Whitaker Askew
Government Relations
Whitaker “Whit” Askew joined Subject Matter in 2017 and brings two decades of experience in campaign politics, lobbying, and integrated advocacy at the highest levels. Askew leverages his extensive relationships and proactive strategic mindset to drive successful outcomes on a diversified range of issues in the commerce, financial services, energy, workforce, technology and hospitality sectors. He works with clients to build consensus, craft multidimensional government relations strategies, and execute integrated campaigns that matter.
Whit also advises clients to shape executive thought leadership and maximize targeted political engagement. Prior to joining Subject Matter, Whit was vice president of government relations at the American Gaming Association (AGA), where he was a senior leader and top lobbyist representing the $240 billion U.S. casino industry before Congress, federal agencies and state/local governments. Prior to AGA, he served Speaker of the House John A. Boehner of Ohio, over multiple election cycles, as executive director of The Freedom Project/Team Boehner. He led the national political operation that played a critical role in the GOP’s historic 2010 takeover of the U.S. House of Representatives. He was PAC director of the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America in 2005, following service in several capacities at the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) during the 2003-04 cycle.
- Rocks a bow tie every day; owns far more clothes than his wife and two daughters combined
- Has played 75 of the top 100 golf courses in the U.S. (with varying degrees of success)
- Has slept at least one night in all of the lower 48 U.S. states
- Overly-passionate Tennessee Volunteer football fan