Judge John Tunheim, Senior U.S. District Judge, Named Chief Influencer

The Communications Board names Judge John Tunheim, Senior Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, a Chief Influencer.

How do we find common ground in an increasingly divided world? In this episode of Chief Influencer, Judge Tunheim shares how a career rooted in justice, consensus-building, and public service has guided his leadership both on and off the bench. Known for uniting a politically diverse group of federal judges, Judge Tunheim reflects on the importance of empathy, trust, and steady leadership in creating shared understanding even in the most polarized environments.

Beyond his judicial role, Judge Tunheim has played a vital part in some of the most complex governance and transparency efforts of our time, including leading the declassification of records tied to a national tragedy and helping draft a country’s constitution in six languages. His story is a powerful example of what it means to lead with humility and conviction—and a reminder that principled collaboration can move even the most entrenched systems forward.

Host: Anthony Shop
Guest: Judge John Tunheim
Producer: The Communications Board
Sponsor: The George Washington University College of Professional Studies

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