Chris Whipple Receives Honorary Fellowship from Chief of Staff Association

Chris Whipple, the Emmy-winning documentarian and bestselling author of “The Gatekeepers” and “Uncharted,” was honored at The Chief of Staff Association Global Dialogue for chiefs of staff.

New York City, New York Apr 14, 2025  – The Chief of Staff Association (CSA) has announced that Chris Whipple, the Emmy Award-winning documentarian and author of the critically acclaimed book The Gatekeepers and his new book Uncharted, has been named an Honorary Fellow and inducted as a Lifetime Member of The CSA. This recognition was formally presented at CSA’s premier event, COS25, a Global Dialogue held at Microsoft Headquarters, bringing together chiefs of staff and executive leaders from across the globe. As an Honorary Fellow, Whipple joins a select group of distinguished C-suite executives acknowledged for their exceptional contributions to the chief of staff profession and their dedication to CSA’s global mission.

Chris Whipple is highly regarded as an expert on White House chiefs of staff and the inner workings of the presidency. His best-selling book, The Gatekeepers: How the White House Chiefs of Staff Define Every Presidency, has become a defining work on the crucial role chiefs of staff play in a President’s success. His latest book, Uncharted, has received considerable attention, fueled by a series of prominent media interviews, further solidifying Whipple’s reputation as a leading voice on presidential leadership and the vital behind-the-scenes function of the chief of staff. Whipple’s multiple Peabody Awards and decades of documentary and book storytelling have offered unique insights into the corridors of power, making him an ideal addition to CSA’s global community of chief of staff professionals.

“I am deeply honored to be recognized by an organization that understands the critical role chiefs of staff play in supporting leaders,” said Chris Whipple, author of The Gatekeepers and Uncharted. “I have spent years chronicling how chiefs of staff can define entire presidencies from behind the scenes, and I’ve seen firsthand how effective leadership often starts with these unsung gatekeepers. Joining The Chief of Staff Association as an Honorary Fellow is thrilling for me, and I look forward to contributing to a global community that connects and empowers those in this pivotal role.”

Trent Smyth, Chief Executive Officer of The Chief of Staff Association, who led the Global Dialogue, stated, “Chris Whipple’s exceptional work has illuminated the impact that chiefs of staff have had at the highest levels of government. His dedication to highlighting this profession aligns perfectly with CSA’s mission, and we are eager to support Chris as he continues to advance the global conversation surrounding this vital profession.”

“Our global community of chiefs of staff has long admired and studied Chris Whipple’s profound insights,” said Drew Davis, Senior Vice President of Commercial at The Chief of Staff Association. “Chris’s induction as a Lifetime Member reinforces our commitment to learning from the very best and underscores CSA’s role in uniting and inspiring the world’s chiefs of staff.”

About The Chief of Staff Association

The Chief of Staff Association (CSA) is the premier international professional organization for chiefs of staff. CSA connects, develops, and empowers chiefs of staff across all industries and sectors globally, offering its members a strong global network, executive education in collaboration with Oxford and Harvard business schools, and resources to excel in strategic advisory and leadership capacities. The Chief of Staff Association’s initiatives include high-profile events, such as its flagship Chief of Staff Global Dialogue in partnership with Microsoft, as well as training programs, thought leadership, and networking opportunities that elevate the chief of staff profession across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. By promoting collaboration and sharing optimal tools and methods, CSA empowers chiefs of staff worldwide to drive strategic impact and effectively support the leaders and organizations they serve.

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Source :The Chief of Staff Association (CSA)

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