Obama Foundation Taps Top Marketing and Communications Talent in Preparation For the Obama Presidential Center Opening in 2026
November 25, 2024
Rahshiene Taha and Emily Bittner bring extensive experience that will advance the Foundation’s local and global initiatives
CHICAGO – Today, The Obama Foundation proudly announced the addition of Rahshiene Taha as Chief Marketing Officer and Emily Bittner as Vice President of Communications. Bringing extensive expertise to their roles, Taha and Bittner will drive the Foundation’s efforts to amplify our mission and initiatives around the world in preparation for the landmark opening of the Obama Presidential Center in 2026.
"Rahshiene and Emily are both accomplished leaders and communicators, and we are delighted to welcome them to the Foundation," said Valerie Jarrett, CEO of The Obama Foundation. "I am confident their creativity and expertise will strengthen our efforts as we expand our engagement and impact both locally and globally."
Rahshiene Taha, a strategic leader with over 20 years of experience leading brand strategy and innovation, will serve as The Obama Foundation’s Chief Marketing Officer.
Taha previously held the role of Vice President and Head of IP Development & Marketing Partnerships at Live Nation, where he focused on developing new revenue streams and forging innovative partnerships. Before his time at Live Nation, Taha was Head of Marketing at global entertainment company 3BLACKDOT, leading the team post-acquisition to expand the firm's network of top content creators. He also served as Global Brand Manager at Nike, where he oversaw the alignment of Nike's efforts for the 2016 Rio Olympics. Taha is a founder of K.O.T. Marketing Group, helping grow the company to over $3 million in annual revenue.
"I’m thrilled to join the Foundation and to carry forward and enhance the powerful legacy of President and Mrs. Obama," said Taha. "I look forward to using my experience to connect with audiences in a culturally relevant way, build impactful partnerships, and expand the Foundation’s reach, ensuring our initiatives make a lasting difference in communities around the world."
Taha holds a BA from Stanford University as a President's Scholar and an MBA from Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management.
Emily Bittner, a seasoned professional in communications and organizational management, will serve as Vice President of Communications.
Bittner has held several senior roles in state, federal and local government, most recently as Senior Advisor to Illinois Governor Pritzker, after serving as Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications in his first term. Starting in 2017, Bittner was Chief of Strategy for Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, following three years at Chicago Public Schools where she led communications and strategic efforts during the fight for historic education funding reform. Bittner was also an adviser during Mayor Emanuel's 2015 re-election campaign. Earlier in her career, she led communications strategy for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, and the Democratic Governors Association. She began her career as a reporter at The Arizona Republic, covering public safety.
"I am honored to join The Obama Foundation and look forward to contributing to our mission of inspiring, empowering, and connecting people to change their world," said Bittner. "The Foundation is at the epicenter of strengthening our democracy and equipping the next generation for the many leadership challenges they will face, and I couldn’t be more excited to help build a cultural institution that will make a difference for years to come."
Bittner is a graduate of Northwestern University, where she earned degrees in journalism and political science.
About The Obama Foundation
The Obama Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world. That mission begins on the South Side of Chicago, where the Foundation is building the Obama Presidential Center. The Obama Presidential Center represents a historic opportunity for Chicago: a chance to build a world-class museum and public gathering space that celebrates our nation’s first African American President and First Lady, steps away from where he began his career, where she was raised, and where—together—they made their home. Not only will the Center generate billions of dollars of economic opportunity and help reconnect and revitalize Jackson Park, it will also serve as a reminder to young visitors—from around the city and from around the world—that their potential is limitless.
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Contact: Gloria Nlewedim Eichar, press@obama.org