Karin Johanson

Karin Johanson is a principal in Dewey Square Group’s grassroots and government and relations practices. Johanson has more than 25 years of experience working in Democratic politics and on Capitol Hill, including serving as Chief of Staff to Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.

In 2006, Johanson worked with Congressman Rahm Emanuel, managing the political operation for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC). As the organization’s executive director, she designed the largest congressional field operation in history, an $11.5 million effort covering 36 congressional districts. Johanson also served as the DCCC’s political director in 2000 and as its west coast field director in 1994.

In addition to her work with the DCCC, Johanson was political director and communications director of EMILY’s List, helping to elect scores of women across the country.

During the 2004 cycle, Johanson served as Florida State Director for America Coming Together (ACT) where she created a statewide organization with 65 full-time staffers in eight offices and ran that heavily targeted state’s grassroots campaign.

Johanson has experience in the private sector as a consultant to Americans United to Protect Social Security. She provided the progressive coalition with congressional targeting counsel and acted as a liaison to non-profits organizations. As a senior vice president at Precision Communications, her clients included such as the AFL-CIO and Congresswomen Jane Harman and Tammy Baldwin.

Johanson lives in Washington, DC and has a B.A. from American University.