D.C. Thought Leaders Discuss the Future of ESG in America

Brent Seaborn

Chief Data Science Officer and Co-Founder, Tunnl

Brent Seaborn is a data scientist and microtargeting pioneer who has innovated survey research methods, revolutionized data analysis, and modernized data application across television, digital media, and direct contact campaigns for various presidential candidates and purpose-driven organizations like those pictured on this page. 

Brent has been a pillar of data integrity and microtargeting advancement at Tunnl since he co-founded the company in 2021. He provides illuminating insights on the data uncovered through Tunnl’s audience-building process and advises on improvements to Tunnl’s audience intelligence tools to streamline data application for advertisers seeking meaningful, impactful communication with their targets.

Between 2004 and 2016, Brent lent his data analytics expertise to numerous presidential campaigns. His experiences along the campaign trail and deep entrenchment in the data analytics world informed entrepreneurial ventures serving every facet of the political, public affairs, and brand advertising sectors. Brent is a go-to resource for insights on the past, present, and future of microtargeting, his thoughts on which have been featured in DigiDay and The New York Times. 

Brent is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh with a degree in political science as well as George Washington University, where he received his master’s degree in political management. Brent currently calls Appleton, Wisconsin home, where he enjoys baseball, hiking, and camping, as well as traveling with his wife and two kids.

The best place to keep up with Brent is through the Tunnl platform, where his expertise constantly influences new features, functionalities, and audiences.

Stephanie Cutter

Founding Partner, Precision

Stephanie Cutter is the founding partner of Precision, a leading integrated strategy and marketing agency in Washington DC and New York City.

At Precision, Stephanie has revolutionized the integration of data-driven communications with digital and campaign style organizing to improve reputations, change public opinion, manage crises and drive people to action. She has improved the brand of one of the nation’s largest health insurers during a controversial merger; successfully launched a news network; restored the reputation of a multinational financial institution; reshaped a national storyline on behalf of a leading NFL quarterback; and successfully managed a global crisis for a well known consumer tech platform.

Called “one of the most prominent voices in the [Democratic] party, and one of its top strategists and crisis managers” by Politico, Stephanie has crafted high-level communications, reputation and crisis-management strategies for two U.S. Presidents, U.S. Senate leaders, and the nation’s highest profile political campaigns and Fortune 500 corporations. The New York Times called her “the polished, sometimes scarily organized strategist who gets things done” who “has a long and favorable reputation with some of the most influential journalists and opinion makers in Washington.” GQ named her one of “the 50 most powerful people in Washington.”

In 2020, Stephanie changed the political communications game as the Chief Program Executive for the first-ever virtual Democratic National Convention and as the Executive Producer of President Biden’s Inauguration. As Chief Program Executive, Stephanie conceived of the overall virtual format, day to day messaging, and live and pre-recorded content for the two-hour primetime program each night of the 4-day event. According to the Washington Post, the Convention was worthy of “Emmy consideration,” and a “production that knew exactly what story it wanted to tell and how to use the tools of electronic persuasion to tell it.”  As the Executive Producer of the 2021 presidential inauguration, she again reimagined a historic event taking place amid a pandemic and in the wake of an insurrection.  From crafting the first ever nationwide COVID memorial, to designing a sea of flags art installation on the National Mall and producing the Emmy-nominated “Celebrating America” primetime special at the Lincoln Memorial, she reinvented long-held inauguration traditions to fit the times.

Previously, Stephanie served as Deputy Campaign Manager for President Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign, where she played a pivotal role in designing and executing a game-changing campaign that broke barriers in understanding, reaching, and connecting with more Americans than any election in history. Before that, Stephanie served in various senior positions within the Obama administration and campaign, from managing the President’s message strategy and issue development in the White House, to serving as First Lady Michelle Obama’s Chief of Staff and as counselor to Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner.

Before the Obama administration, Stephanie served as a senior advisor to Minority Leader Harry Reid and Democratic Senator Edward M.  Kennedy. In 2004, she served as Communications Director for the John Kerry for President Campaign. She also held various positions within the Clinton Administration, including President Clinton’s White House Deputy Communications Director.

A Massachusetts native, Stephanie lives in Washington, DC with her son, and is a graduate of Smith College and Georgetown University Law Center.

Stephanie is a former co-host of CNN’s Crossfire show and a former contributor to ABC News. She appears frequently on cable and network television providing her thoughts on current events. 

Alex Schriver

Executive Vice President & Head of Public Affairs, Targeted Victory

Alex Schriver currently serves as Executive Vice President & Head of Public Affairs at Targeted Victory, a full-service communications and marketing agency. He provides integrated solutions for Fortune 500 corporations, coalitions and causes. Schriver has extensive experience in communications, campaigns, and crisis management. He has advised global corporations, government leaders, and corporate executives throughout his career.

Schriver previously served as Chief of Staff for U.S. Representative Bradley Byrne (AL-01). He also previously managed Rep. Byrne's successful campaign in the special election for Alabama's First Congressional District. He is a former National Chairman of the CRNC. During his tenure, Schriver raised a record $16 million dollars and oversaw 75 full-time staff operating in 23 states, building the organization into the 2nd largest 527 in the country.

Schriver has been a frequent political commentator, providing analysis for CNN, Fox News Channel, MSNBC, NBC News, C-SPAN & PBS. He has also appeared in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, The Hill, POLITICO, and Roll Call. He was profiled in the 2012 book, “Mission: Adulthood” by New York Times journalist Hannah Seligson.

Schriver serves on the Board of Governors of the Capitol Hill Club & Board of Directors of the DTD Educational Foundation. Schriver previously served as Chair of So Others Might Eat (SOME) Winter Ball. Schriver also previously served on the Board of Directors for Reform Alabama and Crossroads Generation.

Schriver holds a B.A. in Political Science from Auburn University. He currently resides in Alexandria, VA with his wife and daughter.