Chief of Staff Association gathers two ex-White House Chiefs of Staff for a leadership expert panel.

Washington, D.C, September 17, 2025  – The Chief of Staff Association, which functions as the global leading body for connecting and developing chiefs of staff across all industries and sectors globally, recently gathered world-renowned experts to examine optimal practices for the chief of staff profession. 

The inaugural gathering featured Joshua Bolten, who served as White House Chief of Staff for President George W. Bush; Denis McDonough, White House Chief of Staff for President Barack Obama; and Chris Whipple, the moderator, an Emmy Award-winning Discovery Channel documentarian and New York Times bestselling author of “The Gatekeepers: How White House Chiefs of Staff Define Every Presidency.”

of the occasion for empowering C-Suite executives, spanning from the Oval Office to corporate leadership roles.

‘Our community learns from leaders who have navigated the most intricate challenges on the planet,’ remarked Trent Smyth, Chief Executive Officer of the Chief of Staff Association. ‘By analyzing the frameworks, key parties, and fundamental values involved in each decision at this level, we contribute to elevating the standard of leadership, strategy, and organizational alignment across all sectors.’

The public event and subsequent reception took place at the stunning Towers of Rosslyn, situated along the Potomac River. Offering views of the DC cityscape, attendees were granted direct access to proven methodologies for leadership cohesion, organizational consistency, strategy execution, and top-level decision-making.

Significance for Executives

Contemporary organizations necessitate precise decision-making, reliable leadership support, and masterful implementation. This forum translated the rigorous operational discipline of the White House into practical roadmaps for corporate and rapidly growing business leaders, illustrating how an effective chief of staff fosters clarity, alignment, and tangible results.

Key Insights from the Discussion

Several of the primary takeaways from the evening encompassed thorough discussions on: Defining the position; Protecting personal time and energy; Escalating solely critical decisions; Achieving objectives through diligent follow-through; and Proactive rather than reactive approaches.

‘This event showcases the exceptional access and expert techniques our community benefits from year-round,’ shared Drew Davis, Senior Vice President at the Chief of Staff Association. ‘Daily, I observe the CSA community assisting chiefs of staff in advancing strategy, leadership, and collaboration. Our program refines their decision-making abilities and executive support skills, while building expertise in aligning teams and boosting efficiency.’

The Chief of Staff Association is currently making plans to continue this leadership series next year and extends its appreciation to several corporate partners for their contribution to this event, including AiPi Solutions, Beacon Capital, Jones Lang LaSalle, Talent Acquisition Strategies, and Vectigo.