Cody Keenan

Cody Keenan is a political speechwriter best known for serving as chief speechwriter to President Barack Obama during the final years of his administration. A Massachusetts native and graduate of Northwestern University, Keenan began his White House career as a deputy speechwriter before rising to lead the speechwriting team from 2013 to 2017. In that role, he collaborated closely with President Obama on many of the administration’s most significant addresses, helping craft speeches on issues ranging from healthcare and gun violence to marriage equality and criminal justice reform.

Keenan played a central role in shaping several landmark moments of Obama’s presidency, including the 50th anniversary address commemorating the Selma to Montgomery marches, speeches following the Supreme Court’s ruling on marriage equality, and remarks delivered after national tragedies. Known for his emotionally resonant language and narrative-driven style, he worked side-by-side with the president in an unusually collaborative process that blended policy, storytelling, and moral argument.

After leaving the White House, Keenan chronicled his experience in the memoir "Grace: President Obama and Ten Days in the Battle for America," offering an inside look at the writing of Obama’s farewell address and the final days of the administration. He has since become a sought-after speaker and commentator on leadership, communication, and the power of rhetoric in public life, reflecting on how words can shape national identity and civic culture.