Dan Bartlett
Dan Bartlett is executive vice president of corporate affairs for Walmart. He is responsible for government relations and public policy, corporate communications, philanthropy, and the company’s social responsibility and sustainability initiatives.
Before joining Walmart, Dan was president and CEO of the U.S. division of Hill+Knowlton Strategies, where he served as a strategic advisor to business leaders representing key sectors of the American and global economy. His experience serving in the highest levels of state and federal government and helping lead two successful presidential campaigns gives him a unique perspective in shaping public opinion and reputation management.
Prior to Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Dan served as president and CEO of Public Strategies, Inc. Previously, he served in several high-ranking positions at the White House, completing his service as counselor to President George W. Bush in July 2007. As one of President Bush’s most trusted advisors, he was responsible for all aspects of communications for the president and his administration, including the White House press office, speechwriting and office of communications. Texas Monthly magazine once described Dan as "the linchpin of the most far-reaching, tough-minded, and technologically advanced government communications operation in history.”
Dan also helped quarterback President Bush’s 2000 presidential campaign and his re-election campaign in 2004. During the 2000 campaign, Dan was responsible for rapid response and coordination between the campaign policy and press divisions. On the re-election campaign, he was responsible for message development, speechwriting and press strategy, and he played a key role in debate preparations.
Before serving in Washington, Dan worked in the policy office for then Governor Bush and subsequently served as issues director on his 1998 re-election campaign. While serving in the Governor’s Office, Dan helped overhaul the Texas Department of Commerce, worked on passing key juvenile justice reforms and served as the governor’s liaison for the Texas National Guard.
Dan is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He has also served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Texas LBJ School of Public Affairs and a fellow of the school’s Center for Politics and Governance.
In previous years, Dan was a frequent contributor on CNBC as a guest host for Squawk Box and has frequently appeared on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, as well as serving as a political analyst for CBS News.