Shannon Ricchetti

As Director of External Affairs at the General Catalyst Institute, I lead GCI's partnerships, programming and convenings, connecting our founders with the policymakers, partners and leaders who shape the markets they are building in.

I am a lifelong Washingtonian, and I grew up in a city that draws people from across the country and around the world. That pull toward history and public life led me to pursue American Studies at Franklin & Marshall College and to begin my career in the archives of the Library of Congress, researching historical landscape architecture for the Frederick Law Olmsted Papers Project and other cultural institutions. That work taught me how the places and moments where people gather shape institutions and history. At the Aspen Institute, I found my place at the intersection of policy and convening, managing the Health Innovators Fellowship and bringing together senior health care leaders tackling some of the country's toughest challenges. From there I joined the White House Social Office, where I produced hundreds of engagements, from diplomatic visits and bill signings to cultural programs and national celebrations, partnering with senior officials, foreign delegations and leaders across government, business, and the arts. At the Department of State, I served as Director of Events at Blair House, the President's Guest House, overseeing foreign leader visits and supporting the transition between presidential administrations. After years inside government, I wanted to understand how the private sector navigates Washington. At Korn Ferry, I advised Fortune 500 companies and global organizations on building their government affairs, communications and public policy leadership, seeing firsthand what it takes for companies to engage effectively with policymakers. At GCI, I bring both perspectives together, turning trusted relationships into meaningful connections and opportunities for the founders building what comes next.

Outside of work, I am happiest in green spaces, from neighborhood trails to our national parks, a thread back to my early career in landscape history and a belief that shared spaces bring people together. I carry that into my own life. As part of a large family, I love hosting family and friends, and convening is often how things get done. Some of the best ideas start across a table, whether at a family dinner or a state dinner.