Matthew G. Whitaker was acting Attorney General of the United States 2018-2019. Prior to becoming Acting Attorney General, Mr. Whitaker served as Chief of Staff to Attorney General Jeff Sessions. He was appointed as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa by President George W. Bush, serving from 2004-2009. Whitaker was the managing partner of Des Moines based law firm, Whitaker Hagenow & Gustoff LLP from 2009 until rejoining DOJ in 2017. He was also the Executive Director for FACT, The Foundation for Accountability & Civic Trust, between 2014 and 2017.
Mr. Whitaker graduated with a Master of Business Administration, Juris Doctor, and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Iowa. While at Iowa, Mr. Whitaker was a three year letterman on the football team where he received the prestigious Big Ten Medal of Honor.
Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker Delivers Remarks at the 2018 Project Sa
Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker Delivers Remarks at the 2018 Project Sa
Matthew Whitaker’s Speech Topics
Crisis Management
In today’s modern business world, unexpected crisis is a daily risk and responding to those risks is critical to business success. Using his experience as acting Attorney General and Chief of Staff, Whitaker will provide best practices and lessons learned from a challenging time at the Department of Justice in which the President was openly hostile to DOJ leadership. Whitaker will provide his insight as to how he navigated these challenges and the real world lessons that can be used for business success.
Law and Politics/Current Issues
In today’s modern world, law and politics dominate the news and drive the conversation. With over 25 years of experience in the arena of law and politics at the highest levels, including a close relationship with the President and other colleagues in the cabinet, Whitaker will bring insight and understanding to this dynamic landscape. Whitaker has been in the room and has had a front row seat when some of the most critical decisions have been made in Washington DC. The audience will come to understand how Washington DC works and how to navigate a complex system is often key to business success.
Leadership
The difference between management and leadership is an important distinction. Based on his experience leading the Department of Justice, Whitaker will explain and provide a framework for the modern business team leader to motivate and inspire their team to accomplish great results.
Sports and Business/Lessons from Competitive Sports
As a successful college athlete, Whitaker will discuss the lessons and take aways from his football days distilling them into a road map for success in business and life. Many of the examples used by Whitaker come directly from his time as a Tight End on the Iowa Football team that played in two bowl games in 1991–the January 1 Rose Bowl and the December 31 Holiday Bowl. Whitaker’s real world examples will inspire and motivate your team.