John W. Rendon is CEO and President of The Rendon Group, Inc. (TRG) a global strategic engagement consultancy. Previously, John served as Executive Director and Political Director of the Democratic Party of the United States and has worked and led numerous campaigns at the federal, state and local level. To date, TRG has worked in or on 142 countries. For TRG, there are no foreign countries, only new ones.

John is considered to be one of the world’s leading pioneers in the use of strategic communications as an element of national power and one of the first thought-leaders to harness the power of emerging technologies in support of real time information management. He has served as an executive communications consultant to the White House, U.S. Department of Defense, the National Security community and to the leadership of Fortune 500 companies, among others. He is a participant in forward-thinking organizations such as the Highlands Forum, the Aspen Institute and Dialog and is a lecturer and speaker at many forums and universities on the impact of emerging information technologies on the way populations think and behave, especially as it relates to engaging, countering and preventing violent extremism.

In the National Security arena, John has participated in the design and implementation of strategic communications initiatives and information programs related to countless named operations, including but not limited to Odyssey Dawn (Libya), Unified Protector (Libya), Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), Allied Force and Joint Guardian (Kosovo), Desert Shield, Desert Storm (Kuwait), and Desert Fox (Iraq) and Just Cause (Panama), among others. He has also been a leader in the development of counter AQ and counter ISIS/ISL (Daesh) communications strategies, operations and tactics. TRG has participated in counter narcotics programs and has worked in Haiti, Bosnia, and Serbia, among other austere environments.

Furthermore, John has collaborated on the development of comprehensive crisis and non-crisis information operations for political and public policy campaigns in the Americas, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Middle East.

For the past several years, John has been spending what little time he has left in the global Start-Up community helping them scale sooner and facilitating growth round financing. John also lectures on topics including Global Power shifts, Leadership in the Knowledge Age; strategic communications development and implementation, information operations, information strategies, tactics and operations; crisis management and the American Presidency. He regularly lectures at the Defense Universities. He has lectured at such prestigious institutions as the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, Air War College (JFOWC and SJIOAC), Albanian Armed Forces Academy, American University, Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies, Boston University, Catholic University, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Federal Executive Training Institute, Foreign Service Institute, George C. Marshall Center, George Mason University, Georgetown University, Harvard University, Haas School of Business, University of California-Berkeley, Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF), Joint Special Operations University (JSOU), Kuwait University, NATO School Oberammergau, Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), Naval War College, National Defense University, Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies, Northeastern University, Royal Danish Defence College, The George Washington University, United States Air Force Academy, University of Southern California, West Africa Polytechnic University, among others.

John, a graduate of Northeastern University, hails from Boston, where he served as an Assistant Secretary of Public Safety and later as a Special Assistant to the Governor. He has also served as an analyst for CBS News and has appeared as an analyst on BBC World Service television, BBC World Service radio, SKY Television and CNN, among others. Follow John @JohnWRendon.

Boston, MA

Rick Rendon is an internationally recognized strategic communications executive, social‑impact entrepreneur, and event producer with more than four decades of experience designing and leading high‑profile public education, civic engagement, and youth leadership initiatives in the United States and around the world. He is the Co‑Founder and Senior Partner of The Rendon Group (TRG), a Boston‑ and Washington, D.C.–based strategic communications and marketing firm, and the Founder of the international nonprofit Empower Peace.

Through TRG, Rick has advised government agencies, foundations, corporations, and nonprofits on complex public affairs challenges, developing integrated campaigns that combine messaging, media, grassroots engagement, and large‑scale experiential events. Over the course of his career, TRG has executed hundreds of coordinated national and international campaigns focused on women’s rights, public health, education, democracy, civic participation, environmental protection, racial harmony, and social justice.

In the aftermath of September 11, Rick Rendon founded Empower Peace on the belief that young people, when given the tools to communicate and lead, can bridge divides and advance peace. What began as virtual cultural exchanges has grown into a sustained portfolio of youth leadership and education initiatives.

Empower Peace’s flagship initiative, the Women2Women International Leadership Program (W2W), is a highly respected, long-running global leadership program for emerging female leaders. Since its launch in 2006, W2W has engaged more than 4,400 young women from over 90 countries through in-person and virtual programs hosted in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, South America and Africa.

Rick is also the Co‑Founder of Team Harmony, an international youth movement advancing racial and social justice through student‑driven action plans, digital engagement, and landmark convenings. Recent Team Harmony initiatives include a national Action Institute and Rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, bringing together student leaders from 23 states at the site of the 1921 Race Massacre to confront hate, promote historical understanding, and advance racial harmony.

Recently, Rick has launched and oversees a new generation of large‑scale, issue‑driven initiatives, including My America: From Ground Zero to Common Ground, a nationwide student civic engagement campaign engaging K‑12 classrooms to create a massive American flag mosaic in celebration of America’s 250^th anniversary. He is also leading INSPIRE, a statewide Massachusetts youth civic leadership initiative in partnership with the Massachusetts Teachers Association, and Goal Setters 2026, an international young female empowerment program aligned with America250 and leadership in sport.

Rick has been at the forefront of innovative public health and prevention campaigns, directing national initiatives with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Walmart, and other partners to address opioid misuse and fentanyl poisoning among youth. His work includes pioneering formats such as student arena events, virtual school assemblies, esports tournaments, and live national broadcasts reaching hundreds of thousands of students, educators, and families.

In addition to his nonprofit and civic work, Rick is a sought‑after advisor and producer of high‑impact summits, commemorations, and leadership forums such as the upcoming commemoration of the  25^th anniversary of 9/11. In the start of his career, Rick served on President Jimmy Carter’s national political staff and continues to be a trusted counselor on issues at the intersection of communications, democracy, and social change.

Rick Rendon’s career reflects a singular commitment: empowering the next generation to lead with purpose, compassion, and courage, at moments of national challenge and opportunity alike.

Washington, DC

Sandra Libby is the chief financial officer and corporate treasurer for The Rendon Group. She oversees financial planning and analysis, accounting and financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, tax strategy, internal controls, and regulatory compliance.

Sandy has been with TRG since its inception. She has established and managed projects ranging in size from one-day training seminars to on-going conventions/conferences/projects lasting for several months.

At the International Exposition on Energy (1982 World’s Fair, Knoxville, TN), Sandy was the administrator for the United States’ exhibit.  She was responsible for organizing and managing the staff and exhibit designers, and coordinating the overall management and operations requirement of the U. S. Pavilion during the Fair.

For the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), Sandy’s responsibilities included site logistics, program speaker development, print material design and invitation list, design of invitation and meeting follow-up on site management and organization of events.

As a Financial Analyst for a consulting firm, Sandy provided strategic analysis of banking operations to make financial and management recommendations.

Washington, DC

As Director of Operations, Serena leads strategic communications, project management, and operational planning for government, military, and private sector clients. She helps organizations create and manage complex programs and navigate dynamic political, media and business environments.

Serena brings over three decades of experience in strategic communications and operations, leading initiatives for government, defense, and commercial partners worldwide. Lately, she’s focused on advising organizations in the U.S. and European space sectors and helping emerging companies across industries develop effective strategies for growth and engagement.

Boston, MA

Tricia leads strategic communications, public education campaigns, and large-scale event production for TRG clients, overseeing projects that integrate branding, messaging, media relations, and community engagement. She brings a hands-on, solutions-driven approach to managing complex initiatives from concept through execution.

Tricia has more than 30 years of experience in public relations, media strategy, and event management. In addition to her role at TRG, she serves as Executive Director of Empower Peace, where she oversees organizational strategy and operations and is the key architect of the curriculum and program model for its global leadership initiatives, including the Women2Women International Leadership Program. She previously served as Vice President at Hawthorne Associates, where she led PR and marketing for technology-driven training and learning solutions.

Tricia brings a deep understanding of how to connect strategy to real people, ensuring campaigns resonate authentically with communities, stakeholders, and diverse audiences.

Washington, DC

Ashley Murphy brings over a decade of experience providing high-level administrative and strategic support to The Rendon Group’s leadership team. She plays a central role in facilitating executive operations, managing complex priorities, and ensuring seamless coordination across projects and partnerships.

Worked as a field operator on both the 2008 and 2012 Presidential Campaigns for President Obama. As an executive assistant since 2010, Ashley has managed complex scheduling in support of high level organizations in finance, campaigns and consulting.

Washington, DC

Chuck works with governments, institutions, and corporate leaders at the intersection of information, policy, and power. He operates in strategy, crisis response, and hybrid-threat environments, helping decision-makers anticipate risk, protect credibility, and act decisively before narratives harden and options narrow.

Chuck has operated inside the machinery of government, supporting Cabinet-level diplomacy, advising state executives, and working across multiple U.S. Presidential administrations where decisions are made under pressure and constant public scrutiny. He brings that institutional experience together with private-sector advisory work spanning fortune 500 companies, energy and technology companies, defense contractors, and multinational organizations navigating policy, reputation, and global risk.

Washington, DC

Katie serves as a client engagement lead at The Rendon Group, working closely with firm leadership to advise clients on market entry, partnership development, and strategic positioning. She leads client-facing engagements and supports cross-team efforts to shape strategic priorities for clients across aerospace/space, emerging technology, and capital engagement portfolios.

Katie brings a background spanning international consulting, geopolitical analysis, and defense contracting, including work with the U.S. Embassy Belgrade, private geopolitical intelligence firm, Stratfor, and multiple national security-focused contractors.

Washington, DC

Estefanía leads strategic client engagements to translate complex geopolitical and security dynamics into high-level counsel for government and multinational accounts. She brings value by bridging the gap between institutional policy objectives and effective communication, ensuring that decision-makers can navigate sensitive international landscapes with clarity and purpose.

Her career is built on a foundation of managing political risk and government relations across the Americas, advising both multilateral organizations and global firms on their most pressing regional challenges. Driven by a disciplined approach to truth and a commitment to excellence, she has consistently turned intricate policy issues into successful strategic engagements for international leaders.

Boston, MA

Kari helps clients get their message out in a clear, compelling way and make sure their events run smoothly from start to finish. She is the person who connects the dots between ideas, people, and logistics so everything lands the way it should.

Kari has spent years running programs and campaigns that bring people together around big ideas, from international youth leadership to citywide peace initiatives. She knows how to turn a vision into something concrete that inspires and mobilizes others.

Kari brings a mix of curiosity, global perspective, and an instinct for building meaningful connections. She’s always looking for the story beneath the surface and how it can move people to act.

Boston, MA

As Senior Producer and Senior Account Executive at The Rendon Group, Elli Barkett helps bring ideas to life — from national awareness campaigns and live events to social media storytelling and youth engagement programs. She loves creating projects that connect people, inspire action, and make an impact — whether it’s producing a nationwide broadcast or coordinating voices from around the world.

Elli brings years of experience managing youth leadership programs, nonprofit communications, and high-profile public events that bridge media, education, and social impact. Her standout achievements include producing global empowerment programs like Women2Women and national awareness  campaigns addressing issues such as fentanyl prevention and civic engagement.

Elli brings a passion for connection — bridging cultures through our global network and helping turn meaningful ideas into memorable moments. With a mix of creativity, curiosity, and care, she aims to make every project feel personal, purposeful, and shared with the world.