Catherine (KiKi) A. McLean
Catherine A. McLean serves as a partner of the Dewey Square Group, a public affairs consulting firm, where she leads the communications practice. McLean appears frequently on national television as a commentator on politics and current events.
In 2004, McLean helped develop the acclaimed Vice Presidential announcement strategy for the Kerry campaign. McLean served as the national press secretary and spokesperson to Vice President Al Gore’s presidential campaign in Washington, DC and was the spokesperson for Joe Lieberman as the Democratic Vice Presidential nominee in the 2000 general election. Previously, she was appointed the communications director to the Denver Summit of Eight and spokesperson for the 1997 Presidential Inaugural. These roles followed her work as communications director for the 1996 Democratic National Convention in Chicago where she was responsible for all communications planning and execution, including overseeing a paid and volunteer staff of nearly 400 people. Following the convention, McLean managed the Clinton-Gore '96 debate communications operations, coordinating surrogate, press and rapid response strategies.
Formerly the communications director of the Democratic National Committee, McLean was the national spokesperson for the Democratic Party and former chairman, David Wilhelm.
Throughout her career, McLean's work has focused on the communications and politics of public policy. She was press secretary and advisor to Tipper Gore during the 1992 general election where she supported Gore's unprecedented role as a fourth member of the dynamic campaign team. Continuing in that role, she also served as member of the Presidential Transition communications staff.
As press secretary to the Democratic Leadership Council and its affiliated think tank, the Progressive Policy Institute, McLean's efforts were concentrated on the development of cutting edge policy and political initiatives. She served under the Chairmanships of Senator John Breaux (D-LA) and then-Governor Bill Clinton.
Her experience in the private sector includes service as a public relations consultant with the Washington offices of Ogilvy and Mather Public Affairs where she gained broad experience in the issue areas of taxation, international trade, labor and the environment.
Catherine McLean is a native of San Antonio, Texas and received her Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Communications from Austin College in Sherman, Texas. McLean now resides in Washington, D.C.