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Sylvia Mathews Burwell

Sylvia Mathews Burwell

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (2014–2017); Director, Office of Management and Budget (2013–2014)

A proven leader with a record of cultivating innovation and delivering results, Sylvia Mathews Burwell has led government departments in both the Clinton and Obama Administrations as well as powerful international nonprofit organizations.

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Bio

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In 2014, the Senate confirmed Burwell by a wide margin as Secretary of Health and Human Services, proving, according to Republican Senator Richard Burr, if you “put talented people into nomination, it doesn’t matter whether you’re Republican or Democrat. People acknowledge the talent.” Entering office during the height of the debate surrounding the Affordable Care Act (ACA), she confronted the political, technical, and bureaucratic challenges of the ACA while leading the strategy to circumvent the dual global health crises of the Ebola and Zika virus outbreaks.

In 2017, Burwell was named the first female president of American University. She also serves on the National Advisory Council of the Aspen Institute’s Future of Work Initiative. With three decades of strong leadership directing programs that have had significant impact on the lives of individuals, she provides audiences with informed expertise and compelling analysis of issues ranging from health care and the federal budget to global development and philanthropy.

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Topics

Topics

Health-Care Reform: Rhetoric vs. Reality

Budget and Leadership

Moderated Q&A: A Leadership Conversation with Sylvia Mathews Burwell

 

Videos

Videos

President Obama Nominates Sylvia Mathews Burwell as Secretary of Health and Human Services
Hon. Sylvia Mathews Burwell, President, American University

Books

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TESTIMONIALS

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

The American Psychological Association was thrilled to have Dr. Antonia Novello as our speaker for the 2024 APA Convention. Dr. Novello was fantastic, and her presentation was a tremendous success. Thank you, Peter, for all your hard work in making this event such a resounding success.

American Psychological Association

For our annual Native American Heritage Month celebration, PDA Group arranged for John Echohawk to join us for a virtual moderated discussion. The program was thoughtful, engaging, and highly impactful for our audience of lawyers and professional staff. We are grateful for their partnership and look forward to working with them again.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

We have partnered with PDA Group on multiple successful events, including our charity luncheon with Lisa Edelstein and our Women’s Philanthropy Kickoff Event featuring Allegra Goodman. Their professionalism, expertise, and commitment to excellence make them an outstanding partner. Thank you for your exceptional work and continued support.

UJA-Federation

We have received so much fantastic feedback following our virtual event. It was an absolute success, and Sylvia Fowles was excellent. Thank you again to Sylvia and the entire team for your partnership!”

U.S. Bank

Kurt Warner was spectacular—he completely wowed the audience and solidified major leadership points. He was an amazing partner, and we will be talking about this experience for years to come. We will definitely leverage the PDA team for all of our speaking needs!”

Sysco Corporation

The events over the past two years went very well — everyone had a great time with Dr. Mark Esper in 2025, and Sam Hinkie led a very engaging Q&A with our Principal, Jean Reynolds, in 2024. Thank you for working with us these last two years; your support has been instrumental to the success of our programs!

Investcorp Strategic Capital Group

It was an absolute privilege to have Dr. Sanjay Gupta as our keynote speaker for the 2026 GME Leadership Conference. He delivered an outstanding address that resonated deeply and left a lasting impression on everyone in the room. The entire planning process was seamless and collaborative. It was a pleasure working together, brainstorming suggestions, and ultimately selecting the perfect fit for our event. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

HCA Healthcare

We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!

Salt Lake Community College

It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).

Western Michigan University

On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can’t wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.

Ferris State University

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