Former Principal Deputy Spokesperson at the U.S. Department of State To Strengthen Global Crisis Communications and Media Relations Capabilities
Washington, D.C. – Today, SKDK announced that Vedant Patel has joined the firm’s Washington, D.C. office as a Senior Vice President in the public affairs practice. Patel comes to SKDK from the U.S. Department of State, where he served as Principal Deputy Spokesperson and one of the Department’s most prominent on-the-record voices. With experience across the Executive Branch, Congress, and national campaigns, Patel will support SKDK’s public affairs, crisis communications, and corporate clients.
“Vedant is one of the most trusted communicators in Washington,” said Jill Zuckman, Partner at SKDK. “From briefing the press during global crises to advising Cabinet-level principals on message and strategy, he brings extraordinary poise and clarity to the toughest assignments. We’re thrilled to have him join our team.”
At the State Department, Patel helped lead communications strategy on major foreign policy challenges—from the war in Ukraine and U.S.-China relations to unrest across the Middle East and Africa. He advised former Secretary of State Antony Blinken and senior leadership on media strategy during high-stakes international events, coordinated rapid response efforts, and oversaw message alignment across more than 250 U.S. embassies and consulates around the world.
Patel has successfully managed public and media relations during some of the most complex and high-pressure situations—including congressional ethics investigations, high-profile litigation, and major international crises. He has helped shape the federal government’s public response to natural disasters, terrorist attacks, geopolitical conflicts, and emergencies involving the evacuation of diplomats and the wrongful detention of Americans.
He also previously served as the White House’s Assistant Press Secretary and Spokesperson, where he supported communications efforts on a wide range of domestic and international issues. Patel also served as a regional communications director on the Biden-Harris 2020 campaign, overseeing operations in key battleground states. Earlier in his career, he held senior communications roles for Members of Congress and at the Democratic National Committee.
“I’ve spent my career helping leaders navigate some of the toughest, most high-stakes moments—from communicating during geopolitical unrest, managing crises with global implications in real time, to shaping narratives around the most complex policy issues facing our country,” said Patel. “I’m excited to bring that experience to a firm as respected as SKDK and help clients navigate their most critical communications challenges with confidence and precision.”