About Shot Point

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With nearly three decades in Washington, Jeff Surrell has helped clients navigate complex political and reputational challenges in the nation's capital, the states and beyond. 

As a senior executive (general manager) in the Washington office of Edelman, the global communications powerhouse, Surrell oversaw practice groups that included corporate and public affairs, higher education, advocacy and opposition research.

During his 20-plus years at Edelman, he worked closely with the agency's legendary leadership including Michael K. Deaver. Surrell collaborated with Mike on his books about the Reagans, most notably New York Times best seller, A Different Drummer: My Thirty Years with Ronald Reagan. 

With experience in both Congress and the executive branch, Surrell has proven expertise in media strategy, public affairs, crisis and issues management as well as reputation risk and recovery. Surrell has provided communications counsel to Fortune 100 companies, large trade associations, elite universities and prep schools and has helped clients manage relationships with major broadcast, print and cable media outlets. 

Career highlights include: 

• Helping Penn State rebuild its reputation after the Jerry Sandusky child abuse scandal
• Assisting a nonprofit survive a relentless attack from outside activists bent on destroying it and discrediting its mission
• Managing an alumni-backed campaign to bolster the image of a federal service academy and increase federal appropriations 
• Serving as client lead for Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America campaign (five years)
• Helping the solar energy industry respond and recover from the Solyndra scandal 
• Executing a successful international campaign to make the United Arab Emirates the home of the International Renewable Energy Agency 
• Running a campaign on behalf of the nation’s freight railroads, highlighting for congressional audiences the industry’s economic and environmental benefits 
• Managing national media for three high-profile federal commissions, including the 911 Report and the Iraq Study Group. 

Surrell received his bachelor's degree from Michigan State and a master’s from George Mason University. He lives in Chevy Chase, Md., with his wife Mitra and their two children, Ryan and Emily.