Below is the initial list of influencers we attempted to contact in November 2020 with our Open Letter, along with each outcome.  [NOTE: Attempts with a "No Reply" outcome could mean the attempt didn't reach the intended person.]

Key criteria for identifying a strong Influencer candidate - that is, someone who can recommend establishing a strategic planning process to the President:
 

• He/she has a position or role that can reach the President, or the President's key aides or close advisors;

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      AND

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• He/she is less likely to feel threatened by the new strategic planning position we're recommending (i.e., they don't view it as a threat to their own position or influence....They put the success of the President and the national interest ahead of their own).

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For example, members of Congress would not be good candidates to reach out to for support because they would view the role - a new Executive branch role - as one that diminishes their own; so they would be very unlikely to endorse its creation. 

 

Similarly, even certain members within the Executive branch such as department or agency heads and advisors - and perhaps even other cabinet secretaries - would see it as a position that diminishes their own responsibilities or influence.  Unless, say, a first term cabinet secretary sees it as an opportunity to move into the new strategic planning role during a second term.

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Some examples of those who would meet both of the above criteria and would therefore be ideal "influencer" candidates: the Vice President, the current President's Chief of Staff, previous Chiefs of Staff, prominent columnists, prominent business leaders, state governors.

Should we make further attempts to the "No Reply" names?  Which ones? 

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Who else should we add to the list and attempt to reach?