Tara Dowdell is a highly accomplished political and business strategist. She is the Founder and Principal of the Tara Dowdell Group, a boutique communications and strategic advisory firm. Propelled by her work ethic, passion, emphasis on results, and extensive professional network, the Tara Dowdell Group has cultivated an impressive list of clients ranging from an award-winning real estate development firm to an Economic Development Corporation (EDC).

In addition to her consulting practice, Ms. Dowdell is a noted commentator and speaker. She appears regularly on the Fox News Channel where she provides insight and analysis on a range of political, governmental, and business issues. She is weekly guest every Tuesday at 9am on the Strategy Room, Fox News’ live, streaming online show. She also appears frequently on the O’Reilly Factor, Fox & Friends, as well as on the Fox Business Channel. Additionally, Ms. Dowdell has been a guest on several other television shows including the Today Show, Dateline NBC, Your World with Neil Cavuto, CNBC's Power Lunch, CNBC's The Big Idea, CNN's Showbiz Tonight, Huckabee, New Jersey Now with Brenda Blackmon, Comcast Newsmakers, and New Jersey Power and Politics. Ms. Dowdell’s proven expertise, unique insight, and engaging style have also made her a sought-after speaker. She has addressed several major conferences and organizations such as the Rutger’s University Annual Women of Color Symposium, the National Urban League Conference, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Women in Science and Engineering, and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Emerging Leaders Conference to name a few.

Ms. Dowdell has an extensive background in government having previously served as the Senior Manager of Government and Community Relations for the Port Commerce Department of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. In this capacity, she was responsible for directing the government and public relations strategy for the multi-billion-dollar redevelopment of the Port of New York and New Jersey. Prior to joining the Port Authority, Ms. Dowdell served as Director of Appointments in the Office of the New Jersey Governor. She was appointed to this position at age 25, making her the youngest person and the first African American to serve in this high level capacity. In her role as Director of Appointments to then Governor James E. McGreevey, Ms. Dowdell managed the selection, nomination and appointment of individuals to over 550 statewide boards and commissions. She began her career in government serving as a District Representative to Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.

Aside from her work in government, Ms. Dowdell has a wealth of political experience. She has served in senior positions on several high profile federal, state, and local campaigns. Additionally, she managed an issue-advocacy campaign for Emily’s List, one of the largest Political Action Committee’s in the nation.

Ms. Dowdell’s accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. In 2005, after being selected out of over a million applicants, she had the distinction of competing for a job with real estate mogul Donald Trump on the third season NBC’s hit reality show “The Apprentice.” Furthermore, she has been recognized by the NAACP, the New York Times, and the Political Action Committee, BALLOT, to name a few. Most recently, she received the “Outstanding Community Service Award” from the child advocacy nonprofit organization, Project Re-Direct.

Ms. Dowdell is also very active in her community. She serves on the Steering Committee for the Center for American Women in Politics “Ready to Run” Conference and is a Trustee on the Board of the Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey. She is also a member of Bethany Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey.

Ms. Dowdell is a graduate of the University of Virginia with a BA in Government.