July 11, 2013 

RNC Chairman Reince Priebus Announces Key Virginia Hires

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the Republican National Committee announced key staff hires in Virginia joining the existing team led by State Director Ryan Gough. The hires, in coordination with Virginia GOP, are part of the RNC’s efforts to build a robust field operation to win in key 2013 elections as well as build a permanent campaign across the country.
 
“While we continue building out our permanent campaign across the country, all eyes will be on Virginia this year and I am excited to work with the Cuccinelli campaign and Republican Party of Virginia to build a top-notch field operation to win in November,” said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus. “I am confident the RNC’s early and strategic investment in community engagement, data technology, and get-out-the-vote efforts will pay dividends on election day in Virginia. We have more work to do, but we are building a formidable operation in Virginia as we work to elect Ken Cuccinelli and the Republican ticket, and prepare for next year’s midterms.”
 
Ryan Gough, State Director
 
Ryan, who is currently serving as State Director for Virginia, was previously Victory Director in Iowa during the 2012 presidential cycle. There he managed the largest team ever placed on the ground in Iowa which made the most voter contacts ever in that state for a presidential cycle. Ryan has also served various roles within the Iowa GOP including Organization Director, Iowa Caucus Coordinator, Deputy Communications Director and also organized Iowa’s famous GOP Straw Poll.
 
Dr. Joe Ellison, Director of African American Engagement
 
Joe Ellison most recently was Director of Pastoral Relations and Church Ministries for the Virginia Pastors Coalition. For more than a decade, Dr. Ellison has been involved in grassroots politics to support the campaigns of candidates including George Allen, Jim Gilmore and Bob McDonnell. Dr. Ellison has also served as the Chairman of Mayors Commission on Youth Violence and on the Richmond Raceway Advisory Committee.  In addition, he was appointed to White House Commission on Faith Based Initiatives by former Sen. George Allen.
 
Daniel Do, Vietnamese American Field Representative  
 
Daniel has been a grassroots volunteer in Fairfax County and has assisted numerous state and local candidates with voter contact in the Vietnamese community in Virginia. 
 
Maria Kim, Korean American Field Representative  
 
A resident of Burke, Virginia, Maria most recently served as the Korean outreach coordinator for a Virginia lieutenant governor candidate, and has experience on Capitol Hill with the House Republican Conference. 
 
Felipe Cabacoy, Filipino American Field Representative
 
A resident of Norfolk, Virginia, Felipe is a community activist who has assisted on several political campaigns and helped the Filipino community dialog with local, state, and federal elected officials. 
 
Kishore Thota, Indian American Field Representative
 
A native of Colonial Heights, Virginia, Kishore is an active member of the Republican Indian Committee and the Virginia India Business Roundtable, and has worked on Capitol Hill for Reps. J. Randy Forbes (VA) and Tim Murphy (PA).