IOP Pritzker Fellow Harrison Fields on "Behind the Curtain: Guiding a Presidential Nominee Through the Confirmation Gauntlet"

THIS SEMINAR IS OPEN TO CURRENT UCHICAGO STUDENTS ONLY

Wednesday, February 18

12:30-1:45pm

The 2024-2025 transition was a whirlwind - Trump's team hit the ground running to staff up fast and avoid the pitfalls of 2016. As a communications strategist with experience in both Trump administrations, I was pulled in to assist on vetting and prep. But when they asked me to sherpa Scott Turner - a former NFL player turned HUD secretary - I was honest: I didn't even know the term. A sherpa is essentially a guide - as the one to navigate the nominee through the bureaucratic maze, from paperwork to politics, ensuring they're ready for Senate scrutiny.

This role may not be glamorous, but it’s crucial for building a functional government swiftly. As a sherpa, you’ll be part coach, part fixer and part strategist. While security clearances are important, the real challenge lies in navigating Senate confirmation, which is the ultimate test of your skills.

Pritzker Fellows seminars are off the record and open to current UChicago students only. Seating in the IOP Living Room is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

If you have any questions about accessibility, please contact Ella Kumano-Maloney (ikmaloney@uchicago.edu).