Ann Compton
WSB Exclusive Speaker
Legendary ABC News White House Correspondent (1973-2014)
A distinguished and highly respected veteran of the White House press corps, Ann Compton offers audiences a historical perspective of the presidency, the biggest stories of our time and today’s event making headlines.
Under $25,000
Ann Compton joined ABC News in 1973 and, the following year, became the first woman assigned to cover the White House on a full-time basis by a television network. From her front seat at the White House for ABC News, Compton covered seven presidents as well as innumerable life-changing and globe-altering events, from the end of the Cold War to the political dramas that made the daily headlines. With her personal access spanning more than four decades, no one is better equipped to give audiences the historical perspective of today's global events, along with a look forward at how the day's headlines will shape the future of the country. Compton has been inducted into six Halls of Fame and holds five honorary university degrees. She serves on the Governing Council of the Miller Center for the Study of the Presidency at the University of Virginia, and continues to speak at major institutions, including Hollins University, where she delivered the keynote commencement address in 2026. Compton gives audiences unprecedented access to herself as well, turning the tables on the audience by declaring a "White House Press Conference" is in session. She beckons her audience to do what she did so well: pepper her with tough questions about current events and the people making headlines.
Featured Videos
Ann Compton
| Voices in Leadership
Ann Compton’s Speech Topics
Additional Topics:
Where the Public Can Go for News They Can Trust
Presidential Campaigns in the Digital Age
Presidential Debates: The Make-or-Break Moment
September 11th Aboard Air Force One in Crisis
Seven Presidents, Four Kids: How Women Can Have It All
Inside the White House and Current Events
When the President of the United States went to work, so did Ann Compton. The veteran ABC White House correspondent's job was to trace the president's every step to get the stories her audiences want, and need, to hear. Taking her cue from today's political headlines, Compton provides audiences with something they rarely get: a glimpse of what actually goes on in the West Wing, the behind-the-scenes power struggle of a hot news cycle, as well as how controversies are handled, spun, and reported. Tailoring her presentation to meet the audience's interests, Compton draws upon her legendary career sharing her observations about current events and a look at the people shaping the future. Compton declares a "White House Press Conference" is in session and invites her audience to pepper her with questions.
Up Close and Very Personal
Ann Compton, former ABC News White House Correspondent, takes listeners on a journey through recent history: revealing the lives and experiences of the seven presidents she's covered through anecdotes, documents, and off-the-record conversations. Drawing back the curtains to reveal the personalities of many members of the First Family, Compton shares the poignant and candid moments that historians, and most reporters, don't get to see. Compton's program is perfect for luncheons, breakfasts, and receptions, and is especially ideal for younger audiences.
What other organizations say about Ann Compton
Ann Compton was outstanding, both with the VIP group and at the podium. I've heard nothing but positive comments from TEXPO attendees. She was down-to-earth, gracious, entertaining. It was a great connection for us and everyone was pleased with her.
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