John Podesta is an American political consultant and former government official. He served as the Chief of Staff to President Bill Clinton from 1998 to 2001 and later as a counselor to President Barack Obama. Podesta is known for his work on various policy issues, including climate change and technology. In addition to his government roles, Podesta founded the Center for American Progress, a progressive think tank, in 2003. He has been involved in numerous political campaigns and has played a significant role in the Democratic Party for decades, influencing policy and strategy.