What is podesta meaning?

Podesta is an Italian surname, derived from the Latin term "Potestas," which means power or authority. The name was originally used in medieval Italy for the chief magistrate or mayor of a town or city. In modern times, people with the last name Podesta can be found in different parts of the world, including the United States, Australia, and Argentina. Podesta is also the last name of John Podesta, an American political aide and former Chief of Staff to President Bill Clinton and Counselor to President Barack Obama.