Time to end secret data laboratories—starting with the CDC
The American people are waking up to the fact that too many public health leaders have not always been straight with them. Despite housing treasure…
Thought Leader: Marty Makary
WWSG Speakers Named Washington to DC’s 500 Most Influential People
Each year, Washingtonian magazine recognizes the region’s most influential leaders through its “Washington DC’s 500 Most Influential People” list—a widely respected guide to the policymakers, business leaders, legal minds, journalists, diplomats, and innovators shaping the nation’s capital. Published annually since 2022, the list highlights individuals who are not only accomplished in their fields, but who actively influence the conversations, decisions, and institutions driving Washington forward. Selection is based on extensive reporting, research, and consultation with experts across industries, making inclusion a significant recognition of leadership and impact within the DC community.
Two WWSG exclusive thought leaders were recognized as Washington DC’s 500 Most Influential People of 2026: Scott Gottlieb and Robert O’Brien.
Scott Gottlieb
New Enterprise Associates
Partner
A former FDA commissioner in Trump’s first term, Gottlieb has played a key role in healthcare innovation policy, actively advising on regulatory strategies to accelerate access to new medical technologies and therapies.
Hometown: East Brunswick, New Jersey. Education: Wesleyan University; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. First job: Healthcare analyst at Alex. Brown & Sons in Baltimore.
Robert O’Brien
American Global Strategies
Cofounder and Chairman
O’Brien has leveraged his reputation as Trump’s former national-security adviser to promote “peace through strength,” advising leaders and companies on US foreign-policy priorities and strategic responses to global security threats.
Education: UCLA; UC Berkeley School of Law. Best career advice he ever received: “As a lawyer, your role is to be a peacemaker.”
To host Gottlieb or O’Brien for a speaking opportunity, contact WWSG.
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Scott Gottlieb on Cyclospora Outbreak
Thought Leader: Scott Gottlieb