Robert Traynham is a respected political veteran and communications expert, who, for nearly two decades, has designed and executed impactful programs for elected leaders, political organizations and major corporations. Traynham is currently the vice president of communications for the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC), working with BPC’s policy experts to advance the organization’s mission to foster workable solutions for the important challenges facing the nation.
Throughout his career, Traynham has been a trusted counselor to political leaders and CEOs, including serving as senior advisor to congressional and presidential campaigns. He has earned the respect of his peers on both sides of the aisle as a savvy and effective strategist, spokesperson and crisis manager; and was frequently named as a top staffer by leading political publications.
Before joining BPC, Traynham served as Washington, DC bureau chief for Comcast Networks, where he originated the news and public affairs programming. During his eight-year tenure, Traynham established Comcast’s credibility in public affairs programming and served as host for Comcast Newsmakers and the Emmy®-nominated, Roll Call TV with Robert Traynham. Under Traynham’s vision and leadership, Comcast grew its nationwide audience for these programs and attracted top-tier advertisers.
Prior to his career in media, Traynham was deputy chief of staff and communications director for the Senate Republican Conference, roles that made him the highest-ranking African-American Republican staffer in Congress. Before his service in leadership, Traynham spent several years as a senior aide and press secretary for former Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA). Well-regarded by members of Congress and his colleagues alike, Traynham served as president of the U.S. Senate Press Secretaries Association and was regularly ranked as one of the most influential staff members in Congress. Traynham began his career in public service as a White House intern during the Clinton administration.
Drawing on his unique experiences and access, Traynham has been a frequent political analyst and commentator to cable TV, radio and print media outlets—including NBC, MSNBC, CNBC, CNN, NPR, XM Satellite Radio and the Philadelphia Tribune—providing insightful analysis on the American legislative process and the politics behind it.
A native of suburban Philadelphia, Traynham holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Cheyney University. He earned his master’s degree in political communications from George Mason University and is a Ph.D. candidate studying presidential and Anglo-American history. Traynham was recognized by George Mason University with a Distinguished Alumni of the Year award, and honored as an alumnus of distinction by Cheyney University.
Traynham is a frequent public speaker and remains active in academia, having served as an assistant dean at Georgetown University and as a lecturer at George Mason and George Washington Universities. As an appointed member of the Council of Trustees of Cheyney University, Traynham serves the board of the oldest school of higher education among the country’s historically black colleges and universities.