Andy Solomon, Principal

Andy founded Stratford Communications in 2019 to build on his three decades of experience applying the power of communications to advance social change. He has a proven track record of creating and implementing impactful communication strategies that deliver outsized results. His experience spans philanthropy, nonprofits, higher education, and government at the federal, state, and local levels. He has a global perspective and a deep understanding of public policy, advocacy, and politics.

Andy led communications for the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, one of America’s largest private philanthropies, for more than 14 years. He advised and collaborated with non-profits, universities, businesses, and philanthropies around the world on critical public issues, including human rights and international justice, criminal justice reform, digital learning, impact investing, voting/campaign finance reform, public interest media, and the arts. He was the lead communications strategist and spokesman for the MacArthur “genius grants,” managing the annual announcement and drawing significant media coverage and public attention.

As Director of Communications & Strategy for Harvard University’s nonpartisan Institute of Politics, Andy generated creative ideas to expand youth civic/political engagement, including media briefings and partnerships and surveys of young voters. While he was Director of Public Affairs for the U.S. Conference of Mayors, he led a successful media campaign in support of federal homeland security funding for cities after the 9/11 attack.

Appointed by President Clinton, Andy served as Director of Public Affairs & Press Secretary at the U.S Department of Agriculture. He developed communications plans to support increasing international food aid, expanding agricultural trade, and launching national organic standards. He also led communications crisis response to food safety recalls and planning for mad cow disease.

Previously, Andy was Deputy Press Secretary at the Democratic National Committee during the 1996 campaign, Chief of Staff in the Massachusetts State Senate, and a travel guide editor.

Andy received a bachelor’s degree with honors from Harvard College and a Master in Public Policy from Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. He taught at DePaul University’s School of Communications as an adjunct instructor, and he served as a Board Member of Forefront, the Illinois association of grantmakers and nonprofits. He is a volunteer Ambassador for Lakeview Pantry and conducts alumni interviews for Harvard College.