Kevin Washo

Kevin Washo Jr. joined the University of Pittsburgh as Chancellor Patrick Gallagher’s chief of staff in November 2017. As a key member of Chancellor Gallagher’s senior leadership team, Washo works to advance the chancellor’s top priorities and initiatives while overseeing all administrative, strategic and executive communications operations within the Office of the Chancellor.

Prior to arriving in Pittsburgh, Washo served as a government relations principal for the bipartisan firm Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies. In addition to advising clients on strategically engaging with the political and legislative processes, Washo acted as a liaison to key corporate, nonprofit and government stakeholders.

Earlier career stops for Washo include serving as executive director of the Philadelphia 2016 Host Committee, vice president of a Washington, D.C.-based political affairs firm, executive director of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party and longtime senior aide to U.S. Senator Bob Casey. Washo also served as a White House Liaison during Barack Obama’s first presidential term.

Washo is an active member of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. In 2014, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf tapped Washo to serve on Pitt’s Board of Trustees—a post that he maintained until stepping into the University’s Chief of Staff role.

He is a proud native of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh.