Michael Podhorzer

Michael Podhorzer is the Political Director of the AFL-CIO. Since 1997, he has developed and directed the Federation's strategic, targeting, opinion research, communication testing and long term planning programs. He was responsible for designing the strategic and targeting framework that supported the dramatic transformation of the Federation's political program in the 1990s. Mr. Podhorzer most recently designed and managed the AFL-CIO's pioneering 2004 "swing voter program" which combined voter file database analytics and clinical trial-style message testing for direct mail, telemarketing, email and neighborhood canvassing. Mr. Podhorzer has worked in politics for the last twenty five years. As Associate Director of Citizen Action, he managed the organization's extensive electoral activities, including successful congressional, state and local campaigns. He also helped found Advocate Development, a company that was formed to create database fundraising management software for Citizen Action's four million members.