NBC On-Air Contributor
Anthony Coley: Biography at a Glance
- Anthony Coley is an on-air contributor at NBC News, CNBC, and MSNBC providing independent analysis of the leading political, legal, and economic issues of the day.
- Coley has shaped public opinion and communications on some of the nation’s most significant debates over the last two decades.
- In public service, Anthony has been a trusted adviser to prominent democrats across the political spectrum – from liberal lion Ted Kennedy to conservative democrat Zell Miller.
- During the first two years of the Biden Administration, Coley led communications at the U.S. Justice Department.
- In the Obama Treasury Department, he was responsible for communication matters related to capital markets, banks, and non-bank financial institutions.
- In the private sector, Anthony spent five years running communications at Managed Funds Associations, the global trade association for the alternative investment industry. He also advised Fortune 500 companies and others at global communications consultancy Brunswick Group.
Videos
Biography
As a trusted adviser to Treasury secretaries, CEOs, and other prominent leaders, Anthony has shaped public opinion and communications on some of our nation’s most significant debates and challenges.
During the first two years of the Biden Administration, he led public affairs at the U.S. Department of Justice and served as Attorney General Merrick Garland’s chief spokesman. He also oversaw national media relations for the Justice Department’s litigating divisions, law enforcement components, and U.S. Attorney offices, among others. At the end of Anthony’s tenure, Attorney General Garland presented him with the Edmund J. Randolph Award – the Justice Department’s highest honor.
Prior, he served at the U.S. Department of the Treasury as Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Public Affairs. There he worked in close collaboration with President Barack Obama’s economic team to create and implement public affairs strategies on issues related to capital markets, banks, non-bank financial institutions, and the 2011 debt limit crisis. Anthony traveled extensively at the Treasury Department, advising senior officials and briefing journalists on more than 30 trips in the U.S. and around the world. At the end of his service, Treasury Secretary Jack Lew presented him with Treasury’s Distinguished Service Award and medal.
Previously, Anthony spent five years as Executive Vice President, Communications, at Managed Funds Association (MFA), the global trade association for the alternative investment industry. He also served as Senior Advisor to MFA’s President and CEO, former Republican Congressman Richard H. Baker. Prior, he advised Fortune 500 companies, trade associations, and other clients as a Director at Brunswick Group.
Earlier in his career, Anthony concurrently served as Communications Director and chief spokesman for U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy and the U.S. Senate’s Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. He was also a top communications aide to U.S. Representative Harold Ford, Jr., U.S. Senator Zell Miller, and U.S. Senator Jon S. Corzine. In the New Jersey Statehouse, Anthony was press secretary to the Governor and later Director of Public Communications for the State. He has also worked on the communications staff of two presidential campaigns: Gore-Lieberman 2000 and Kerry-Edwards 2004.
Currently, Anthony is an on-air contributor at NBC News, CNBC, and MSNBC, providing independent analysis of the leading political, legal, and economic issues of the day. Through his boutique public affairs firm, Corner Office Strategies, he provides senior-level counsel to decision-makers and organizations facing high-profile moments or critical public affairs challenges.
Anthony received a B.A. in Business Administration from Morehouse College and an M.A. in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University.
Topics
…with Liberty & Justice for All
America’s Pledge of Allegiance ends with these aspirational words, “…with liberty and justice for all.” In this speech, Anthony discusses contemporary legal issues and the nation’s ongoing work to ensure the country lives up to its ideals of freedom and opportunity and a justice system that treats all Americans the same.
Moderated Conversation led by Anthony Coley
Anthony brings a broad understanding of politics, business, and international affairs to lead complex and thought-provoking conversations. He poses evocative questions that keep the audience's interests at the forefront of every discussion.
The Persuasive Art of Storytelling
We tell stories throughout our lives; we tell stories even in death. In this captivating talk, Anthony reflects on critical communications lessons throughout his career (the near-fatal car accident of a governor; the death of a civil rights icon; health care reform; debt-limit battles) and how business and non-profit leaders can use communications as an effective tool to advance their legislative and business objectives.
