Jennifer Gonring Launches Principle Partner, Takes on key Role at SAG-AFTRA Foundation
Los Angeles, CA – Jennifer Gonring, a prominent figure in Hollywood political consulting, has announced her departure as CEO of Gonring Lin Spahn (GLS) too launch her autonomous firm, Principle Partner. Concurrently, she will assume the position of Chief Strategy Officer at the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, the charitable arm of the performers’ union. This move signifies a strategic shift for Gonring, allowing her to focus on both integrated organizational work and external consulting.
For decades, Gonring has been a central player in navigating the intersection of entertainment and politics. As co-founder of GLS, she advised high-profile clients including Jeffrey Katzenberg, J.J. Abrams, and Katie mcgrath, and spearheaded meaningful fundraising efforts for Democratic candidates. Notably, GLS organized a high-profile fundraiser featuring George Clooney and Julia Roberts in support of President Biden in 2023.
Despite stepping down as CEO, Gonring will maintain a presence at GLS as a “principal strategist,” continuing to collaborate on select projects. This ensures a continued relationship with the firm she helped build, originally founded as Andy Spahn & Associates following the 2006 sale of DreamWorks to Paramount. The firm evolved into Gonring Spahn in 2014 and later Gonring Lin Spahn with the addition of Jennifer Lin as managing partner.
Principle Partner will offer a range of services, including strategic consulting and executive coaching, catering to clients both externally and through in-house engagements. Gonring expressed her enthusiasm for the new venture, stating, “I’m most energized by opportunities to fully integrate with featured organizations – deepening their work and driving long-term strategy. Simultaneously occurring, I’m curating a portfolio of clients who benefit from fresh, external viewpoint to advance key initiatives, drive campaigns, and develop creative projects.”
The appointment has been met with enthusiasm from the SAG-AFTRA Foundation. Courtney B. Vance,Chairman of the Foundation,described Gonring’s arrival as a “big win” for the organization. Her expertise is expected to significantly contribute to the Foundation’s mission and strategic direction.
Andy Spahn,Gonring’s long-time partner at GLS,affirmed the continued collaboration,stating,”Jennifer has stepped down as our CEO to devote her time to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation in a new leadership role there. She’ll continue to partner with us on selected projects moving forward. All good.”
GLS, with offices in Los Angeles and washington D.C., boasts a diverse client base encompassing both entertainment industry leaders and corporate entities such as Anheuser-Busch and AT&T.Gonring’s transition reflects a growing trend of experienced consultants leveraging their expertise across multiple platforms, combining philanthropic endeavors with strategic advisory roles.