Courtney Wade

For nearly two decades, Courtney has provided strategic communications counsel to executives, mission-driven organizations, and thought leaders. She believes that strong storytelling and thoughtful narrative strategy are essential tools for driving real-world impact and meaningful change. Courtney is currently Senior Vice President and Chief External Affairs Officer at Pivotal. Founded by Melinda French Gates in 2015, Pivotal is a group of social impact organizations that accelerate progress for women and young people in the U.S. and around the world. At Pivotal, Courtney oversees two functions—Communication & Public Affairs and Executive Strategy & Initiatives. Together, these teams shape narrative, drive engagement strategies and activate philanthropic leaders and networks in alignment with the Principal’s priorities and Pivotal’s mission. Before joining Pivotal, Courtney held roles across the public and private sectors, including in government and public affairs at Gap Inc. She began her career in politics on the 2008 Obama Presidential Campaign. She went on to partner with the Obama Administration and a range of progressive organizations through her work at Blue Engine Message & Media and the Common Purpose Project, focusing on national communications strategy and advocacy. Courtney earned her degree in political science from the University of California, Berkeley, and currently lives in Seattle with her family.