James Courtovich

About James Courtovich

Jim Courtovich has over twenty years of public affairs and crisis communications experience and has managed some of the most significant business and policy debates throughout the world. He has expertise in a wide range of communications from media relations to opponent management. As a former commercial banker, senate aide, political campaign manager, and head of an NGO, Jim brings a unique perspective and understanding of how business, public policy, and the media intersect.Jim founded Sphere Consulting to provide precise, efficient campaigns for clients to manage issues and reputations, and to profoundly impact their brands, names and ability to do business around the globe. Dana Milbank of The Washington Post wrote that Jim is one of the “gatekeepers of Washington,” and Politico newspaper has described him as one of “the private sector’s big guns.”His experience includes:Currently overseeing the communications, research and opposition management in a global fraud case, working with Deloitte and Baach Robinson Lewis. This $9.2 billion dispute stems from the Middle East and reaches every major financial market in the world.Jim has served as senior advisor to Ted Forstmann, the founding partner of venture capital firm Forstmann Little & Co, as well as to John Walton, who at the time served as a board member of Wal-Mart Corporation. In addition, he was a senior advisor to Senators Phil Gramm and Warren Rudman in the United States Senate. He was one of the youngest executive directors on Capitol Hill when he was working for U.S. Senator Bob Smith. Jim was a manager of public affairs at Burson-Marsteller and Vice President/GM at Ketchum Communications. He was also a commercial lender focusing on small- to mid-sized businesses at a leading New England Bank.

Experience

1. Managing Partner

   Sphere Consulting Llc

   Jan 2010 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   Jim Courtovich has over twenty years of public affairs and crisis communications experience and has managed some of the most significant business and policy debates throughout the world. He has expertise in a wide range of communications from media relations to opponent management. As a former commercial banker, senate aide, political campaign manager, and head of an NGO, Jim brings a unique perspective and understanding of how business, public policy, and the media intersect.Jim founded Sphere Consulting to provide precise, efficient campaigns for clients to manage issues and reputations, and to profoundly impact their brands, names and ability to do business around the globe. Dana Milbank of The Washington Post wrote that Jim is one of the “gatekeepers of Washington,” and Politico newspaper has described him as one of “the private sector’s big guns.”Jim is not a traditional Washington consultant. His succinct and direct approach is driven by results, not process. He has a long history of creating and implementing highly sophisticated campaigns that achieve the best possible outcome for his clients.

Skills

• Politics
• Crisis Management
• Event Planning
• Public Policy
• Strategic Communications
• Strategic Planning
• Public Affairs
• Government
• Political Campaigns
• Message Development
• Crisis Communications
• Reputation Management
• Policy
• Public Relations
• Media Relations