Key Facts
Career & Education
About
Mike McCurry (born Michael Edward McCurry on October 27, 1950, in Avella, Pennsylvania) is a prominent American political operative and communications expert. He began his career in journalism and public relations before entering Democratic politics, serving as press secretary for Senator John Glenn's 1984 presidential campaign and the Democratic National Committee under Chairman Ron Brown. His most high-profile role was as White House Press Secretary under President Bill Clinton from 1995 to 1997, succeeding Dee Dee Myers, where he managed media relations during key events including the 1996 presidential reelection campaign and early scandals, earning a reputation for his affable demeanor and effective communication. After leaving the White House, he transitioned to the private sector, working at Hill & Knowlton and founding his own consulting firm, McCurry & Company. He has also been involved in academia, teaching communications at George Washington University, and in nonprofit work, co-chairing the Commission on Presidential Debates since 2007 alongside Frank Fahrenkopf, influencing the format and conduct of U.S. presidential debates. McCurry's career reflects deep engagement with Democratic politics and media strategy, including advisory roles for various campaigns and organizations, and he is known for his Catholic faith, which has informed some public stances. He remains a respected figure in Washington, D.C., contributing to discussions on media ethics and political communication.