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In 2002, Ben Yarrow worked as research director on Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm’s successful gubernatorial campaign. When the governor-elect invited him to join her administration, Ben asked to become a speechwriter. He was 23 years old. Two short years — and many long speeches — later, Ben would become the governor's Chief Writer.
Following his Michigan days, and before joining West Wing Writers, Ben was the Director of Communications of the William J. Clinton Foundation and the Office of President Bill Clinton. In addition to serving as President Clinton’s chief speechwriter and spokesperson, Ben oversaw communications strategy, planning, and execution for the Clinton Foundation’s global operations, as well as President Clinton’s philanthropic activities and events in the U.S. and abroad.
Today, Ben helps heads of state, celebrity activists, CEOs, and prominent political figures craft speeches for high-profile events around the world. His work on behalf of international luminaries has been published in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, USA Today, and Time. Additionally, Ben provides strategic communications consulting to major philanthropies, political campaigns, and private institutions.
Prior to his work with President Clinton, Ben shaped message and strategy on political campaigns in the American heartland, worked in state and local government administrations in policy and communications capacities, and — the job that least prepared him for speechwriting, but most prepared him for life — was a handyman in Switzerland.
Ben graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Macalester College. He lives in New York City with his wife, Allison Gaudet Yarrow, a writer and journalist. |
