Steve Ricchetti facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Steve Ricchetti
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Ricchetti in 2021
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| Counselor to the President | |
| In office January 20, 2021 – January 20, 2025 |
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| President | Joe Biden |
| Preceded by | Hope Hicks Derek Lyons |
| Succeeded by | Alina Habba Peter Navarro |
| Chief of Staff to the Vice President | |
| In office December 1, 2013 – January 20, 2017 |
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| Vice President | Joe Biden |
| Preceded by | Bruce Reed |
| Succeeded by | Josh Pitcock |
| White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations | |
| In office October 20, 1998 – January 20, 2001 |
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| President | Bill Clinton |
| Preceded by | John Podesta |
| Succeeded by | Joe Hagin |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1957 (age 67–68) |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Amy Ricchetti |
| Children | 4 |
| Education | Miami University (BA) George Mason University (JD) |
Steven John Ricchetti (born around 1957) is an American political helper. He worked as a top advisor, called 'Counselor to the President,' for President Joe Biden. He led Joe Biden's campaign to become president in 2020.
Before that, he was a main assistant, or 'Chief of Staff,' to Vice President Biden. This was during the time when Barack Obama was president. Mr. Ricchetti also worked as a 'Deputy Chief of Staff' for President Bill Clinton. When he wasn't working for the government, Mr. Ricchetti sometimes worked as a lobbyist. A lobbyist tries to influence government decisions.
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Early Life and School
Steven J. Ricchetti grew up in Westlake, Ohio. He went to Westlake High School.
He earned his first college degree from Miami University in Ohio in 1979. While there, he was the student body president. Later, he earned a law degree from the George Mason University School of Law.
Working in Politics
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From 1987 to 1989, Mr. Ricchetti led the political department for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. This group helps people with health insurance. From 1990 to 1992, he was the executive director for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. This group helps elect Democratic senators. In this role, he helped Harris Wofford win a special election for Senate in Pennsylvania.
Working for President Clinton
From 1993 to 1996, he worked at the White House for President Bill Clinton. He was a Deputy Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs. This meant he was President Clinton's main contact person for the Senate. He helped with important laws like the economic recovery act of 1993. He also worked on the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
From 1996 to 1998, Mr. Ricchetti worked in the private sector. He was a lobbyist for different clients. In 1998, he returned to the White House. He helped manage relations with members of Congress during the time President Clinton faced impeachment. Impeachment is when a government official is accused of a serious crime.
In 1999, Mr. Ricchetti became the Deputy White House Chief of Staff. This was a very important job. In 2000, he helped President Clinton's team work on trade relations with China. He worked with big companies like Boeing and Intel to explain the benefits of trade with China to Congress and the public.
Working as a Lobbyist
In 2001, Mr. Ricchetti started his own company called Ricchetti, Inc. It was a firm that did government relations and political consulting. His brother, Jeff Ricchetti, also worked there. His company represented many clients. These included large companies like AT&T and Eli Lilly & Co.. They also worked for groups like the American Hospital Association.
Working for Vice President Biden
In 2012, he was chosen to be an advisor to Vice President Joe Biden. Mr. Ricchetti had stopped being a registered lobbyist in 2008. This was after Obama and Biden were elected. The Obama administration had a rule against hiring lobbyists. Because Mr. Ricchetti had not personally lobbied for over two years, he could take the job.
In 2013, Mr. Ricchetti became the Chief of Staff to the Vice President. This is a very high-ranking position. He helped plan for a possible presidential campaign for Joe Biden in 2016. However, Biden decided not to run that year.
Working for President Biden
Mr. Ricchetti was the chairman of Joe Biden's presidential campaign in 2020. He helped the campaign raise money.
On November 16, 2020, it was announced that Mr. Ricchetti would become a Counselor to the President for the new Biden administration. He helped connect Biden administration officials and lawmakers with the President.
In 2023, Mr. Ricchetti helped lead talks for the Democratic side during the 2023 United States debt-ceiling crisis. This was a time when the government needed to agree on how much money it could borrow.
In July 2024, he helped tell White House staff that President Biden was no longer running for president in the 2024 election.
Other Activities
Mr. Ricchetti is on the board of advisors for the Center for Congress at Indiana University. He used to be on the boards of other groups. These included the Center for American Progress and the Trust for the National Mall. He left those positions when he started working for Vice President Biden.
Personal Life
Mr. Ricchetti lives in McLean, Virginia. He has four children with his wife, Amy. Three of his children also worked in the Biden administration. Daniel was a senior adviser in the State Department. J.J. was a special assistant in the Office of Legislative Affairs. Shannon was a deputy associate director in the Office of the Social Secretary.
