers- on the clock. managed funds, experts say losses are and Managing Partner of the in-law made their fortune in the family “minimal from a financial standpoint.” The washington Mystics real estate business (Charles E. Smith) Fred Malek Group quickly raised $1.35 billion to invest This beloved former violin teacher and they’re not about to take a break in debt and equity issued by distressed Founder, Thayer Capital and BET co-founder became a power anytime soon. The latest big gift is a $5 companies and pushed their assets to $81.1 Baseball teams (), hotel presence in Washington, where she’s the million donation by Smith to sponsor the billion in a total of 60 funds. chains (Ritz-Carlton), airlines (Northwest), first woman to be an owner or partner Newseum’s Big Screen Theater, but both real estate services (C.B. Richard Ellis): in professional sports franchises: she’s names are visible on numerous buildings Malek, who has handled the acquisitions Roger and Vicki Sant co-owner of the Wizards, the Capitals, throughout the city. of all the above, is also responsible for founder, the AES Corporation and the Washington Mystics. Johnson returning baseball to the nation’s capital. and president, the summit is also CEO of Salamander Hospitality, (respectively) Ted Leonsis He’s a frequent flier in the black-tie foundation which encompasses the new 168 room Through the Summit Foundation, these Majority Owner, charity circle, close to the presidential Salamander Resort and Spa and Market philanthropists have made grants of family and Gov. Arnold Salamander, both located in Middleburg, After a serious plane crash in the ’80s, $9 million to the National Symphony Schwarzenegger. He is a determined as well as the Innisbrook Resort and Golf Leonsis sat down and made a list of 101 Orchestra, $10 million to the Smithsonian political player whose moniker during Club in Florida, which features four 18- things to accomplish, including owning a Museum of National History, and millions the Nixon administration was “Hatchet

62 WASHINGTON LIFE | m ay 2 0 0 8 | washingtonlife.com The Power CEO Because you won’t beat your 4th Quarter earnings estimates all by yourself …

executive assistant millions of dollars, so the 24 hour tech guy him written up in the right places. Alana The loyal, long-time executive assistant is crucial. Tech-savvy Washington Mayor Davis reps AOL heavyweight Ted Leonsis; oversees a small army of secondary Adrian Fenty relies on Jessen Sukrutam AOL Co-Founder James Kimsey works assistants, and filters mail, email, and to keep him plugged in. with Victoria Michael. phone calls. Everyone knows who they are. Leonard Lauder has Jeannie Janiro. philanthropic advisor driver David Rubenstein has Laura Boring. The philanthropic advisor sifts through all A driver straddles the space between a the worthy causes out there, and makes sure CEO’s professional and private lives. When in-house counsel donations are well structured and effective. the boss leaves the office, only his driver We all need a good lawyer sometimes, but the Among the best: Peter Karoff and Ellen knows where he really goes … CNN uses CEO needs a full-time in-house advisor who Remmer consult wealthy families at The Sunny’s Limo for VIPs, -lawyer Bob is loyal enough to protect him and tough Philanthropy Initiative; Patty Stonesifer Bennett prefers Star Limousine. enough to stand up to him. Jonathan Klein channels Bill Gates as CEO of the Bill and has Michael Saylor’s ear at Microstrategy; Melinda Gates Foundation. pilots Jeffrey Ferguson at the Carlyle Group The most powerful CEOs own their oversees a team of 18 lawyers. personal publicist own jets (not to be confused with a The CEO’s personal publicist makes sure timeshare) and two full-time pilots who 24 hour tech GUY the dark side of capitalism doesn’t tarnish pal around with the CEO before ‘wheels- When a Power CEO can’t get his email, it’s a squeaky-clean corporate figurehead. up.’ Executive Jet Management will hire a big deal. Minutes lost can translate into They train him to speak to press, and get them, fuel up, and maintain your jet.

more to the Phillips Collection. In 2005, Michael Sonnenreich Fernandez, VPP is funded by a who’s who Wolf Blitzer Vicki Sant took over from Robert H. CEO, kikaku america intl. and vice of power investors such as Jack Davies, Ted Host, CNN’s “Situation Room” Smith as president of the National Gallery chair of pharma intl. tokyo Leonsis, , Steve Case, and Peter Blitzer moved to Washington in 1972 after of Art. They carry out their philanthropy This former president of the Washington Barris. Thompson served as special advisor reporting for the Jerusalem Post and joined with great discretion and tact and have a National Opera is highly cultured to President Clinton for the District of CNN as its Pentagon correspondent on sterling reputation in A-List circles. and extensively traveled, his education Columbia and spent 12 years in local the eve of the first Persian Gulf War. As having taken place on two continents, at government holding major management one of the hardest working journalist in Gary Shapiro Harvard Law School, The University of and staff positions, most notably as the first the biz (his show is on for three hours on CEO, Consumer Electronics and the University of Madrid. woman to be appointed city administrator. weekdays and his Sunday broadcast covers Association He continues to be active in multiple Under Thompson’s leadership, the VPP more airtime than other Sunday shows) Under Shapiro’s leadership, CEA, the professional and philanthropic capacities, investors created a $31 million non-profit Blitzer has seen his ratings rise and eclipse uniting force for nearly 2,200 consumer including his roles as advisor at Johns fund that invests in D.C.-area organizations his competitors at FOX News. technology companies in the U.S., Hopkins University’s Nitze School of and is revolutionizing philanthropy. led a profitable transition to HDTV Advanced International Studies and as David and Katherine and oversaw the introduction of the an overseer at Medical Media Bradley everpresent iPhone, bluetooth and School. Last year, this former Nixon aide Chairman, Atlantic Media Nintendo’s Wii. Shapiro’s influence will used his extensive Rolodex, a single phone Robert Allbritton Company and President, grow as technology continues to play an call, and his uncanny political abilities Chairman and CEO, CityBridge Foundation increasing role in our lives. to help free a group of jailed workers Allbritton Communications (respectively) employed in an American factory in Asia, With ten TV stations and an influential At the tender age of 26, Fullbright t a r t s u l l I Daniel Snyder thereby averting the shut-down of that newspaper (The ), Allbritton scholar David Bradley founded the Chairman, Washington Redskins company’s operations and prompting a Communications annually posts Advisory Board Company, which he He’s got the second-highest grossing team in reconciliation with the host government. substantial growth (11.5 percent last year). grew into a phenomenally successful i y b n o the NFL. Under his ownership, the Redskins Through strategic hirings at the paper enterprise. His next project, in 1999, were named the second most valuable team Carol Cole Thompson like Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen, the was the acquisition and growth of the

J by Forbes Magazine. With draft hype at an publication’s influence is reflected in the . President and CEO, Atlantic Media Group, which owns C

. all time high, we’re on the edge of our seats fact that powerbrokers claim The Politico is

S Venture Philanthropy Partners The National Journal, Hotline, Congress r a u waiting to see who new head coach Jim Founded by former governor Mark first in their morning news digest. Daily, Monthly, and other è

s Zorn will bring in for this season’s kickoff. Warner, Mario Marino, and Raul publications, and provided a perfect

WASHINGTON LIFE | m ay 2 0 0 8 | washingtonlife.com 63 special feature | the power 100 MEDIA

Top row, left to right: Wolf Blitzer, Don Graham, Tim Russert, Bob Schieffer, Katharine Weymouth. Bottom row, left to right: Chris Matthews, George Will, Chris Wallace, George Stephanopoulos, and David Bradley. At right: Robert Novak.

platform for the media mogul to Sullivan. In short, Bradley cultivates leaders. His wife, Katherine, runs the sales, where a firm handshake and eye showcase his resolve in pursuing top- a culture of talent, hosting local CityBridge Foundation, their family contact traditionally put dinner on the seated journalists like The New Yorker’s roundtables for top journalists to speak foundation, which supports a host of table. After parlaying his people skills into Jeffrey Goldberg and blogger Andrew with prominent thinkers and business education and health-related initiatives. a spot at a local radio station, his rise was meteoric. Today, Gannett is America’s largest Nate Davis newspaper group in terms of circulation. President & CEO, The company’s 90 daily newspapers blog and web power XM SatelLite radio in the U.S. have a combined daily paid Since 2006, Davis has put the tech- circulation of approximately 7.3 million. In Faster than newspapers, blogs are the bread and butter savvy smarts he exercised at his previous addition, Gannett owns nearly 1,000 non- of the next generation of media pundits appointment, executive vice president daily publications and USA WEEKEND, of all technical operations at Nextel, to a weekly newspaper magazine of David Brock, kathryn jean lopez, good use at XM. Davis also serves on approximately 23 million circulation. Mediamatters.org www.nationalreview.com the boards of Mutual of America Capital , Michelle Malkin, Management Corporation and Charter John Fahey and Tim Kelly washingtonpost.com/thefix Michellemalkin.com Communications. XM is poised to become President & CEO, National even more relevant with the launch of Charlie Cook, Cookpolitical.com Joshua Micah Marshall, Geographic Society and Talkingpointsmemo.com POTUS ‘08 (created in association with National Geographic Global , Thedrudgereport.com Matt Drudge C-SPAN), the first national radio channel Media (respectively) John McIntyre, , Thepage.time.com completely devoted to a presidential The environment is hot right now (all Realclearpolitics.com campaign. Davis’ impending merger with too literally, according to reports on global Don Hazen, Alternet.org Markos Moulitsas, Dailykos.com XM’s top competitor, Sirius Satellite warming), and National Geographic’s John H. Hinderaker, Christy Harden Smith, Radio, may be the best evidence of his brand is on top of environmental issues and Powerlineblog.com Firedoglake.com power and influence. reportage. Fahey has led an evolution of the , National Geographic Society, including andrew sullivan, Huffingtonpost.com its entry into cable television with the andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com Craig Dubow CEO, Gannett Inc. National Geographic Channel, which now Mike Krempasky, Redstate.com Matt Stoller, Openleft.com Dubow began his career in advertising airs in 34 languages and reaches more than

64 WASHINGTON LIFE | m ay 2 0 0 8 | washingtonlife.com 250 million homes in 166 countries, and Robert Novak the international expansion of National Journalist Geographic magazine, now published in Some say that Novak’s power is clearly JOURNALISTs 29 local-language editions. Kelly, formerly reflected in the fact that he managed to These power players control the information the world the president of National Geographic’s reveal the identity of a covert CIA agent relies on to make informed decisions. television & film division, was appointed and still avoid prosecution. Regardless, president of the new National Geographic this right-leaning press man dubbed the Mike Allen, chief political correspondent for The Politico Global Media group in October 2007, “Prince of Darkness” retains access to , national political correspondent for The Washington Post where he oversees the production of award- senior Republicans (like Karl Rove) and winning content. influential Democrats (like Rep. Rahm David Brooks, columnist for The New York Times Emmanuel). Ronald Brownstein, political director for Atlantic Media Company Donald E. Graham Chairman, The Washington Post Keith Olbermann , deputy Washington bureau chief for Time Magazine Since his 1991 inauguration, this cheery Host, “Countdown With Keith david Corn, Washington Editor for The Nation CEO – known for his hardball tactics and Olbermann” John Dickerson, chief political correspondent for Slate magazine sharp business acumen – continues to This razor-sharp news anchor with a maintain the Post’s reputation as one of the deadpan wit has seen his MSNBC prime Maureen Dowd, columnist for The New York Times nation’s premier Washington newsroom time ratings soar (inching out arch- , senior Washington correspondent and columnist for Newsweek (taking home an impressive six Pulitzers nemesis Bill O’Reilly of FOX News). He in 2008). Though the paper is negotiating writes his own material and, though he Ron Fournier, writer for the several employee buyouts and suffering resides in New York, his nightly broadcast Tom Friedman, foreign affairs columnist for The New York Times a significant decrease in circulation, The impacts the course of the news cycle and David Gregory, host of “Race for the White House” on MSNBC Washington Post continues to be a media political debates in Washington. And his power house. “special comments,” while ruffling more Seymour M. Hersh, contributing writer for The New Yorker that a few feathers have helped steel the Christopher Hitchens, columnist for Vanity Fair John Hendricks and resolve of Washington politicos to take Brit Hume, managing editor, host of “Special Report with Brit Hume” on Fox News David Zaslav on the administrations positions on topics Chairman and President, ranging from the Iraq war to wiretapping , moderator and managing editor for Discovery Communications to the erosion of habeas corpus. His David Ignatius, associate editor and columnist for The Washington Post (respectively) newfound influence has landed him a Zaslav, a one-time head of NBC Universal spot as co-anchor with Chris Matthews Michael Isikoff, investigative correspondent for Newsweek cable and domestic television, had been at of MSNBC’s election night coverage. al kamen, “In the Loop” columnist forThe Washington Post the network since 1989, when he helped katty kay, Washington correspondent for BBC World News America launch CNBC. He met Hendricks, the Tim Russert founder and chairman of Discovery Host, NBC’s “Meet The Press” Adam Nagourney, political columnist for The New York Times Communications, when he was creating The longest-serving anchor in the popular Susan Page, Washington bureau chief for USA Today Discovery. In 2006, Zaslav took over the top Sunday talkfest’s 60-year history, Russert spot at Discovery Communications, citing wins the eyes and ears of over five million Dana Priest, writer for The Washington Post his extreme joy at working with Hendricks, political junkies every Sunday morning. Eugene Robinson, associate editor and columnist for The Washington Post whom he considers a mentor and friend. Not only does “MTP” continue to be Jake tapper, senior national correspondent for ABC News one of the highest revenue- generating Chris Matthews shows on television, it’s one of the key , political director for NBC News Host, “Hardball with Chris media gatekeepers for the Oval Office in John Wolcott, Washington bureau chief of Knight-Ridder News Service Matthews” the 2008 election. Much more than a talking head, Matthews , senior White House correspondent Newsweek is an American History buff who lives and Bob Schieffer Adrian Woolridge, “Lexington” columnist for The Economist breathes politics, has authored numerous Anchor, “face the nation” Bob Woodward, assistant managing editor of The Washington Post books, and, together with Tim Russert With ratings that regularly beat those of and Keith Olbermann, has increased George Stephanopoulos and oodles of the influence of NBC/MSNBC’s news lifetime achievement nods, Schieffer’s George Stephanopoulos for asking the Democratic candidates Sean operations. He’s also one half of a serious span of almost 40 years at CBS is hard to host, “this week” Hannity-Fox News-prompted questions power couple: Wife Kathleen Matthews, beat, and he’s not leaving anytime soon. This former Clinton administration advisor when he moderated their debate, perhaps who anchored News 7 on WJLA-TV, Schieffer recently told The New York Times has soared to new heights since he made this will help him further develop his non- the ABC affiliate in Washington, is now that he was putting off retirement for an the big switch from politics to journalism. partisan credentials. executive vice president of J.W. Marriott. indefinite period of time at the behest of Now acting as ABC News’ chief Washington Future possibilities for this pundit may CBS News president Sean McManus. His correspondent and hosting Sunday morning Chris Wallace include a race for the U.S. Senate – on an considerable audience seems to appreciate news show “This Week,” this award-winning Host, FoxNews April episode of “The Colbert Report,” a less-confrontational (and perhaps more reporter also made The New York Times With the extensive list of high-profile Matthews mentioned a possible run in sober) setting, in which to catch the latest bestseller list with his memoir of the Clinton political guests (including former Pennsylvania, saying that his boyhood political developments. years. Though he took considerable heat president Clinton, with whom he sparred dream was to be a senator. on-air) who have appeared on Wallace’s

WASHINGTON LIFE | m ay 2 0 0 8 | washingtonlife.com 65 special feature | the power 100

real estate

Left to right: Wesley Foster, Jr., Jim Abdo, Joe Robert, Jr., Tom Anderson, and Ted Lerner

“FoxNews Sunday” show, it’s no wonder Abdo revitalized Dupont Circle, and now- A. James Clark Hazel Peterson Development Company, he makes our Power 100 again this year. burgeoning Logan Circle, where nightclubs, Chairman, Clark Enterprises William A, Hazel, Inc., and the ubiquitous With his quick and aggressive demeanor, high-end boutiques and galleries line the As the grandfather of one of the largest law firm of Reed, Smith, Hazel & Thomas, this guy can get anyone to talk…which corridors. Most recently his $200 million construction companies in the U.S. with the undisputed expert in matters involving is probably why he has won nearly every investment on H Street NE is transforming just over $2 billion in annual revenue, D.C. government. major broadcast news award. the former “riot corridor” (now known Clark’s name carries plenty of clout. He as Senate Square) into a luxury residential and CEO Larry Nussdorf have personally Benjamin Jacobs, Donald Katharine Weymouth development that has attracted such high- touched almost every major building Brown and Joseph publisher, the Washington post profile buyers as former Mayor Anthony project in town (the National’s Stadium Gildenhorn and chairman, Washington Post Williams and Mystics owner Sheila and the Verizon Center), and as the Partners, JBG companies Media group Johnson. Abdo currently has his sights set winning bidder are the force behind the Real-estate giant The JBG Companies has Weymouth, a Stanford educated lawyer on redeveloping the New York Avenue controversial proposed development of recently been redeveloping tracts of land and granddaughter of the late Katharine gateway to Washington, where he controls Anacostia National Park. in Bethesda, and most recently closed the Graham, became vice president of 16 acres of land now approved for 3.5 purchase of Bethesda commercial hub newspaper advertising for the $8.8 billion million square feet of development. On the P. Wesley Foster, Jr. Artery Plaza for $135 million. A power media and education company in 2005. philanthropic front, he and his wife Mai and Brenda Shiplett player since 1960, JBG continues to be In February of this year, she was named are a driving force behind the National President, L & F Companies and one of the dominant players (with Mike chairman of Washington Post Media, Children’s Museum, scheduled to reopen in general manager, Long & Foster Glosserman acting as managing partner) in solidifying her role as an integral part of 2012 at the National Harbor. Abdo’s ability (respectively) the Washington-area real estate market. this media power-conglomerate. to gain access and influence the powers- Under Foster and Shiplett’s leadership, the that-be in local government bodes well for L&F Companies (which encompass Long Ted Lerner George F. Will him as he reshapes the face of Washington. & Foster Real Estate, Inc., Prosperity President, syndicated Columnist Mortgage Company, Mid-States Title and Principal Owner of the He may be as old-school as bobby socks Tom Anderson, Dana Insurance Agency, Inc, and Long & Foster and fraternity pins, but George Will remains Landry, William F.X. Insurance Agency, Inc.) continued to grow Nobody tells this guy what to do. He’s a a voice of reason for conservatives. An Moody and Marc despite a tough market, reporting a sale key player in Washington-area real estate op-ed writer for The Washington Post (his Schappell volume of $61 billion last year. Shiplett growth, developing more than 6,000 column is also syndicated in more than 450 founders, Washington Fine is the top exec and Foster’s right-hand apartments and over 22,000 homes, newspapers), his trophy case is chock-full of Properties woman (she’s general manager for Long creating one of the largest privately-owned editorial nods, including a Pulitzer Prize for Despite the challenging real estate market, & Foster’s Virginia/ region). real estate operations in the region, and distinguished commentary. Will also writes this firm continues to set records in high- making the Forbes 400 richest Americans a column for Newsweek, is a contributing end sales. They sell 40 percent of their own John T. “Til” Hazel list. His tactical and quiet approach to analyst for ABC News, and has been a listings (the national average is 17 percent) Partner, Reed, Smith, Hazel & business won him ownership of the regular participant on ABC’s “This Week” by uniting all of their agents, who include Thomas Washington Nationals, and this Washington on Sunday mornings since 1981. stars Nancy Taylor Bubes, Giselle Theberge Since the ’60s, the Hazel family’s major native made headlines recently with the and Jim Bell, behind each client. From $25 commercial developments (Tysons Corner, kickoff of the Nationals’ third season in Real Estate million homes to $500,000 condos, WFP for example) have been legendary and far- their splashy new $661 million stadium. handles a substantial percentage of the reaching, and the sheer number of companies Jim Abdo sales and purchases of the most valuable under family auspices is staggering. Among Herb Miller Founder, Abdo Development properties in the area. them are Hazel Land Companies, Inc., Chairman & CEO, Western

66 WASHINGTON LIFE | m ay 2 0 0 8 | washingtonlife.com arts

Left to right: John “Jack” DeGioia, Placido Domingo, Michael Kahn, Paul Greenhalgh, Michael Kaiser, and George Vradenburg.

Development Corp. Washington, Inc. John “Jack” DeGioia a Redskins football match, this go-to-guy Potomac Mills is a legendary shopping Baltimore has the Harbor, but Washington’s President, Georgetown is the number-one source for economic, mecca, and Miller is the force behind it. waterfront is woefully underdeveloped University housing, and employment trends in the He also built Gallery Place and developed in terms of family-friendly fare. Ratner When the first “scholar without a collar” Washington area. The regional powers- Washington Harbor. Miller, who sold his Salzberg and Forest City Washington saw became the 48th president of Georgetown that-be gobble up his analysis before luxurious Georgetown mansion in 2007 for the vast potential sleeping in the District’s University, many were skeptical about how making business decisions. a whopping $24 million, is now working Southeast quadrant, and with a 42 acre- things would shake out with a non-Jesuit on the redevelopment of Georgetown Park plot “The Yards” situated between the new at the helm. But it seems that DeGioia’s Paul Greenhalgh and continues to be a force to reckon with Nationals baseball stadium, the Navy Yard, M steady hand has led to a successful $1 Director, The Corcoran in Washington real estate circles. Street SE and the Anacostia River, Ratner billion capital campaign, a lower (more Gallery of Art Salzberg is well on her way to creating competitive) rate of admissions, the It was no secret that when Greenhalgh Abe Pollin Washington’s newest, fully-loaded waterfront basketball team returning to its winning arrived from across the pond, the gallery Chairman, Washington Sports neighborhood. The project will encompass ways after a depressing several-year losing was in need of major changes. The and Entertainment 5.5 million square feet of development, streak, and a teaching staff that reads like a director quickly took charge by bringing Still running his company at age 77, this 2,800 residential units, 1.8 million square list of former Cabinet members. together one of the largest exhibitions in real estate and sports tycoon has been as feet of office space, and 400,000 square feet contemporary art: Modernism, a show that much a part of the D.C. development of retail, and with the first phase slated to Placido Domingo won critical praise and audience appreciation. scene as the Lerner clan. But Pollin doesn’t open in 2010, The Yards may well become General Director, He followed up with blockbuster shows stop there. He serves as chairman of the a neighborhood hub as prosperous and Washington National Opera devoted to Annie Leibowitz and Ansel Advisory Council for UNICEF and the bustling as the northwest corner of the city. Washington’s, and perhaps the world’s, Adams, which were also picked up by American Foundation for Autistic Children, most beloved tenor has boldly been museums across the country. donating generously to charities around the Arts and Academia pushing the boundaries as the director world. He even has an award named in his of WNO, putting the company on the Michael Kahn honor, which recognizes those dedicated to G. Wayne Clough international stage through challenging Artistic Director, helping the Washington community. Secretary of the Smithsonian productions such as Wagner’s Ring cycle Shakespeare Theatre Company As the Smithsonian’s newly appointed head in 2009. His sexy version of La Boheme Michael Kahn has brought some of the most Joe Robert, Jr. honcho, Clough, the former president of brought in younger audience members, daring new interpretations of classical theater Chairman, J.E. Robert Companies Institute of Technology, will oversee and even more experienced the show via a to Washington in recent years – as well as Each fall, real-estate magnate Robert pulls 136 million objects, artworks and specimens; telecast to several colleges and universities. big names like Kevin Spacey and Dame Judy together a boys-only night where CEO’s, 26.8 million visitors; 19 museums; 9 research The opera has more social cachet than Dench. With the opening of the brand-new Cabinet members, senators, and tycoons centers; and one nasty mess left by Lawrence almost any other arts institution, and that’s Harman Center, things can only get bigger gather for a dinner that raises millions Small. His predecessor’s spending habits had a due in large part to Domingo’s draw. and better at the nation’s foremost theater for Fight For Children, which distributes trickle-down effect that will force Clough to dedicated to Shakespeare’s works. grants to Washington schools. Robert can clean house and restore faith in the museum Stephen Fuller count among his friends Quincy Jones, powerhouse. It’s expected that Clough will director, center for regional Michael Kaiser Oprah Winfrey, and Herbie Hancock, as send a message from day one that employees analysis, George Mason President, The John. F Kennedy well as a host of Republican politicians. are there to serve the Institution. He’ll have University School of Public Center for the Performing Arts a mandate, and congressional watchdogs will Policy With record-breaking fundraising, critically Deborah Ratner Salzberg be watching. Known for making economics as lively as acclaimed performances, and successful President, Forest City

WASHINGTON LIFE | m ay 2 0 0 8 | washingtonlife.com 67 special feature | the power 100 PHILANTHROPY/social power

Left to right: Katherine Bradley, Rima Al-Sabah, Jean Case, Sally Quinn, and Roger and Vicki Sant

renovations underway, Kaiser remains the commitment to the city’s cultural life has roger kirk the Coalition to Preserve Religious Liberty, backbone of Washington’s preeminent made Washington a better place to live. President, Alibi Club Saperstein was ranked the number five most performing arts center. His experience If you thought getting into the Chevy influential rabbi in the country according arranging contracts with the Kirov Opera Social Power Chase Club was difficult, try gaining to Newsweek. J.J. Goldberg’s book, Jewish and Ballet, the Royal Shakespeare Company, membership to the Alibi Club. Founded in Power, calls the Religious Action Center Ballet, and the Bolshoi Ballet ben bradlee and 1884, it remains one of the most exclusive “one of the most powerful Jewish bodies in as well as his famed festivals keep seats sold- Sally Quinn social networks in the country, with Washington, second only to AIPAC.” out and patrons contributing regularly. Former washington post Supreme Court justices, Cabinet members, executive editor and author CIA directors and other high-ranking Rev. Lon Solomon Mason Lecky and (respectively) officials. Kirk exerts considerable influence Senior Pastor of McLean Bible It’s somewhat ironic that Sally Quinn Maureen V. Miller on Washington’s elite networking scene. Church once said, “I don’t invite people because Directors of Admissions, St. At the pulpit of one of the fastest growing of who they are in the administration or Albans School and National Religion churches in the country, this McLean their positions of power. The few who Cathedral School (respectively) based minister has the eyes and ears of his do come, are there because I like them.” Like a Bravo channel reality competition, Rev. H. Beecher Hicks Jr. 10,000 member congregation each Sunday When this hostess and her husband Ben these ladies – heads of two of the most Pastor, Metropolitan Baptist morning, and delivers his sermons in a $90 Bradlee open the doors to their N Street competitive schools in the area – decide church million complex that seems more like a mansion, it is the titans of media who whose child is in and whose is out. For over 30 years, Hicks has packed 6,000 campus than a cloister. When he’s not at the enter. These days, their affairs tend to be As spots in top-notch private schools souls into his church every week. His library pulpit, Solomon’s church ministry carries more intimate dinners and cocktail parties, (including Sidwell Friends, Landon, Maret, of recordings and books have reached out a wide variety of outreach programs and which makes their invitation one that’s Georgetown Prep, and The Potomac countless people, and he’s one of the most services, and employs more than 300 full- rarely turned down. School) become increasingly competitive, influential voices in the capital’s African time staff members. Seated in the pews on parents will go to any lengths to enroll American community. Hicks is best known Sunday you can be sure to find top politicos Ambassador of Kuwait their kids in these schools. Getting in pays for his dedication to local learning and including Senator James Inhofe, Pentagon Salem al-sabah and off – the alumni rosters from these A+ community initiatives: to name a few, the officials and foreign policy honchos. Rima Al-Sabah academic institutions are as impressive as a Metropolitan/Delta Adult Literacy Council, AMBASSADOR AND HOSTESS the Metropolitan Day School, and the The Most Rev. Donald W. list of attendees of a Gridiron Club dinner (respectively) Wuerl, S.T.D. party. Bush brothers Neil and Marvin, With guest lists that include President Metropolitan Community Development Roman Catholic Archbishop J.W. Marriott Jr., and Former Rep. Jesse George W. Bush, First Lady , Program are dear to his heart. of Washington Jackson all took Geometry in the shadow Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Donald W. Wuerl was appointed the sixth of the National Cathedral. Cabinet secretaries and members of rabbi david saperstein archbishop of Washington on May 16, Congress, as well as visiting stars like Co-chair, the Coalition to 2006. As the spiritual leader of the more George Vradenburg Angelina Jolie, Michael Douglas, and Preserve Religious Liberty than 580,000 Catholics in 140 parishes President, the Phillips Randy Travis, the Al-Sabahs’ gatherings Saperstein succeeded Richard Hirsch to throughout the district and five Maryland Collection are one of the hardest invites to score. become Director of the Religious Action counties, he’s got plenty of clout, especially He’s the president of the Phillips Collection The couple have single-handedly raised Center – the Washington-based political depending on what happens in the next and the Vradenburg Foundation, making millions of dollars for causes ranging from lobbying arm of the Reform movement life. After the successful visit of Pope him one of the most prominent members eradicating malaria in Africa to building – where he works to preserve church-state Benedict XVI, a cardinal’s hat may be in of Washington’s art community. This former schools for girls in Afghanistan. separation and maintain a liberal outlook the offing for Wuerl. AOL-Time Warner strategic advisor’s in the Supreme Court. Also the co-chair of

68 WASHINGTON LIFE | m ay 2 0 0 8 | washingtonlife.com The Power hostess Great hostesses make it all look effortless, but don’t be fooled…

caterer private chef A good caterer can make dinner for 50 in a For every gala she attends, the hostess private kitchen or transform the lawn into likely gives two or three small dinner a petting zoo. Favorites: for gala dinners: parties in her home. For this, a private chef Occasions Catering and Design Cuisine; is essential. Businessman Joe Robert and for smaller events: Susan Gage. former AOL CEO Steve Case both trust Jenn Crovato. florist Fresh flowers are de rigueur in a formal personal trainer residence, and the florist usually sends The personal trainer arrives at the house fresh blooms on Thursday mornings. Great most mornings with a bag of stretch florists: Ultra Violet, Greenworks, and bands and a mat for a workout that Volanni; Floral designer: Jack Lucky. involves lots of two-person activities. VIP favorites: Whitney Cole trains decorator Microstrategy CEO Michael Saylor; A great decorator is key to any would- D’Lynne St. Pierre works with AOL co- be hostess’ team. Once the main house is founder James Kimsey. finished and photographed for Architectural Digest, they continue to accompany her to gift consultant auctions and suggest seasonal adjustments. An active hostess may give upwards of Local stars: José Solís Betancourt, a 200 gifts a year, so the owner of her Thomas Pheasant, and Barry Dixon. favorite gift shop often serves as her gift consultant, available to recommend the nanny right thing, send over a few samples, and Elite nanny agencies have been known help organize the big holidays. Keith to vet their clients as rigorously as they Lipert Gallery and Frank Milwee have do their candidates. The nannies they unique gifts and very helpful staff. place often have experience in formal households, serve as early tutors in French hair and makeup team and music, and make six-figure salaries. Available in a pinch, the hostess’ hair Barbara Kline’s agency, White House and makeup team report to the master Nannies, has found au pairs for high bathroom at 4 p.m. sharp to make sure she profile Washingtonians like Hardball’s looks smashing for the society photogs. Chris Matthews and GOP strategist Mary Hair: Nuri or Masut at Toka; Makeup: Matalin. Carl Ray at George.

personal shopper house manager Fabulous fashion sells out quickly, so the A house manager directly oversees the

t a r t s u l l I hostess needs a loyal personal shopper in small army of maids, butlers, laundresses, her favorite stores to make sure she gets cooks, gardeners, drivers, and repairmen first pick when new items arrive. Names needed to maintain a large estate. They also i

y b n o to know: Lana Orloff works with private serve as a liaisons between the lady of the clients at home. Going shopping? Ask for house and the rest of the domestic staff.

J Katie Jagger at Saks Fifth Avenue, and Sources tell us that Regal Domestic places . C

. Katja Leonardi at Neiman Marcus. house managers in some of Washington’s S r a u top homes. è s

WASHINGTON LIFE | m ay 2 0 0 8 | washingtonlife.com 69