RNC Committee on Arrangements
The Committee on Arrangements is charged with putting together the Republican National Convention.
The COA filed its Statement of Organization with the FEC on May 26, 2015.  It had a staff of about 40 as of mid-Jan. 2016, about 70 as of the early part of April 2016, and finished with a staff of about 120 people.  The COA reported total disbursements of $12.8 million; it was funded by transfers totalling $12.9 million from the RNC.       

(page revised June 4, 2020)  

RNC 2016 Committee on Arrangements

convention.gop  |  fb/GOPconvention  |  @GOPconvention
Executive Committee

Chairman  Steve King

(announced Jan. 23, 2015)  RNC National Committeeman from Wisconsin since 2007. Founder (2006) and partner at the King Capital, LLC, a private investment firm located in Janesville.  President of Milton Industrial and Economic Corporation, 1990-2006.  U.S. Senate candidate in 1988.  District 15 supervisor for Walworth County, 1981-85. King has served on several committees for the RNC including on the 2012 convention Housing Committee and as the convention Sergeant of Arms in 2012, and he has been a delegate to six RNC conventions. Chair of the Republican Party of Wisconsin from 1985-88; chair of the 1st CD GOP, 1981-88; chair of the Walworth Country Republican Party, 1979-81 and 1993-96.

Co-Chair  Joanne Davidson

(announced Jan. 23, 2015)  National Committeewoman for Ohio since 2004.  Chairman of the Site Selection Committee, and the Committee on Arrangements for the 2008 National Convention.  RNC Co-Chairman from 2005-09 (with Ken Mehlman and Mike Duncan). Bush-Cheney ’04 Ohio Valley Regional Campaign Chair.  Member of the Ohio House of Representatives for 20 years, including Speaker of the House from 1995-2000.  As Chairman of the Ohio House Republican Campaign Committee from 1986-2000, she spearheaded the successful effort to return the Republicans to the majority in the Ohio House of Representatives in 1994, for the first time in 22 years.  Chairman of the Franklin County Republican Party Central Committee for 25 years.  Chairman of the Taft for Governor campaigns in 1998 and 2002.  Resident of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

Vice Chair  Enid Mickelsen
Vice Chair  Glenn McCall
Treasurer  Tony Parker
Secretary  Susie Hudson

(announced Feb. 10, 2015)


Individual State Appointments

(announced April 23, 2015 - at least one member from each state and territory)
Vicki Drummond, National Committeewoman, Alabama
Ralph Seekins, National Committeeman, Alaska
Amata Radewagen, National Committeewoman, American Samoa
Sharon Giese, National Committeewoman, Arizona
Jonathan Barnett, National Committeeman, Arkansas
Linda Ackerman, National Committeewoman, California
Lilly Nuñez, National Committeewoman, Colorado
John Frey, National Committeeman, Connecticut
Laird Stabler, National Committeeman, Delaware
Jill Homan, National Committeewoman, District of Columbia
Blaise Ingoglia, State Chairman, Florida
Linda Herren, National Committeewoman, Georgia
Margaret Metcalfe, National Committeewoman, Guam
Miriam Hellreich, National Committeewoman, Hawaii
Damond Watkins, National Committeeman, Idaho
Demetra DeMonte, National Committeewoman, Illinois
John Hammond, National Committeeman, Indiana
Steve Scheffler, National Committeeman, Iowa
Kelly Arnold, State Chairman, Kansas
Steve Robertson, State Chairman, Kentucky
Ross Little, National Committeeman, Louisiana
Alex Willette, National Committeeman, Maine
Louis Pope, National Committeeman, Maryland
Ron Kaufman, National Committeeman, Massachusetts
Ronna Romney McDaniel, State Chairwomanman, Michigan
Janet Beihoffer, National Committeewoman, Minnesota
Jeanne Luckey, National Committeewoman, Mississippi
Lance Beshore, National Committeeman, Missouri
Betti Hill, National Committeewoman, Montana
Joyce Simmons, National Committeewoman, Nebraska
Michael McDonald, State Chairman, Nevada
Steve Duprey, National Committeeman, New Hampshire
Bill Palatucci, National Committeeman, New Jersey
Rosie Tripp, National Committeewoman, New Mexico
Ed Cox, State Chairman, New York
David Lewis, National Committeeman, North Carolina
Sandy Boehler, National Committeewoman, North Dakota
James Ada, State Chairman, Northern Mariana Islands
Jim Dicke, National Committeeman, Ohio
Matt Borges, State Chairman, Ohio
Steve Fair, National Committeeman, Oklahoma
Donna Cain, National Committeewoman, Oregon
Christine Toretti, National Committeewoman, Pennsylvania
Zori Fonalledas, National Committeewoman, Puerto Rico
Lee Ann Sennick, National Committeewoman, Rhode Island
Cindy Costa, National Committeewoman, South Carolina
Dana Randall, National Committeeman, South Dakota
Peggy Lambert, National Committeewoman, Tennessee
Toni Anne Dashiell, National Committeewoman, Texas
Bruce Hough, National Committeeman, Utah
Jay Shepard, National Committeeman, Vermont
Lilliana Belardo de O’Neal, National Committeewoman, Virgin Islands
Kathy Hayden, National Committeewoman, Virginia
Fredi Simpson, National Committeewoman, Washington
Kris Warner, National Committeeman, West Virginia
Mary Buestrin, National Committeewoman, Wisconsin
Greg Schaefer, National Committeeman, Wyoming 

COA Subcommittees



CEO  Jeff Larson

(announced Feb. 11, 2015)  Annouced as RNC senior advisor on Jan. 29.  Director of IE at the NRSC in the 2014 cycle (reported Nov. 2013).  CEO of Roosevelt Group.  Chief of staff at the RNC in the 2012 cycle, announced Feb. 3, 2011 through April 2013.  In 1999 Larson and three others formed Feather Hodges Larson & Synhorst, which became FLS-DCI and then FLS Connect, a top campaign consulting firm; he sold his stake in the firm following the 2010 elections.  In the 2010 cycle Larson chaired Minnesota Future, a 527 group that was active in the governor's race.  CEO of the Minneapolis-St. Paul 2008 Host Committee.  Founded a firm call Strategic Communications.  Worked at the RNC under Lee Atwater.  Executive director of the Delaware Republican Party in 1988 cycle.  Worked on North Dakota Gov. Alan Olson's unsuccessful 1984 re-election campaign.  Deputy campaign manager on Bud Westman's campaign for U.S. Senate in North Dakota.  Degree in business administration and economics from University of North Dakota, 1982.  Grew up in Grand Forks, ND.

Executive Assistant  Lexi Nord

(Oct. 2015)  Legislative director for the North Dakota Republican Party, Jan.-Oct. 2015.  Finance chair and property manager at LeJo Investments, LLP, June 2014-Jan. 2015.  Campaign finance assistant at Heartland Campaign Management, Jan.-Dec. 2014.  Interim state field director for the Nebraska Republican Party, Aug.-Nov. 2013.  B.A. in psychology from University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2013.

Vice President  Sara Armstrong

(announced June 29, 2015)   COO at the RNC from April 2013; deputy chief of staff at the RNC from April 2011-April 2013; director of membership services at the RNC in the 2010 cycle; started in March 2009.  Worked at the White House from June 2002 to Jan. 2009.  Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff to First Lady Laura Bush, July 2007-Jan. 2009; Director of the Visitors Office, March 2004-July 2007; Deputy Director of Correspondence for the First Lady, Dec. 2002-March 2004; Correspondence Analyst, June 2002-Dec. 2002.  Sales/marketing manager at GMAC, 1999-2001.  Retail services officer at BBT, 1994-97.  M.B.A. from the University of South Carolina, 1999; B.S. in marketing from the University of South Carolina, 1994.

Senior Consultant  Bill Harris

Harris has been involved in the planning and management of RNC conventions since 1984, when he served as Sergeant at Arms, and has assisted every Republican presidential campaign since 1972, when he attended his first convention.  He is a partner at the MITA Group and president of William D. Harris and Associates.  CEO of the 2012 Republican National Convention, May 2011-Aug. 2012.  In 2008, Harris served as convention director for the McCain-Palin campaign where he coordinated all convention-related activities for the campaign, including program, political, logistics, and communications.  CEO of the 2004 Republican National Convention.  Executive director of the NRSC in the 1994 cycle.  Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party from 1977-84.  B.A. from the University of Alabama.

Senior Advisor  Mike Miller

Miller has held key positions in eleven Republican National Conventions.  He was COO for the 2012 convention, overall director of operations for the 2008, 2004 and 1992 Conventions and was director of media operations for seven others.  He has served as a consultant to several site selection committees.  Between conventions, Miller manages his own consultancy, MVM Public Affairs.  He covered the 1964 and 1968 conventions as a correspondent for the Scripps-Howard newspaper chain.

Special Projects Manager  Christina "CC" Cobaugh

Master's degree from the University of New Orleans; bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University.

CAUCUS OPERATIONS
- "Team Trump": caucus operations team is the liaison between the presumptive nominee/Trump campaign and the National Convention staff -

Convention Program Director  William I. (Bill) Greener

Greener was program director of the 2008 Republican National Convention, worked on program planning and execution on the 2000 Republican National Convention, and served as convention manager for the 1996 Republican National Convention.  He is a founding partner of the firm, Greener and Hook, LLC (1998); also serves on the faculty of The George Washington University's Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM).  Previously partner at the firm of Smith & Harroff for seven and a half years.  Vice president for public affairs for Wheelbrator Technologies, Inc. in 1990; vice president for corporate communications and state affairs at the International Paper for three years; deputy chief of staff for political operations at the Republican National Committee; communications director for the RNC; director of public affairs at the Department of Energy during the Reagan Administration; director of media operations for the NRCC; communications director for the Illinois Republican Party; communications director for the 1980 Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in Illinois; served in the communications offices of the Treasury Department and the Ford White House.  Graduate of Washington and Lee University, 1972 and pursued graduate-level studies in psychology at Miami of Ohio University.


Senior Advisor/Director of Caucus Operations  Ryan Price

Principal at The Trailblazer Group from Dec. 2008.  Director of debate operations on Romney for President, Sept.-Nov. 2012.  Director of operations at the 2012 Republican National Convention.  Deputy political director on John McCain 2008.  Political director on Tom Gallagher for Governor (FL), 2006.  J.D. from University of Miami School of Law, 2000; B.S. in journalism from Appalachian State University, 1997.


Director of Whip Operations  Mike McSherry

A managing director at Mercury from Feb. 2005.  Deputy political director at the NRSC, Jan. 2002-Jan. 2005.  Director of government affairs at the RNC, 2001-02,  Executive director of the Republican Governors Association, 2000-01.  Director of the Virginia Liaison Office for Federal Affairs for Gov. Jim Gilmore, 1998-2000.  Appointments to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, serving on the staff of Secretary Jack Kemp and the U.S. Department of Labor.  Graduate of Assumption College, 1983.


Director of Logistics  Ryan O'Dwyer

(May-July 2016)  Advance representative on Mitt Romney for President, Aug.-Nov. 2012.  Deputy director of operations for the 2012 Republican National Convention, Aug. 2011-Aug. 2012.  Principal at MITA Group, 2007-11.  B.A. in history and political science from College of Charleston, 2007.

Deputy Director for Logistics for Caucus Operations  Anne-Allen Weldon

(May-July 2016)  Government affairs coordinator at Maynard Cooper & Gale from Nov. 2015.  B.S. and B.A. in restaurant and hospitality management from University of Alabama.

Scheduling Coordinator/Media for Caucus Operations  Cari G. Lutkins

(June-July 2016...master schedule governing surrogate activity)  Canvasser on Richard Shelby for U.S. Senate (AL), Jan.-Mar. 2016.  B.A. in political science and government from University of Alabama, 2016.


Transportation Director for Caucus Operations  Jonathan Wetzel

(June-July 2016)  Campaign manager on Kathy Szeliga's U.S. Senate race, Dec. 2015-May 2016.  Senior trip coordinator on Scott Walker, Inc., July-Sept. 2015 and Our American Revival, Feb.-June 2015.  Deputy campaign manager on Friends of Scott Walker (2014 re-election).  Assistant campaign manager on Tommy Thompson for Senate, Sept.-Dec. 2012.  Political director at the Republican Party of Wisconsin, June-Sept. 2012.  Statewide field director on Friends of Scott Walker, Nov. 2011-June 2012.  External relations coordinator in the Office of Gov. Scott Walker, Jan.-July and Aug.-Nov. 2011.  Field rep. on Friends of Scott Walker, July-Dec. 2010.  B.A. in philosophy and political science from Marquette University, 2010.


Volunteer Coordinator for Caucus Operations  Alex Menzel

(June-July 2016)  Investor relations business analyst for Santander Consumer USA Inc., June 2015-June 2016.  B.B.A. from Southern Methodist University's Cox School of Business, 2015.

- approximately 200 official volunteers -

Campaign Program Director  Jo Ann Poly Calvo

(June-July 2016)  Served as the Trump campaign's liaison to the NY GOP starting in Dec. 2015.  Director of event services at PT Events and Management, Feb. 2005-Nov. 2015, including event and logistics manager for Christian Audigier & Ed Hardy Corp., Aug. 2005-Feb. 2010.  Client services consultant at Organic Avenue, March-May 2011.   Sales executive for special sizes at Eileen Fisher, Inc., April 2000-Feb. 2004.  Studied hospitality and event management at the Fashion Institute of Technology; bachelor's degreee in public relations/image management from Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (Puerto Rico), 1995.

PRODUCTION TEAM

Executive Producer  Phil Alongi

[Also served as executive producer of the 2012 Republican National Convention]  CEO of Alongi Media Systems, which he founded in March 2009.  Worked over 30 years at NBC News, finishing as executive producer of specials and politics.  B.S. in accounting from St. Francis College, 1976.  New York native.

Senior Supervising Producer  Jeff Wild

Senior Coordinating  Producer  John Zito

Coordinating Producer  Warren Pick

Director  Ron de Moraes

Production Manager  Jeff Bey

Production Coordinator  Laura Bowman

Production Assistant  Mariah Miller

Director of Production Finance Tony Gannon

Production Design (Stage)  Joe Stewart

[Also designed stages for the 2000, 2004 and 2008 Republican National Conventions]  Partner at Shaffner Stewart Production Design in Los Angeles.  B.F.A. in stage design from Carnegie Mellon University.  Originally from Lafayette, LA.
    Assistant  David Eckert

Art Director (Ancillary Elements)  Eddie Knasiak

Principal at Eddie Knasiak Design in New York.

Lighting Designer  David Gill

[This is Gill's Fifth Republican National Convention]  David Gill Associates in Mahwah, NJ.

Lighting Director  Paul Sonnleitner

Owner of Control, etc., LLC in the New York City area.

House Bandleader  G.E. Smith

Guitarist and former Saturday Night Live music director.

Director of the Convention Balloon Drop  Treb Heining

[Has overseen the balloon drops at every Republican National Convention since 1988]  CEO of GlassHouse Balloon Company, Inc. in Anaheim, CA.

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS

Director of Official Proceedings  Larry Harlow

(Oct. 2015)  Harlow also served as director of official proceedings for the 2004, 2008 (consultant) and 2012 Republican National Conventions.  President of Harlow Government Relations LLC from March 2011.  President and CEO of Timmons and Company, Inc., 1991-2009.  Assistant Secretary and Deputy Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Department of Treasury, 1989-90.  Special Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs at the White House, 1986-1989.  Associate director of OMB, director of the Office of Legislative Affairs, 1985-86.  Director of the Office of Congressional Relations at the Federal Trade Commission, 1981-85.  Director of congressional relations for the Grocery Manufacturers of America, Inc. 1976-1981.  Director of the Office of Legislative Affairs for Region VII of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1972-76.  Bachelor's degree in political science from The George Washington University, 1971.

Deputy Director of Official Proceedings  Rachel Kahler

(Jan. 2016)  Government relations PAC manager at Freddie Mac, 2005-06.  Deputy director for operations for the 2004 Republican National Convention in NYC, Oct. 2003-Sept. 2004.  Event consultant for the U.S. Soccer Foundation, 2001-03.  Director of special projects media relations for the 2000 Republican National Convention in Philadelphia; also worked on the 1996 (San Diego) and 1992 (Houston) Conventions.  Executive assistant to venue operations director for World Cup 1994 from Oct. 1993-Aug. 1994.  Studied at University of South Carolina in Columbia.   Daughter of former White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card.

Deputy Director for Operations, Official Proceedings  Zachary Quinn

(April 2016)  Director of administration (Aug. 2015-April 2016) and executive assistant to the COO (May-Aug. 2015) at Jeb 2016, Inc.  Associate at Sphere Consulting LLC, March 2014-2015.  Working toward M.A. in near and Middle Eastern studies; B.A. in international relations and affairs (2013) from The George Washington University.

Staff Assistant  Gabriella Uli

Advisor  William R. (Bill) Pitts Jr.

Convention experience includes parlimentarian for the 1984 Republican National Convention.  Founder and CEO of Capitol BrainTrust from Aug. 2009.  Vice president of government affairs at Blackboard Inc., 2008-09.  President of government relations at The NTI Group, Inc. 2006-08.  Chief of staff to the House Rules Committee, Apr. 2003-May 2005.  Executive vice president for government relations for MP3.com, May 2000-June 2002.  Vice president for government relations for The Walt Disney Company, Jan. 1999-May 2000.  Vice president for government relations at Capital Cities/ABC, Jan. 1995-1999.  Policy chief/floor assistant to House Republican Leader Robert H. Michel, 1970-1995.  Graduate of Georgetown University, 1969.

COMMUNICATIONS

Communications Director  Kirsten Kukowski

(started at the beginning of Jan. 2016)  Communications director at Scott Walker, Inc; started at Walker's Our American Revival in Feb. 2015.   Deputy communications director/press secretary at the RNC to early Feb. 2015; RNC press secretary from Jan. 2011.  Spokeswoman on U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk's successful 2010 campaign for U.S. Senate.  Midwest regional press secretary at the RNC in 2009-10.  Communications director at the Republican Party of Wisconsin, Jan. 2007-March 2009, including WI Victory communications director in Fall 2008.  Press secretary to U.S. Rep. Mark Green, May 2006-Jan. 2007.  B.A. in journalism and political science from University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2006.  twitter

Deputy Communications Director  Lyndsay Keith

(March 2016  ...responsibilitiies included Media Row)  Senior director of media relations for Harbinger Outreach, Aug. 2015-March 2016.  Anchor, reporter, producer for Liberty Flames Sports Network-Game On, Oct. 2013-Sept. 2015.  Press advance lead on Romney for President, June-Nov. 2012.  Director of Convocation at Liberty University, Aug. 2010-July 2012.  M.A. in communication from Liberty University, 2010; B.A. in counseling from Northland International University, 2008.

Press Secretary  Audrey Scagnelli

Regional press secretary at New Day for America, Feb.-early May 2016.  Press secretary for regional and state media at CARLY for America, the pro-Fiorina super PAC, Sept. 2015-Feb. 2016.  Press secretary for U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA) from Feb. 2014.  Founder and editor in chief of College & Cook magazine, Jan. 2012-Jan. 2014.  B.A. in political communication from The George Washington University, 2013.  twitter

Director of Regional Media  Alee Lockman

(Feb. 2016)  Communications director to U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, and to U.S. Rep. Daines, Jan. 2013-Dec. 2014.  Campaign manager on Kim Vann for Congress in Vacaville, April-Nov. 2012.  Communication director to U.S. Rep. Rick Berg, Jan. 2011-April 2012.  Deputy campaign manager and communications director on Scott Bruun for Congress, July-Nov. 2010.  Research assistant on Charlie Baker for Governor, Jan.-May 2010.  Press assistant for the 2008 Republican National Convention.  B.A. in government from Harvard University, 2010.  twitter

Deputy Press Secretary  Dave O'Neil

Director of communications for Franklin County Auditor Clarence Mingo.  Worked as a reporter at The Columbus Dispatch, Key West (Fla.) Citizen and Ashland (Ohio) Times-Gazette from 2002-08.  Graduate of The Ohio State University.  Native of Youngstown, Ohio.  twitter

Director of Surrogate Scheduling  Deidre Almstead

(Oct. 2015)  Previously on the Walker campaign.  Executive assistant/scheduler (Jan. 2013-May 2015) and deputy scheduler (Dec. 2010-Dec. 2012) to U.S. Sen. John Cornyn; staff assistant in the U.S. Senate, June-Dec. 2010.  Graduate of Southern Methodist University, 2010.  twitter

Deputy Director of Surrogate Scheduling  Taryn Fenske

(June 2016)  Executive assistant to the chief of staff to Gov. Rick Scott, Dec. 2014-June 2015.  Executive assistant to the campaign manager on Rick Scott for Florida, Feb-Nov. 2014.  B.A./B.S. from Florida State University, 2013.

Senior Writer/Researcher  Lindsay Hayes

Owner of Redpath Writing from Jan. 2008.  Director of speechwriting on Romney for President, Oct. 2011-Nov. 2012.  Speechwriter for the VP nominee on the McCain-Palin campaign, Sept.-Nov. 2008.  Senior writer for the 2008 Republican National Committee.  Senior associate at Nahigian Strategies in Alexandria, VA.  Primary speechwriter for Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK), July 2002-Nov. 2006.  Speechwriting at The White House, Jan.-June 2002.  Ph.D. in communication (2013, M.A. in communication (201 from University of Maryland College Park; B.A. in political science and communication from Boston College, 1998.

Press Assistant  Justin Giorgio

(March 2016)  Press assistant at Carly for President from June 2015.  Bachelor's degree in government, Chinese and economics from Georgetown University, 2015. 

Director of Delegation Events (Communications)  Kristen Sabella

(May 2016)  Deputy director of policy and communications for the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development in Massachusetts, Feb. 2015-March 2016.  Deputy director of communications and press secretary on Allan Fung for Governor (RI), Sept.-Nov. 2014.  Director of immigration advocacy and legislative outreach for the National Association of Evangelicals, March 2013-July 2014.  Office of media affairs on Romney for President, Sept.-Nov. 2012.  Communication logistics for the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, June-Aug. 2012.  Worked on the Institute for 21st Century Energy at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Oct. 2011-April 2012.  Special projects manager at Madhatter LLC, April 2010-Oct. 2011.  Policy advisor and special assistant in the Office of the Secretary at the U.S. Department of Interior, Jan. 2007-Jan. 2009.  Legislative assistant and scheduler in the U.S. House, Jan. 2005-Jan. 2007.  B.A. in government from Patrick Henry College.

Media Affairs Director - TV, Radio, Specialty Media and Media Events  Pamela R. Stevens

(April 1, 2016)  On leave from position as director of media affairs and strategic initiatives for the House Republican Conference from Jan. 2013.  National press secretary for Fix the Debt Campaign, Sept. 2012-Jan. 2013.  Deputy press secretary and director of specialty press for the 2012 Republican National Convention, July-Sept. 2012.  Planning/editorial producer for MSNBC/The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell, 2010-12.  DC director of communications and external relations for Susan G. Komen, 2008-10.  Deputy Assistant Secretary for Outreach/senior advisor to the Secretary at the U.S. Department of State, 2005-08.  Assistant press secretary at the White House, 2002-05.  Producer and senior editorial producer at CNN, 1994-2002.  B.A. in communications from James Madison University.

Deputy Director of Media Affairs  Ninio Fetalvo

(May 2016...coordinating TV, radio, specialty media, and media events)  Fetalvo is also RNC press secretary for Asian Pacific American engagement.  APA press assistant, May 2014-Jan. 2015; interned at the RNC, Nov. 2013-May 2014.  B.A. in political communication from The George Washington University, 2014.

DIGITAL

Digital Director  Samantha Osborne

(Sept. 2015)  Director of client strategy at Targeted Victory, June-Aug. 2015.  Director of account strategy at Prosper Group, Feb. 2014-June 2015.  Digital manager at GolinHarris, April 2013-Feb. 2014.  National deputy digital field director at Romney for President, Oct. 2011-Dec. 2012.  Campaign manager on Kim Simac for Senate in Wisconsin, June-Aug. 2011.  B.A. in political science and history from The Ohio State University, 2009.  Cleveland native. 

Deputy Digital Director  Doug Hochberg

(Dec. 2015)  Press secretary for American Action Forum, Feb. 2014-Nov. 2015.  Communications and advancement teams for new CEO of Hillel International, Sept. 2013-Feb. 2014.  Founder of Bullpen Digital, Feb.-Oct. 2013.  Ohio digital director on Romney for President, June-Nov. 2012.  Project manager for Strategic Public Partners Group, 2011-12. B.A. in political science from The Ohio State University, 2011.

Director of Digital Content  Cassie Smedile

(May 2016)  Communications director to U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy (WI) since May 2013.  Communications director to U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite (FL), June 2009-Dec. 2010.  Deputy communications director on the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, Nov. 2007-Oct. 2009.  Staff assistant to the House Republica Whip, May-Nov. 2007.  B.A. in broadcast and electronic communication from Marquette University, 2007.

Digital Operations Manager  Alex Varisco

(May 2016)  Guest trainer for Apple in Syracuse, NY, June 2010-May 2016.  Bachelor's degree in political science and government from Daemen College, 2007; associate's degree from Onondaga Community College, 2005.

Director of Digital Operations and Tech Partnerships  Ben Friedmann

(April 2016)  Account manager/online advertising at Google, Jan. 2013-April 2014.  Search advertising and PPC analytics lead (embedded digital and advertising liaison) on Romney for President, Aug.-Nov. 2012.  Advertising strategist/SMB and eCommerce development at Google, Sept. 2011-Aug. 2012.  Brand licensing for Creative Artists Agency, March 2010-Sept. 2011.  Studied at Columbia Business School; B.S. in radio/TV/film from Northwestern University, 2009.

Digital Assistant  Nolan Schade


> 76-person real-time content production & distribution team.  Results through the four days of the Convention were: 1,270 posts, 160K new followers, 100K app downloads, 6.5MM social mentions, 211MM video min. viewed.

Media Operations 

Director of Media Operations  Julie Perrier Shugar

(announced July 2, 2015)  Has worked on the 1988, 1992, 2004, 2008, and 2012 Republican Conventions.  Served as director of media operations for the 2012 convention and director of the Media Center in the 2008 and 2004 Republican National Conventions.  Housing coordinator for the 1992 convention.  Worked for convention manager Bill Phillips on the 1988 Republican National Convention.  Other experience includes assistant clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives, work in the political division of the RNC, and political appointee at the Department of Health and Human Services during the George H.W. Bush administration.

Media Operations Center Manager  Kevin Phillips

Also served as the media center director for the 2012 Republican Convention; this was Phillips sixth convention; first was as an operations assistant on the 1984 convention in Dallas.  Partner at Jarrard Phillips Cate & Hancock in the Nashville area since Jan. 2006.  Partner at The Ingram Group, May 1998-Jan. 2006.  Communications director and deputy campaign manager on Lamar Alexander for Senate, 2002.  Research, message and positioning on Alexander for President, Jan.-Aug. 1999.  Account executive at Atkinson Public Relations, June 1996-April 1998.  Deputy press secretary on Alexander for President, Jan. 1995-March 1996.  Spokesperson for Lamar Alexander/Republican Exchange Satellite Network, Feb. 1993-Dec. 1994.  Assistant to U.S. Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander, Jan. 1991-Jan. 1993.  Press secretary on Smyser for Congress (ID), June-Nov. 1990.  M.B.A. from Auburn University, 2003; B.A. in English from James Madison University, 1990.

Media Operations Manager  Rebecca Wasserstein

(April 2016)  Director of finance operations at Marco Rubio for President, May 2015-March 2016.  Scheduler and office manager to U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo (FL), Jan.-May 2015.  Communications director (Aug. 2013-Nov. 2014) and finance director (Jan. 2013-Nov. 2014) on Citizens for Josh Mandel.  Finance assistant on Josh Mandel for U.S. Senate, May-Nov. 2012.  B.A. in public affairs from The Ohio State University, 2012.

Manager - Special Press  Anastasia Hardin

(Feb. 2016)  Experience includes special projects coordinator for the 2012 Republican National Committee.  

Manager - Galleries and Credentials  Lisa Thomas

(Feb. 2016)  Account manager at AlliedPRA, Jan.-July 2015.  Event manager at Pacific Event Productions, Sept. 2013-Sept. 2014.  Executive assistant at the Sun Valley Rice Company, LLC, Aug. 2012-Aug. 2013.  B.S. in recreation, parks and tourism administration from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, 2012.

Technical Manager  Anthony Landi

(Jan. 2016)  Technical consultant for the RNC in 2012.  Director of engineering and broadcast operations, engineering maintenance for World Wrestling Entertainment, 1988-July 2011.  Director of Vidlo Video, 1986-88.  Studied criminal justice at the University of New Haven, 1978-80.

Media Operations Manager  Sean Frazer

...

Staff Assistant  Jack Rauch

(May 2016)  Assistant broker at Domicile Real Estate Brokerage in Charleston, SC, Aug. 2013-May 2016.  B.A. in political science and government from the College of Charleston, 2016.

Interns 
Professional Volunteer Logistics - Morgan Ippolito
Broadcast Schedule Logistics - Bridget Visconti
Special Press - John Robert Patrick Jr.

OPERATIONS

Director of Operations  Marcia Lee Kelly

(announced July 2, 2015)  Chief advancement officer for Trinity Law School in Orange County, CA from Aug. 2013.  Director of strategic projectts for the Romney Transition Team, Sept..-Nov. 2012.  Consultant to the 2012 Republican National Convention.  Director of the Mercy Health System Foundation in Wisconsin, Dec. 2009-July 2011.  Chief development officer for the Riverfront in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, Dec. 2004-Dec. 2009.  Associate director of external affars for the 2008 Republican National Convention.  Worked as a consultant in New York, 2001-04.  Various roles for the New York City Mayor’s office, Jan. 1994-May 2001.  B.A. degrees in political science and urban affairs from Manhattan College, 1992.  See: Ahn Do.  "Orange County native is tapped to coordinate what could be a wild Republican National Convention."  Los Angeles Times, July 17, 2016.

Deputy Director of Operations  Whitney Nichols

(Nov. 2015)  Project manager at the Center for Strategic Initiatives, LLC, April 2013-Oct. 2015.  RNC/Romney for President Victory events manager, Sept.-Dec. 2012.  Media operations manager for the 2012 Republican National Convention, Oct. 2011-Aug. 2012.  Administrator of the Counsel's Office at the RNC, March 2009-Sept. 2011.  Deputy associate director for press advance at the White House Sept. 2007-Jan. 2009.  Bachelor's degree in communications studies and political science from American University, 2007.

Special Projects Manager  Scott McClintock

(Feb. 2016)  Executive director of Gov. Phil Bryant (MS)'s inauguration, Nov. 2015-Jan. 2016.  Aide de camp to Gov. Phil Bryant, June 2013-Nov. 2015.  Campaign coordinator at Frontier Strategies, LLC, Nov. 2012-June 2013.  B.A. in politics and creative writing from Washington and Lee University, 2012.

Event Coordinator  KC Packer

(started in Aug. 2015 as a staff assistant)  Member services and event assistant at the RNC, Jan.-May 2015.  B.A. in political science from The George Washington University, 2015.

Freedom Plaza & Huntington Convention Center Coordinator  Jessica Forsythe


Progressive Field Coordinator  Shelley Henderson


Gateway East Coordinator  Nick Connors


Production Manager  Lucas Anderson


Manager of Printing Operations  Marcia Brown


A.D.A. and Signage  Manager  Andy King


Build Out and Permits Manager  James Sample

(Feb. 2016...Manages and oversees the modifications/upgrades to the facilities in the RNC complex, as well the temporary build-out for the event; additionally responsible for being the creator/keeper of the master production schedule which details all of the events’ operations from move-in, show, and strike)  B.A. in communication and culture from Indiana University Bloomington, 2011.

Perimeter Manager  Tripp Stewart

(April 2016)  Regional director of operations for Exide Technologies and GNB Industrial Power, May 2015-April 2016.  Vice president of sales for NOCO (battery technology), Sept. 2006-April 2015.  Business development for Kroy LLC (labeling systems and signage), Nov. 2002-Oct. 2006.  B.A. in English, history from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, 1999.

Event Assistant Coordinator  Andrew Riddaugh

Undergraduate degree in political science and government from Florida State University, 2016.

Event Assistant Coordinator  Casey Finzer


Volunteer and Staffing Manager  Deborah Cox-Roush

(Mar. 2016)  Tampa Bay regional chair on Marco Rubio's primary campaign, Sept. 2015-Mar. 2016.  Independent consultant.  State director for Job Creators Network, Aug. 2012-Feb. 2015.  Aug. 2012-Feb. 2015.  Volunteer coordinator for the 2012 Republican National Convention, May-Sept. 2012.  Director of Florida county chairs on Newt 2012, Dec. 2011-Feb. 2012.  General manager at Concessions and Catering by Cox of Florida, Oct. 2003-July 2011.  Bachelor's degree in history/education from Georgetown College, 1976.

Operations Coordinator  Audrey Akers

(started as special assistant to the director of operations in March 2016; coordinator from May 2016)  Personal aide to Mrs. Laura Bush, Sept. 2013-Jan. 2016.  Account coordinator, crowdsourcing for The Marketing Arm in Dallas, TX, July 2012-Sept. 2013.  B.B.A. in marketing from Southern Methodist University, 2012.

DELEGATE SERVICES

Director of Delegate Services  Betsy Gehring

(Sept. 2015)  "...over 20 years of directing and managing major gifts programs with national and international organizations." B.A. in international relations from the University of Southern California.

Deputy Director of Delegate Experience  Alexa (Lexi) Pursley

(from April 2016; initially manager of delegate experience, Jan.-April 2016)  Director of operations/press assistant to U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho (FL) Sept. 2014-Jan. 2016.  Director of operations (July-Sept. 2014) and staff assistant (May-July 2014) to U.S. Rep. Paul Broun (GA).  Bachlelor's degree in communication studies from The University of Georgia, 2014.

Director of Hotels and Venues  Melinda Stell

(June 2015)  Customer success guru for Zentila, June 2013-June 2015.  Event manager at onPeak in Tampa/St. Pete area, Feb.-Nov. 2012.  Director of corporate accounts (Mar. 2009-Mar. 2012) and director of sales (Mar. 2008-Mar. 2009) for Harvest Inn/Portfolio Hotels and Resorts and for Park View Hotel (Feb. 2007-Mar. 2008).  Senior sales manager at Omni Ambassador East Hotel, Nov. 2005-Feb. 2007.  Senior human resources consultant for Oracle, 1999-2003.

Venues and Master Calendar Manager  Remi Bruell

(Sept. 2015)  Promotions coordinator at Euclid Media Group, May 2014-June 2015.  In-restaurant event coordinator (Oct. 2013-May 2014) and event statff/social media specialist for Zack Bruell Events in the Clieveland/Akron area.  B.S. in journalism from University of Kansas, 2012.

Manager of Travel and Special Projects  Elizabeth Stangl

(Dec. 2015)  Website and marketing customer support for GolfNow, June 2013-Nov. 2015.  Web and marketing assistant and customer support representative at Fore! Reservations, Jan. 2011-May 2013.  B.S. in golf enterprise management from University of Wisconsin-Stout, 2010; B.S. in elementary education and teaching from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, 2007.

Manager of Housing Data  Cameron Dorsey

(Feb. 2015)  Account assistant for Belwether Consulting Group, May 2014-Feb. 2015.  Undergraduate degree in art history, museum studies, Asian art from Washington and Lee University, 2014.

Delegate Services Assistant  Kenneth Callahan III
(March 2016)  Director marketing manager at the NRCC, July 2015-March 2016.  Legislative correspondent (Jan.-June 2015) and staff assistant (Aug. 2013-April 2015) to U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce (OH).  Bachelor's degree in politics and government from Ohio Wesleyan University, 2013.

onPeak Housing Bureau  Paulo Flores

Staff Assistant  Julia Prus

TRANSPORTATION

Director of Transportation  Jeremiah Shirk

(July 2015-Aug. 2016)  Chief of staff for the Department of Public Works, City of Indianapolis, 2012-July 2015.  Manager of transportation and logistics for the 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee, Nov. 2010-May 2012.  Assistant women's basketball coach at Lambuth University, 2007-08.  Support staff for USA Basketball, May 2005-June 2007.  Director of women's basketball operations at Indiana University Bloomington, 2002-06.  Ph.D. in sport management from Indiana University Bloomington, 2012.  M.B.A. from Ball State University, 2010; masters in athletic administation/sport marketing from Indiana University Bloomington, 2009; bachelors in telecommunications from Indiana University Bloomington, 1999.
"Screened, selected, and led Transportation Management Services, Inc., Parsons Brinkerhoff, 5 full time staff, 50 contractors and 100 volunteers."

Deputy Director of Transportation  Cassie Dickerson

(Dec. 2015)  Director (July 2014-Dec. 2015) and coordinator (July 2013-July 2014) of student -athelete development at University of Kansas Athletics.  J.D. from University of Kansas School of Law, 2014; B.S. in animal sciences and nutrition from The Ohio State University, 2011.

Logistics Manager [Transportation Management Services] Suzanne Aiken

(May 2016)  Manager at Flywheel Sports, Mar.-Nov. 2015.  Senior market analyst for The United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, Oct. 2013-Sept. 2014. Production finance/resource management for Reel FX, Dec. 2011-Mar. 2013.  Business management for Northrop Grumman Electronic, Aug. 2008-Dec. 2011.  Bachelor's degree in kinesiology and exercise science from Indiana University Bloomington.

Manager of Delegation Transportation  Susie Hudson


Staff Assistant  Sammi Petraglia

SECURITY

Director of Security  Tom Kasza

Senior vice president and managing director, strategic relationships at Hillard Heintze from Dec. 2011.  Chief of statff to the CEO and chief security officer for a financial services company.  Served in the U.S. Secret Service for more than two decades, from 1983 until retiring in 2005.  Degree in law enforcement from Western Illinois University.

Deputy Director of Security  Mark Lowery

President of Lowery & Associates Security Consulting, LLC in Dallas Ft. Worth from Mar. 2014.  Vice president of security for an oil and gas firm, Apr. 2012-Sept. 2013.  Special agent in charge at DHS, June 2007-Apr. 2012.  Served in the U.S. Secret Service, 2000-06.  B.S. in sociology and corrections from Illinois State University, 1977.

Credentials Consultant  Dee Dee Lancaster


Credentials Consultant  Mel Raines


Logistics  Coordinator  Lauren  Steuer

COMMMUNITY AND POLITICAL AFFAIRS

Director of Community and Political Affairs  Chris McNulty

(announced June 29, 2015)  Senior vice president At Causeway Solutions.  Political director at the RNC, announced March 2013 to Feb. 2015.  Deputy executive director in the political office of Speaker John Boehner from 2010.  RNC midwest regional political director from 2006-10.  Executive director of the Ohio Republican Party, 2001-06; political director for the Ohio Republican Party, 1997-2000; Northeast Ohio field director for the Party, 1996-97; Southeast Ohio field director for the Party, 1995-96.  Graduate of John Carroll University (Cleveland), 1992.

Deputy Director of Community and Political Affairs  C.J. Jordan

Experience includes president of the National Black Republican Leadership Council.

EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Director of External Affairs  Brian Noyes

(Jan. 2016..."primary liaison between the convention and elected officials, foreign dignitaries, business organizations and other associations," also responsible for the page program; fifth convention attended)  Executive director of strategy and communication at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center, Sept. 2012-Dec. 2015.  Founder and president of Brock Clay Government and Public Affairs in Atlanta, GA, Jan. 2005-Sept. 2012.  Senior advisor to the Deputy Secretary at HUD, Feb. 2008-Jan. 2009.  Director of delegate and caucus for the 2004 Republican National Convention.  Regional director in Atlanta for HUD, 2002-04.  Deputy political director for campaign operations at the RNC, April 2001-March 2002 Southeast regional poliitical director on Bush-Cheney 2000.  Regional consultant in Columbus, OH for DCI Group, 1999-2001.  A Victory '98 coordinator for the RNC.  Executive director and political director for the Georgia Republican Party, 1995-97.  Regional representative for U.S. Sen. Paul Coverdell, 1993-95.  B.A. in political science and government from Mercer University, 1991.  From Macon, GA.

Deputy Director, External Affairs   Caroline Davidson

(in Cleveland full-time from May 2015, one of the first hires; initially operations team manager)  Worked on the IE unit (with Jeff Larson) at the NRSC in the 2014 cycle.  Graduate of Auburn University.  Native of Atlanta, GA.

Deputy Director, Government Affairs  Robbie Wehagen

(March 2016)  Associate director of government affairs for American Traffic Safety Services Association, July 2014-Sept. 2015.  Senior legislative ssistant (July 2013-July 2014) and legislative assistant (Feb.-June 2013) to U.S. Rep. Tom Rice (SC).  Legislative assistant to U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta (PA), Feb. 2011-Jan. 2013.  Executive assistant to U.S. Rep. John Mica (FL), July 2009-June 2011.  Professional staff/executive assistant to the Ranking Member of the U.S. House Committee on House Administration, 2007-June 2009.  Staff assistant in the Office of Member and Committee Services in the U.S. Houe, July-Dec. 2006.  B.A. in political science and history from Furman University, 2006.

Deputy Director and Volunteer Coordinator  Kim Ekmark

Worked for Armitage Consulting, LLC.  Legislative correspondent toe U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (WI), Feb. 2011-May 2012.  Graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  From Minnesota.

Deputy Volunteer Director  Rebecca Shaw

(Apr. 2016)  Press secretary on Chris Gibson for Congress (NY), Aug.-Nov. 2014.  Senior legislative assistant in the U.S. House, May 2011-Aug. 2014.  Communications coordinator and PAC administrator (July 2010-May 2011) and special assistant ant PAC administrator, Nov. 2009-July 2010.  Bachelor's degree in economics, political science from Dickinson College, 2009.

Special Assistants  Ross Branson, Blandon J. David
Staff Assistant for International Affairs  Lauren Weber

FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE

Director of Financial and Administrative Services  Jan McBride Sumrall

(announced July 2, 2015)  Business manager for the Lousiana Secretary of State, June 2009-April 2015.  Director of financial and administrative services for the 2008 Republican National Convention, July 2007-Jan. 2009.  Director of financial and administrative services for the Big Buddy Program, Aug. 2005-July 2007.  Deputy director for operations, budget and administration for the 2004 Republican National Convention.  Assistant treasurer at the NRSC, July 2001-Feb. 2003.  Comptroller for the 2000 Republican National Convention, 1999-2001.  B.S. in political science/history from Louisiana State University, 1992.

Deputy Director of Finance  Sarah Keeny

(Oct. 2015)  Financial reporting accountant at Freedom Partners, April 2014-Oct. 2015.  Scheduler/office manager for U.S. Rep. Mike Pompeo (KS), Aug. 2013-March 2014.  B.S. in accounting from University of Kansas, 2013.

Deputy Director of Administration  Michael Holley

(Nov. 2015)  Security forces-patrolman in the U.S. Air Force, Feb. 2011-Feb. 2015.  Bachelor's degree in criminal justice/law enforcement administration from American Military University, 2016.

Administrative Coordinators 
Meagan Langworthy
Sarah Stirrup
Chris Follins

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Chief Information Officer  Max Everett
Managing director for cyber operations at Fortalice Solutions, LLC, from 2014.  CTO at ZRA, LLC, July 2013-Sept. 2014.  Senior consultant at SRA International, 2010-July 2013.  Consulting CIO for the 2012 Republican National Convention.  CTO at NetPower Strategy, Apr. 2009-Feb. 2010.  CIO in EOP at The White House, Sept. 2008-Jan. 2009.  CIO for the 2008 Republican National Convention, May 2017-Sept. 2008.  Branch cief ein the EOP, July 2005-Apr. 2007.  Managing director of IT from mthe 2005 PIC.  Director of IT for the 2004 Republican National Convention.  Senior advisor/CIO of technology administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce, 2001-04.  Public affairs for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Apr.-Dec. 2003.  Network administrator on Bush-Cheney 2000, 1999-2000.  J.D. from University of Houston Law Center, 1997; B.A. in government from The University of Texas at Austin, 1994.


Director of Information Technology/Cyber Infrastructure Architect  Scott Morris

(May 2015)  President of SECAVEC Inc. in Tampa-St. Petersburg from Nov. 2012.  Director of information technology for the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa-St. Petersburg, June 2011-Oct. 2012.  Vice president at Yuma Solutions, Inc., March 2009-Oct. 2012.  Deputy director of network operations at the RNC, Sept. 2005-March 2009.  Senior network engineer at Yuma Solutions, 2003-05.

Product Manager   Joe Podach

(Dec. 2015)  Deputy chief of technolgy for Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Aug. 2006-Apr. 2015.  Director of information technology for Toledo Public Schools, Apr. 2002-Aug. 2006.  Assistant director at Mercy Health in Toledo, May 1994-Apr. 2002.  Network analyst for FirstEnergy, Sept. 1986-May 1994.  M.B.A. from Tiffin University, 1999; bachelor's degree in public administration and social service professins, 1991; associate's degree in computer programming frm Terra State Community College, 1994.

Product Manager Herb Sumrall Jr.

Staff Assistants  Ben Molls, Melina Overvaugh

COUNSEL

Counsel  Gineen Bresso

(Sept. 2015)  Vice president of special projects and general counsel at The Wasie Foundation.  Candidate for Congress in FL-23, Feb.-Aug. 2012.  Commissioner on the U.S. Election Assistance Commisssion, Oct. 2008-Dec. 2011.  General counsel for the Young Republican National Federation, Inc., July 2005-July 2007.  Special assistant and policy advisor to Gov. Robert Ehrlich, Jan. 2003-Sept. 2006.  Attorney at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Sept. 2000-Sept. 2002.  J.D. from Western New England College School of Law, 1999; B.A. in political science from University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 1995.

Law Clerk  Joy Lee

(Feb. 2016)  Attorney advisor to Member Patrick Pizzella at the Federal Labor Relations Authority, Oct. 2014-Feb. 2016.  Attorney at the District of Columbia Public Employee Relations Board, Jan. 2013-Oct. 2014.  J.D. from Washington and Lee University School of Law, 2012; B.A. in communication from University of Maryland College Park, 2009.



AND

General Services Contractor - Freeman Company [have fulfilled this role since the 1984 convention in Dallas]
Greg Lane, National Project Manager
...started receiving shipments at Quicken Loans Arena on June 25, 2016


OFFICIAL PROVIDERS

Adobe Systems Incorporated – Official Digital Creative Tools Provider

AT&T – Official Provider for Communications, Video and Technology (announced Mar. 24, 2016)

Cisco Systems, Inc. – Official Network Technology Provider

Facebook – Official Provider

Google, Inc. – Official Digital Video and Live Stream Provider

LexisNexis, a division of RELX Inc. – Official Research Provider

LG Electronics – Official 4K Ultra HD TV Provider (announced July 24, 2016)

Microsoft Corporation – Official Technology Provider

Panasonic Corporation of North America – Official Camera Provider

PR Newswire Association, LLC – Official Newswire Service

Reflections Event Photography & Video Production, Inc. – Official Photographers

Twitter, Inc. – Official Real-time Engagement and Conversation Provider

Official Caterers - twelve Cleveland-area caterers (announced May 19, 2016)

Official Florists - six Cleveland-area firms (announced May 5, 2016)





ADVERTISEMENT