February 7, 2013

RNC Chairman Reince Priebus Announces RNC General Counsel

WASHINGTON - Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus released the following statement appointing John Ryder as the new RNC General Counsel:

“I am delighted to announce that I have appointed John Ryder as the new General Counsel of the RNC,” said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus. “I am confident that John’s legal expertise and political experience make him the ideal choice. His understanding of the inner workings of the Committee from his tenure as an RNC Committeeman and a delegate will be an invaluable asset in providing the RNC with guidance and leadership as we move ahead. I look forward to working with John as we continue to assemble the resources needed to be victorious in 2013, 2014, 2016 and beyond.”

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with Chairman Priebus, the members of the RNC and the RNC legal staff. I know that we can build upon the solid foundation established by Chairman Priebus and our previous General Counsel and pave a constructive path forward,” said John Ryder.

“I would also like to express my gratitude to the outgoing General Counsel, Bill Crocker, for his hard work, leadership and dedication over the past two years,” said Chairman Priebus. “It was my pleasure to work with Bill and his team to guarantee that the proceedings of the 2012 election cycle, including the Party Platform meeting and National Convention in Tampa, ran efficiently. We are extremely grateful for his tireless efforts on behalf of the Party.”

Biography for John Ryder:

John Ryder was first elected as the National Committeeman from Tennessee in May of 1996 and served from 1996-2004 and from 2008 to the present. He was the chairman of the Redistricting Committee and the RNC Presidential Nominating Schedule Committee. He was a delegate for the 1984, 2004, 2008 and 2012 Republican National Conventions. Ryder served on the Temporary Delegate Selection Committee and currently serves on the Rules Committee.

Ryder is a member of the Memphis, Tennessee law firm: Harris, Shelton, Hanover & Walsh. He is a past Chairman of the Board of Opera Memphis, a member of the Economic Club of Memphis and a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Previously, Ryder was the co-chairman of the Southern Region and director of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference. He is vice President for Judicial Affairs for the Republican National Lawyers Association and serves as Senior Advisor to the Memphis Lawyers Chapter of the Federalist Society.

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

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