Jordan Valdés is a senior director in APCO Worldwide’s Global Solutions practice and part of the headquarters leadership team. Based in the firm’s Washington office, Ms. Valdés is an international public affairs expert and assists clients on a wide range of issues from international crises to campaigns changing public perceptions.
Ms. Valdés guides a team of global public affairs strategists who have a blended approach to external affairs, focusing on the integration of seamless government affairs strategies with effective communications and media savvy. Ms. Valdés has advised corporates, sovereign governments, trade associations and individuals on their engagements with Congress and the Executive Branch, media, and the think tank communities. Ms. Valdés’s work has resulted in top-tier media placements for her clients, meaningful and lasting partnerships with government agencies, and an advocacy footprint in Congress that have ultimately improved her client’s relationships and reputations.
Prior to joining APCO, Ms. Valdés served as senior vice president for the Podesta Group, where she developed international government relations and strategic communications campaigns. A political appointee in the Obama Administration, Ms. Valdés served as a senior advisor for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of International Trade before joining the Podesta Group. During her time with the administration, she represented the SBA at the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations and developed key messaging and communications for the agency. Ms. Valdés started her career in journalism in the Middle East. She has advised political campaigns from the local to the presidential levels on their foreign affairs and communications strategies.
Ms. Valdés is a graduate of the University of Miami and holds a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. A first-generation Cuban American, she has been named a 40 Under 40 Latinos in American politics. Ms. Valdés is fluent in Spanish and French and trained in Arabic and Italian. Selected to participate in 2019 Summer Socrates.