WASHINGTON - Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus released the following statement announcing Ray W. Washburne as the new National Finance Chairman:

“It gives me great pleasure to announce I have appointed Ray Washburne as the RNC National Finance Chairman as we look toward the 2013, 2014, 2016 elections,” said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus. “Ray brings a tremendous amount of fundraising expertise to the RNC as well as operations experience from his role as president and CEO of Charter Holdings. That experience will be an invaluable asset as the RNC begins investing in a permanent infrastructure across the country including ground game, engagement in key communities, data and technology. I look forward to working with Ray to ensure that last cycle’s successful fundraising campaign continues, and that the RNC and Republican candidates are well funded and have the tools succeed.

“I would also like to express my gratitude to the outgoing Finance Chairman, Ambassador Ron Weiser, for his countless efforts. Ron’s leadership and dedication to the RNC allowed us to completely eliminate our $24 million dollar debt and achieve record-breaking fundraising along with Romney Victory.”

“It has been a great honor and personal privilege to serve Reince Priebus and the RNC,” said Ambassador Ron Weiser. “With Reince’s leadership we were able to restore trust and confidence in the RNC and to achieve record results. Today, I take great pleasure in passing the torch to Ray Washburne who I am sure will fulfill his responsibilities with great distinction. I look forward to working with Ray and Reince as they build upon the RNC’s fundraising successes of the last two years.”
 

Biography for Ray W. Washburne:

Ray W. Washburne is the Chairman/CEO of Charter Holdings, a private investment company based in Dallas, Texas that is primarily involved in the real estate and restaurant businesses. He is co-founder and co-owner of M Crowd Restaurant Group which owns the Mi Cocina and Taco Diner restaurant chains (Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston, Tulsa, Atlanta, and Washington DC (May 2013)).

A 1984 graduate of Southern Methodist University, Mr. Washburne has previously served as an adjunct professor at the SMU Cox School of Business. Ongoing involvement and board memberships include the World Presidents’ Organization, Chief Executives Organization, Veritex Bank, The Real Estate Council, International Council of Shopping Centers, Urban Land Institute, SMU O’Neil Center Advisory Board, and Baylor Health Care System Foundation.

Recent Republican financial political involvement has included:

2012 Romney/Ryan Transition Team

2012 Romney/Ryan for President Texas Finance Co-Chairman

2011 Pawlenty for President – National Finance Co-Chairman

2010 Dallas County Republican Party – Finance Chairman

2000/2004 Bush Dallas County Chairman and Ranger Pioneer.

In addition, Mr. Washburne is the managing partner of the Highland Park Village in Dallas, America’s first planned shopping center and one of the premier shopping centers in the United States.

Mr. Washburne is married to Heather Hill Washburne and the father of three.

Mr. Washburne’s appointment is subject to RNC confirmation.

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