Republican National Committee – 2016 

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The RNC is a confederation of state parties. Power flows from the local level up to the national level.

National Convention

Every four years.

168 Members of the RNC

Meet twice yearly. 1 Committeeman, 1 Committeewoman and 1 Chairperson from each state. Committee members terms run from Convention to Convention. (Formerly 165 Members -- increased with the addition of three Members from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands).

Executive Committee (28 members)(Rule 6)

Sounding board for the Chair. Decisions between meetings of the full RNC.

  • 8 by Region (MW, NE, S, W) -
  • 3 Chair Appointments -
  • 17 Elected and Appointed Officers - Chairman, Co-Chair, Vice Chairs, Treasurer, Secretary; General Counsel, Finance Chairman, Chairman of State Chairmen's Advisory Comm., Chairman of the Budget Committee, Chairman of the Rules Committee.


Chairman  Reince Priebus (WI)

(elected Jan. 14, 2011; re-elected Jan. 25, 2013; re-elected Jan. 16, 2015)  Served as RNC General Counsel; announced July 31, 2009, resigned Dec. 5, 2010.  Chairman of the Wisconsin state party, first elected in May 2007.  Candidate for State Senate in 2004, losing to incumbent Bob Wirch (D) by 52% to 48%.  Partner at Best & Friedrich LLP; joined the firm in 1998.  J.D. from University of Miami School of Law, 1998.  Worked in the Wisconsin legislature before law school.  B.S. from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, 1994.  Born and raised in Kenosha, WI.  twitter

Director of the Chairman's Office  Elisabeth Steil

(Aug. 2013; started as director of scheduling in 2011)  Scheduler and legislative assistant to U.S. Rep. Ted Poe (TX), 2009-11.  Scheduler to U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman (MN), 2005-09.


Co-Chair  Sharon Day (FL)

(elected Jan. 14, 2011; re-elected Jan. 25, 2013; re-elected Jan. 16, 2015)  Day served the past two years as RNC Secretary, elected Jan. 2009.  She was an unsuccessful candidate for RPOF chairman in Feb. 2010 following the resignation of Jim Greer.  "Sharon is a retired executive with marketing, group health insurance and re-insurance experience.  She is an entrepreneur that has built and sold numerous businesses."  From Fort Lauderdale, FL.  > twitter

Chief of Staff to the Co-Chair  Mike Vallante

(May 2011)  Chief of staff of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Host Committee, Dec. 2007-May 2011.  A regional political director on the Rudy Giuliani presidential campaign.  COO of the California Republican Party; directed the day-to-day operations of the state Republican Party from June 2003-May 2007.  President/owner of JM Communications Inc., his own public relations firm, May 1992-June 2003.  He has served as chairman of the Rhode Island Republican Party and as a regional political director for the RNC.  B.A. in political science, public administration from Providence College, 1977.

Director of Women's Programs  Valerie Dowling

(May 2013)  Pennsylvania coalitions director on Romney for President, June-Nov. 2012.  Political director at the National Federation of Republican Women, June 2009-June 2012.  Staff assistant in the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, 2008-09; White House of Office of Presidential Correspondence, 2007-08.  B.A. in politics, history from Converse College, 2007.


Treasurer  Tony Parker (DC)

(elected Jan. 14, 2011; re-elected Jan. 25, 2013; re-elected Jan. 16, 2015)  President of Parker Tide, a federal government contracting company.  Vietnam veteran, U.S. Navy; received his undergraduate degree from Harvard College, and his J.D. and Masters in tax law from Georgetown Law Center.

Secretary  Susie Hudson (VT)

(elected Jan. 16, 2015)  Elected National Committeewoman from Vermont in May 2008.  Experience includes executive director of the Vermont Commission on National and Community Service where she oversaw the State AmeriCorps programs (appointed by Gov. Douglas in 2003).  Executive director of the Vermont Republican Party; Midwest regional legislative political director for the Republican National Committee; and worked at the U.S. Department of Justice.  B.S. from University of Vermont.

General Counsel  John Ryder (TN)

(announced Feb. 7, 2013, subject to RNC confirmation)  Member of the Memphis, Tennessee law firm: Harris, Shelton, Hanover & Walsh.  J.D. from Vanderbilt University, 1974; A.B. from Wabash College, 1971.  Has served as National Committeeman from 1996-2004 and from 2008 to the present.

Finance Chairman  Lew Eisenberg

(reported Jan. 2015)  Partner and co-founder (1990) of Granite Capital International Group, an investment management company headquartered in New York City.  Senior advisor to KKR since 2009.  Chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, 1995-Jan. 2002.  Partner at Goldman Sachs, 1966-1989.  M.B.A. from Cornell University, 1966; B.A. from Dartmouth College, 1964.  Extensive fundraising experience including a member of Romney's Florida finance team from Oct. 2011; Victory finance chairman at the RNC, March-Nov. 2008; a national finance co-chair of John McCain 2008; a Pioneer on the Bush-Cheney 2004 campaign; RNC finance chairman from Jan. 2002-March 2003; and co-founder of the Team 100 program for the RNC in 1998.  Eisenberg also served as co-chairman of the New York City Host Committee for the 2004 Republican National Convention. 

Chairman of the State Chairmen  Steve Robertson (KY)

(announced July 29, 2013)

Chairman of the Budget Committee  Ron Kaufman (MA)

Members of the Budget Committee: MW: .  S: .  NE: .  W: .  Plus . 
Ex-Officio Members: Chairman Priebus, Co-Chairman Day, Treasurer Parker. 

Chairman of the RNC Standing Committee on Resolutions  Carolyn McLarty (OK)


Chairman of the RNC Standing Committee on Rules  Bruce Ash (AZ)

Executive

Chief of Staff  Katie Walsh

(announced Jan. 27, 2015)  RNC finance director in 2013-14 (announced June 6, 2013); started as RNC deputy finance director in Jan. 2013. Deputy finance director at the NRSC starting Jan. 2009.  A regional finance director on RNC/McCain Victory 2008.  Assistant to the national finance director on the Fred Thompson campaign.  Undergraduate studies in business at The George Washington University, 2007.

Assistant to the Chief of Staff  Madeleine Westerhout

(Jan. 2015)  Previously assistant to the RNC finance director from July 2013.  Special projects/volunteer coordinator on Kuhn for Congress, Jan.-March 2013.  Interned on the Romney campaign, Sept.-Nov. 2012.  B.A. in political science and government from the College of Charleston, 2013.

Chief Operating Officer  Sean Cairncross

(announced July 8, 2015)  General Counsel at VogelHood from July 2014 and partner at Holtzman Vogel Josefiak PLLC from 2013.  General counsel and deputy executive director at the NRSC, Feb. 2009-Feb. 2013.  Chief counsel (Feb. 2007-Jan. 2009) and deputy counsel (June 2004-Jan. 2007) at the RNC.  Litigation associate at the Washington D.C. law firm Covington & Burling, 2001-04.  J.D. from NYU in 2001, M.Phil. from Cambridge University in 1998, and B.A. from American University in 1997.

Senior Advisor  Jeff Larson

(announced Jan. 29, 2015)  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.

POLITICAL

Political Director  Chris Carr

(announced Feb. 9, 2015)  Co-founder and consultant to Engage Nevada, a conservative 501(c)(4) organization.  Nevada state manager on the Romney campaign, reported May 2012.  Western regional political director at the RNC, announced June 1, 2011 to May 2012.  Western regional political director at the NRCC in 2010.  West and Southeast political director at the NRCC in the 2010 cycle.  Northwest political director at the RNC, 2007-08. Campaign manager for Sen. John Ensign’s (R-NV) successful reelection bid in 2006.  Executive director of the Nevada Victory Campaign and Nevada State Republican Party in the 2004 cycle.  Executive director of the Clark County Republicans.  Carr came to Nevada from Louisiana; extensive experience in Louisiana campaigns including manager of Dan Kyle's primary campaign for Louisiana Insurance Commissioner in 2003; manager of Donna Mayeux's 2000 campaign for mayor of Baton Rouge; and manager of State Rep. Quentin Dastugue's 1995 gubernatorial campaign.  Deputy campaign manager on Jim Gibbons' 1994 campaign for governor.  Campaign manager for Bush-Quayle in Nevada in 1992.  Interned at the White House during the administration of President George H.W. Bush.  Graduate of McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA.  Originally from Sulphur.

Assistant to the Political Director  Julia Griswold

(March 2015)  Previously scheduler/executive assistant (from Aug. 2013) and staff assistant (June-Aug. 2013) to U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions (TX-32).  B.A. in English language and literature from Texas A&M University, 2013.

Deputy Political Director  Molly Donlin O'Driscoll

(April 2013)  Florida state manager on Romney's general election campaign; started as state director for Romney's Florida primary campaign, then went on to direct the primary campaigns in Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin.  In 2010 Donlin directed Republicans' Michigan Victory effort.  In the fall 2008 campaign she directed Republicans' Victory 2008 effort in Arizona; earlier in the cycle she served as field director for Central Florida on the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee.  Donlin was a presidential appointee in the Department of Justice Office of Public Affairs, where she served as assistant to the director.  Deputy director of volunteer development for the RNC from Aug. 2005 to Dec. 2006, and 72-Hour field director for Hamilton County for the Ohio Republican Party.  B.S. degree in international affairs from Xavier University in Cincinnati, 2004.  twitter

Director of Strategic Initiatives Jennifer Sevilla Korn

(announced May 28, 2013)  Executive director of the Hispanic Leadership Network; teacher at the Leadership Institute and a senior fellow at the Institute for Liberty..  Director of Intergovernmental affairs and public liaison at the U.S. Department of Justice.  Associate Director for Hispanic Affairs in the Office of Public Liaison at the White House.  National Hispanic director and Southwest coalitions director for Bush-Cheney '04.  Executive director of the Lincoln Juarez Opportunity Center, a non-profit headquartered in Santa Ana.
>See also: RNC Latinos twitter


Regional Political Directors

Northeast  Kimberly Jorns

(April 2015)  Executive director of the Michigan Republican Party, July 2011-April 2015.  Executive director of the Maryland Republican Party, Jan. 2010-July 2011.  Finance director for the Republican Party of Virginia, Jan. 2009-Jan. 2010.  Director of development for the Tax Foundation, 2008-Jan. 2009.  Political event coordinator on the Rudy Giuliani presidential campaign, 2007-08.  Finance director for the Republican Party of Wisconsin, 2005-07.  M.P.A. in non-profit administration from Arizona State University, 2004; B.S. in communication from Michigan State University, 2001.

Southeast  Josh Kivett

Partner at Connect Strategic Communications from 2010 and president of the Jamison Group, Inc. from 2005.  Campaign manager on Texans for Tom Leppert, 2011-12.  General consultant and campaign manager for U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, 2004-08.  Executive director of the Oklahoma Republican State House Committee, 2005-06.  Campaign manager on Kirk Humphreys for U.S. Senate (OK), 2003-04.  Campaign manager for Sen. Inhofe, 2001-03.  Campaign manager on Barr for Congress, 1999-2001.  Regional field director for Forbes 2000 and Americans for Hope, Growth and Opportunity, 1998-99.  Regional political director at the Georgia Republican Party, 1998.  M. A. in electoral politics from Georgia State University; B.A. in political science and history from the University of Georgia.  twitter

Midwest  Juston Johnson

(March 2015)  Executive director of the Florida Republican Party, May 2013.  National field director for the RNC during the 2012 cycle from Sept. 2011.  Campaign manager on Ron Johnson for U.S. Senate May-Nov. 2010.  RNC deputy director of political education, Aug. 2009-May 2010.  Political director for the Republican Party of Wisconsin, Jan. 2007-Aug. 2009, and Wisconsin Victory director, Fall 2008.  Campaign manager on Van Hollen for Attorney General, 2005-06.  B.A. in political science from University of Wisconsin, Madison, 2002.  twitter

West  Peter Graves

Executive director (March 2011-April 2013) and political director (March 2010-March 2011) of the Washington State Republican Party.  Political director on Susan Hutchison for King County Executive, Fall 2009.  Legislative aide to KCC Pete von Reichbauer, Nov. 2008-Aug. 2009.  Field coordinator on Dino Rossi for Governor, Jan.-Nov. 2008.  B.A. in economics and political science from Western Washington University, 2007.


Regional Political Coordinators

Northeast and Midwest  Max Docksey

(May 2015)  Constituent services director (Jan.-May 2015) and constituent services representative (Jan. 2014-Jan. 2015) for U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy (WI).  Degree in political science from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 2013.  twitter

West  Jodie Chavez

(May 2015)  Administrative assistant to the CFO and the director of personnel at the RNC starting Aug. 2014.  Bachelor's degree in public policy leadership from University of Mississippi, 2014.

Southeast  Kristy Wilkinson

(April 2015)  Field director for the Republican Party of Louisiana, June 2014-March 2015.  B.A. in political science and new media communications from Oregon State University, 2014.  twitter


State Party Director  Matt Pinnell

(announced April 10, 2013; reports directly to Priebus)  State chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party since 2010.  Oklahoma executive director of American Majority, May-Dec. 2009.  Director of operations at the Oklahoma Republican Party, 2006-08. Campaign manager on Scott Pruitt for Lt. Governor, 2005-06.  PAC manager at the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons, 2004-05.  Manager for legislative affairs at AIADA, 2003-04.  B.S. in public relations, government from Oral Roberts University, 2002.  twitter


National Field Director  Chris Young

(March 2015)  RNC state director in Baton Rouge, LA, July 2013-March 2015.  Deputy director of legislative affairs in the Office of Gov. Bobby Jindal.  Field representative for RNC/Romney in Las Vegas, NV, June-Nov. 2012.  Legislative affairs in the Office of Gov. Bobby Jindal, Feb.-June 2012.  Field director on Friends of Bobby Jindal, May 2011-Feb. 2012.  Executive counsel's office in the Office of Gov. Bobby Jindal, Aug. 2009-May 2011.  Deputy field director on Friends of Bobby Jindal, June-Oct. 2007.   B.A. in interdisciplinary studies, leadership development from Louisiana State University, 2012.  twitter

National Field Coordinator  Elliott Hulse

Started in Aug. 2013 as a regional political coordinator for the 2013-14 cycle.  Deputy campaign manager on John Tavaglione for Congress, July-Nov. 2012.  B.A. in political science from UC Riverside, 2012.

Field Program
> Over 100 staff in key states as of July 31, 2015 +

> The Washington Examiner's David Drucker reported on May 24, 2016 that "the RNC political team employs 287, including 223 on the ground in the states." >

> According to an RNC Memo of May 26, 2016, the RNC is adding 250 staff in 11 battleground states in coming weeks bringing its total to 466.

> On June 11, 2016 the RNC held a National Training Day in 14 states.

> On Sept. 2, 2016 the RNC announced 392 new field staff and 98 new offices, bringing the total number of paid RNC field staff to over 1,000.

> On Sept. 9, 2016 the RNC reported "6,000 staff and trained organizers and millions of volunteers spread out across 33 states."

Consultant on the Field Program  Rick Wiley

(reported by The Washington Post's Philip Rucker and Matea Gold on June 15, 2016)  Served for about a month and a half as the Trump campaign's political director, announced Apr. 13, 2016 reported out May 25.  Campaign manager on Scott Walker Inc. and precursor 527 Our American Revival, started late 2014.  Managing director of Mercury LLC's Washington office; in 2014 served as RGA's lead liaison to Rauner, Walker and Abbott gubernatorial races and NRSC lead liaison to Ernst campaign in Iowa.  Political director at the RNC in the 2012 cycle, and Western regional political director at the RNC in the 2010 cycle.  Managed Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (TX)'s gubernatorial campaign, Jan.-June 2009.  Deputy political director on Rudy Giuliani's presidential campaign.  Executive director of the Republican Party of Wisconsin, 2005-Jan. 2007; RNC Victory director in Wisconsin in 2004; political director of the party from 2001-02.  Midwest political manager for Associated Builders and Contractors during the 2000 cycle.  Has also worked as a legislative liaison to Illinois Comptroller Loleta Didrickson and a legislative assistant to Wisconsin State Rep. Gene Hahn (R-De Forest).  Illinois native. 


Director of Faith Engagement Initiative  Chad Connelly

(July 2013)  Chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party May 2011-June 2013.  A senior advisor to Jeff Duncan's successful 2010 campaign for Congress in South Carolina's 3rd CD.  Candidate for SC State Senate in 2003 special election.  Owner of Freedom Tide since 2002.  President of Connelly Enterprises, Dec. 1990-June 2003.  Worked for Professional Service Industries for almost eight years.  B.S. in civil engineering from Clemson University, 1985.  twitter

Deputy Director of Faith Engagement  Michael Clement

Political director for Freedom Path, based in Reno, 2011-12.  Campaign specialist on Linda McMahon for U.S. Senate (CT), 2010.  Campaign manager on Gene Yaw for State Senate (Williamsport, PA), 2008.  Assistant to the political director at the NRSC, 2007.  Consultant at November Inc. May 2004-Dec. 2006.  Political director on Jon Porter for Congress in Las Vegas.  Campaign manager on Molonai Hola for Mayor (UT), 2003.  Airman in the U.S. Air Force, 1995-99.  Studied at University of Utah.

Western Director of Faith Engagement  Bob Crawford

(Jan. 2014 - Chicago)  Political and management consultant (The Crawford Group) in Chicago, Feb. 2012-Jan. 2014.  Director of conservative outreach for the Ohio Republican Party/Romney for President, June-Nov. 2012.  National field representative (March-April 2012) and Alabama state director (Feb.-March 2012) on Rick Santorum for President.  Volunteer coordinator and faith coalition coordinator on Rick Perry for President in Des Moines, IA and Greenville, SC, Sept. 2011-Jan. 2012.  Previously worked in realty.  Graduate of University of Iowa, 1987.


National Director of Asian and Pacific Islander Initiatives and APA Communications Director  Jason Chung

(announced April 9, 2013 as communications director for Asian and Pacific Islander Engagement)  Government relations consultant for the Livingston Group and managing partner at Gateway Consulting (GWC LLC) from Oct. 2007.  Congressional liaison in the Department of Homeland Security, 2006-07.  Executive director of the Maryland Governor’s Office on Asian Pacific American Affairs under Gov. Bob Ehrlich, 2005-06.   Consultant at the Livingston Group, 2004-05.  Legislative assistant/professional staff to the House Committee on Government Reform, 2003-04; press secretary/clerk at the House Subcommittee on National Security, Veterans Affairs, International Relations, 1999-2003.  Staff assistant to U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays, Jan.-June 1999.  B.A. in political science from Trinity College-Hartford, 1998.  twitter


National Director of African American Initiatives and Media  Telly Lovelace

(announced Apr. 1, 2016)  Managing director at IR+ Media.  Director of communications in the offices of U.S. Reps. Michael Turner and Jerry Weller, as well as deputy communications director for Sen. Jim Talent.  Private sector experience includes senior manager of communications and public affairs for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufactures of America and chief of staff for the Center for Urban Renewal and Education.

    African American Initiatives and Urban Media Fellow  Leah Le'Vell (announced Aug. 10, 2016)

Senior Strategist and National Director of African American Political Engagement  Ashley Bell

(announced Aug. 10, 2016)

Senior Advisor to Political  Shannon Reeves

(announced Aug. 10, 2016)

Senior Advisor to the Chairman  Elroy Sailor

(announced Aug. 10, 2016)

Hispanic Initiatives Coordinator  Jesus Rodriguez

(May 2015)  B.A. in political science and government from The George Washington University, 2015.


Director of Military and Veterans Outreach  Bob Carey

Retired from the US Navy as a Captain, after 29 years of active and Reserve duty, serving as a both Surface Warfare Officer and Naval Flight Officer. He flew more than 30 combat missions during Desert Storm and was recalled to active duty four times since 9/11.


Director of Strategic Partnerships  Mike Mears

(July 2013)  Senior director at Family Research Council Action, Jan. 2012-June 2013.  Executive director at Concerned Women for America PAC, Jan. 2006-Dec. 2011.


Director of the Republican Leadership Initiative  Elliott Echols

(started at the RNC as national youth director, announced Oct. 24, 2013)  Southeastern regional political director of the College Republican National Committee, June-Nov. 2012.  State chairman of the Georgia Association of College Republicans, March 2011-April 2012.  B.S. in economics from Berry College, 2012.  twitter


Director of Political Training  Nicholas Trainer

(April 2015)  RNC statewide field director in Pennsylvania, May 2013-April 2015.  Deputy director of field operations (Jan-April 2013) and deputy Victory director (June-Nov. 2012) for the Pennsylvania Republican Party.  Political director for U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy for Congress (PA-18), Jan.-May 2012.  Political director for Rick Perry for President in New Hampshire; and regional field director for Tim Pawlenty for President in New Hampshire.  Studied political science and history at University of Pittsburgh.  Originally from Mount Penn, Berks County, PA.  twitter

Deputy Director of Political Training  Matt Dailer

(Oct. 2015)  Executive director of the West Virginia Republican Party, Jan.-Oct. 2015; state director at the West Virginia Republican Party, July 2013-Dec. 2014.    Analyst in the West Virginia Legislature, Jan.-Apr.. 2013.  West Virginia field coordinator for Victory 2012, July-Nov. 2012.  Analyst in the West Virginia Legislature, Jan.-Mar. 2012.  B.A. in political science from Marshall University, 2011.

Political Training Coordinator  Caroline Hartman

Director of Turnout and Targeting  Jon Black

(May 2013)  Digital political director at Romney for President, Nov. 2011-Nov. 2012.  Political analyst at Target Victory, Feb.-Nov. 2011.  Voter programs for the Michigan Republican Party, Dec. 2009-Dec. 2010.  Republican Party of Virginia Victory, June-Nov. 2009.  Deputy director of political technology/Voter Vault (May 2008-March 2009) and a regional Voter Vault coordinator (April 2007-May 2008) at the RNC.  Worked on the Rhode Island Victory campaign in latter half of 2006, ID-ing and mobilizing likely voters in the U.S. Senate race.  Degree in political science from Allegheny College, 2006.

Budget Director-Political  Maggie Boyd

(2013)  Consultant to the Republican Party of Virginia, Sept.-Nov. 2012.  Deputy director of delegate services (Jan.-Aug. 2012) and deputy director of administration (2011) for the 2012 Republican National Convention.  Associate at Pike Associates LLC, 2009-11.  In 2008 serve as assistant to the vice president at the Republican National Convention, then deputy director of volunteer deployment at the RNC.  Government relations analyst (2007-08) and government relations assistant (2006-07) at Blank Rome Government Relations LLC.  Executive assistant at Hovde Financial LLC, 2004-06.  B.A. in political science from The George Washington University, 2004.


National Advisory Councils:
African American Advisory Council  |  Asian Pacific American Advisory Council  |  Hispanic Advisory Council

(announced March 3, 2014) "...to strengthen ties with minority communities and expand engagement efforts"

 

COMMUNICATIONS

Chief Strategist and Communications Director  Sean Spicer

(announced as chief strategist Feb. 2, 2015; announced as communications director Feb. 24, 2011)  Co-founder and partner at Endeavor Global Strategies since Feb. 2009.  Assistant United States Trade Representative (USTR) for Media and Public Affairs, 2006-09.  Communications director for the House Republican Conference, 2005-06.  Communications director on the House Budget Committee, 2003-05.  Director of incumbent retention at the NRCC, 2001-02.  Communications director on the House Government Reform Committee, 2000-01.  Has worked for members of Congress from New Jersey and Florida and on several local and congressional political campaigns.  B.A. in government from Connecticut College, 1993.  Commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy (Reserves).  twitter

Deputy Communications Director  Ryan Mahoney

RNC's principal deputy press secretary in the 2014 cycle and a regional press secretary during the 2012 election.  Joined the RNC in June 2011 from the Maryland Republican Party, where he served in a dual role as communications director and political director, March 2010-June 2011.  Field director (Jan. 2009-March 2010) and deputy communications director (started Jan. 2008) for the Republican Party of Wisconsin.  Communications at BT Health in London, May 2007-Jan. 2008.  Attended University of Wisconsin-Madison.  twitter

Deputy Communications Director and Research Director  Raj Shah

(see below)


Press Secretary  Allison Moore 

(announced Feb. 3, 2015)  Most recently served as press secretary for Sen. Mitch McConnell’s successful reelection campaign, Nov. 2013-Nov. 2014 and has worked for Leader McConnell for a number of years, including as broadcast communications advisor and deputy press secretary at the Senate Republican Communications Center.  Experience also includes independent contractor for the NRSC.  Undergraduate degree in political science from University of Kentucky.  Kentucky native.  twitter

Spokeswoman  Lyndsey Walters

(Jan. 2016)  Press secretary to Gov. Bruce Rauner (IL), Nov. 2014-Dec. 2015; press secretary at Citizens for Rauner, June-Nov. 2014.  Consultant at the Glover Park Group, June 2013-June 2014.  Degrees in marketing and communications from LeBow College at Drexel University, 2012.  twitter

Director of Rapid Response  Michael C. Short

(Jan. 2015)  Previously RNC regional press secretary from May 2013.  Communications director for RNC Victory in Virginia, June-Nov. 2012. Press secretary to Rep. Adrian Smith (NE), Oct. 2011-June 2012.  Assistant press secretary at the RNC, 2009-11.  Researcher at the NRSC, June-Sept. 2009.  Researcher at Texans for John Cornyn, May-Nov. 2008.  B.A. degrees in government and history from Texas Tech University, 2008.  twitter


Deputy Press Secretary for Conservative Media  James Hewitt

(Jan. 2015)  Previously RNC deputy director of media affairs from June 2014-Jan. 2015.  Associate at Dezenhall Resources, Sept. 2013-June 2014.  Radio producer at 630 WMAL, June-Nov. 2013.  B.A. from University of Colorado at Boulder., 2013.  He is the son of Hugh Hewitt, and served as an assistant producer and Facebook coordinator for the Hugh Hewitt Show, 2010-13.  twitter

Assistant Press Secretary  Natalie Strom

(Nov. 2015)  RNC press assistant, March-Nov. 2015.  Communications associate at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, July 2014-March 2015.  B.A. in political science from the University of Southern California, 2014.  twitter

Press Assistant  Lani Short

(Aug. 2015)  Program assistant at Booster Enterprises, Sept. 2014-May 2015. Degree in communication studies from University of Tennessee-Knoxville, 2014.

Press Assistant  Vanessa Morrone

(April 2015)  Communications director in the Wisconsin State Assembly, Dec. 2012-March 2015.  Scheduling/external relations coordinator in the Office of the Governor of Wisconsin, Sept.-Dec. 2012.  B.A. in broadcast and electronic communication from Marquette University, 2012.

Press Assistant  Caroline Anderegg

(Nov. 2015)  State policy associate at Americans for Tax Reform, June-Oct. 2015.  B.A. in American government at politics from Centre College, 2015.

Hispanic Media Communications Director  Helen Aguirre Ferré

(announced June 1, 2016)  A senior advisor to Jeb Bush's presidential campaign.  Chair of the Board of Trustees for Miami Dade College.  Host of "Issues" on WPBT from 1989.  Host of "Zona Politica con Helen Aguirre," daily national talk show on Univision America Radio, Aug. 2010-Jan. 2015.  Weekly columnist for The Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald.  Wrote for Diario las Americas newspaper.  M.A. in inter-American studies from University of Miami, 1983; B.A. in political science and government from Barry University.  twitter

National Director of Asian Pacific American Initiatives and APA Communications Director  Jason Chung

(announced April 9, 2013 as communications director for Asian and Pacific Islander Engagement)  Government relations consultant for the Livingston Group and managing partner at Gateway Consulting (GWC LLC) from Oct. 2007.  Congressional liaison in the Department of Homeland Security, 2006-07.  Executive director of the Maryland Governor’s Office on Asian Pacific American Affairs under Gov. Bob Ehrlich, 2005-06.   Consultant at the Livingston Group, 2004-05.  Legislative assistant/professional staff to the House Committee on Government Reform, 2003-04; press secretary/clerk at the House Subcommittee on National Security, Veterans Affairs, International Relations, 1999-2003.  Staff assistant to U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays, Jan.-June 1999.  B.A. in political science from Trinity College-Hartford, 1998.  twitter

Asian Pacific American Press Secretary  Ninio Fetalvo

(Jan. 2015)  RNC 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.  twitter


National Director of African American Initiatives and Media  Telly Lovelace

(announced Apr. 1, 2016)  Managing director at IR+ Media.  Director of communications in the offices of U.S. Reps. Michael Turner and Jerry Weller, as well as deputy communications director for Sen. Jim Talent.  Private sector experience includes senior manager of communications and public affairs for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufactures of America and chief of staff for the Center for Urban Renewal and Education. twitter

Senior Advisor for Black Media  Lucas Boyce

(Nov. 2015)  Previously director of business development and legislative affairs (July 2013-Nov. 2015) and director of community relations, multicultural insights, cause marketing and government affairs (July 2008-June 2013) for the Orlando Magic from July 2013.  Deputy associate director/director of African American and professional sports outreach in the Office of Public Liaison at the White House.  M.B.A. from Rollins College-Crummer Graduate School of Business; B.S. in political science and speech communication from University of Central Missouri, 2003.


Director of Media Affairs  Anna Sugg

(Feb. 2015)  Booker/guest greeter at Fox News, June 2013--Feb. 2015.  Radio booker and media specialist on Romney for President, June-Nov. 2012.  B.A. in political science and communication studies from Furman University, 2012.  twitter

Director of Surrogates and Media Training  Alex Stroman

(Aug. 2015)  Strategic communications specialist at Americans for Prosperity, Sept. 2014-Aug. 2015.  Political director on Mike Campbell for Lt. Governor, April-June 2014.  Communications director and spokesman in the South Carolina State Treasurer's Office, Oct. 2013-April 2014.  Executive director and spokesman (Jan.-Oct. 2013), political director (Oct. 2011-Jan. 2013), and deputy political director (May-Oct. 2011) for the South Carolina Republican Party.

Speechwriter  David Wilezol

(Sept. 2015)  Communications consultant at Viridis Learning, Feb.-Sept. 2015.  Producer of Bill Bennett's Morning in America for Salem Communications, Jan. 2011-Sept. 2015.  Paralegal at Carmel & Carmel, PC, May 2008-Jan. 2009.  M.A. in Greek and Latin from Catholic University of America, 2014; B.A. in history, international studies from American University, 2008.  twitter


Director of Film and Visual Media  Matthew Mazzone

(producer/editor from May 2012; initially in the strategy department, Jan.-May 2012)  Geologist I at ARCADIS in the Atlanta area, Jan. 2011-Jan. 2012.  B.S. in geology from University of Mississippi, 2010.  twitter

Deputy Director of Film and Visual Media  Lauren Hernandez

(from Jan. 2015; started as film and visual media assistant in Dec. 2013)  Creative services manager/production intern for TV10 News in Normal, IL, Jan. 2012-May 2013.  B.S. in mass media-TV production from Illinois State University, 2013.


War Room Director  Alex Arzoumanov

Campaign manager on Rep. Nan Hayworth's campaign in NY-18, Jan.-July 2014  Analyst at AlphaPipe, Sept.-Dec. 2013.  Budget director on Gabriel Gomez for Senate, Feb.-May 2013.  Director of reporting and analytics (Romney Victory) at Romney for President Feb.-Nov. 2012.  B.A. in government from Harvard University, 2010.  Owner/operator of Spün Yogurt, March 2009-Aug. 2010; owner/operator of Big Al's BBQ, 2007-08.

Deputy War Room Director  Noah Lucas

(Mar. 2015)  Press assistant on Sen. Mitch McConnell's re-election campaign, Feb.-Nov. 2014.


Regional Communications Director  Rick Gorka

Traveling press secretary on Romney for President from late Dec. 2011-Nov. 2012.  Communications director at the New Jersey Republican Party, Jan.-Dec. 2011.  Spokesman on Charlie Baker's campaign for governor of Massachusetts, March-Nov. 2010.  Regional communications director/regional press secretary at the RNC, Oct. 2009-March 2010.  Regional political director at Freedom's Watch starting Dec. 2007, with an interlude as regional communications director (West) on the McCain-Palin campaign.  Campaign manager for state Senate candidate Mark D. Tate in Virginia in 2007.  In 2006 Gorka served as field director for U.S. House candidate Gus Bilirakis and earlier as a field representative for U.S. Senate candidate Katherine Harris through the primary.  Staff assistant to U.S. Rep. George Nethercutt, 2001.  Spokane native.  twitter

RNC State Communications Directors ...
Colorado  Ali Pardo  
(April 2016)  Regional press secretary for the Southeast (Feb. 2015-Mar. 2016) and Hispanic media press secretary, (announced Oct. 31, 2013-Jan. 2015).  Press assistant (June 2011-Oct. 2013) and staff assistant (Jan.-June 2011) to Sen. Marco Rubio; interned on his 2010 Senate campaign.  Bachelor's degree in political science from The George Washington University, 2011.  twitter

Iowa  Lindsay Jancek
Communications director to U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (IN-2).  Communications director for the Indiana Senate Majority Caucus. Policy officer for the Lumina Foundation for Education.  Policy analyst in the Indiana House of Representatives. Master’s degree in public affairs from Purdue University; bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science from Indiana University.  twitter

Nevada  Sara Sendek
Communications director to U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy (WI); communications director for U.S. Rep. Stephen Fincher (TN) from 2011.  Press secretary on Ron Johnson's campaign for U.S. Senate in Wisconsin, 2010.  Southwest regional press secretary at the RNC to May 2010.  Director of rapid response at the White House, 2007-09.  Graduate of Indiana University.  Originally from Detroit.  twitter

New Hampshire  Johanna Persing
(Jan. 2016)  Communications director to U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello (PA-6), Jan. 2015-Jan. 2016.  Communications director on Barbara Comstock for Congress, June-Nov. 2014.  Director of radio (April 2013-June 2014),press assistant (Nov. 2011-April 2013) and intern (Aug.-Nov. 2011) at the RNC.  B.A. from Gettysburg College, 2011.  twitter

North Carolina  Kara Carter
(Feb. 2016)  Press secretary for the North Carolina Republican Party from July 2015.  Director, senior account executive, and account executive at Black Rock Group, Sept. 2013-July 2015.  Studied at UNC Greensboro and High Point University.  twitter

Ohio  Ryan Shucard
(July 2016)  Communications director to U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton (CO-3), Feb.-June 2016.  Press secretary to U.S. Rep. Tom Marino (PA-10), March 2014-Feb. 2016.  Media relations manager for the American Retirement Association, Sept. 2013-May 2014.  Associate for campaign services at DDC Advocacy, March-Sept. 2013.  Press and special projects assistant (May 2012-Jan. 2013) and staff assistant (Oct. 2011-May 2012) to U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT).  B.A. degrees in journalism and political science from University of Northern Colorado, 2011.  twitter

Virginia  Garren Shipley
(Oct. 2015)  Communications director for the Republican Party of Virginia, Jan. 2010-March 2015.  Reporter for a Northern Virginia daily, 2003-10.  Reporter for the Kingsport Times News, 1998-2003.  B.S. in mass communication/media studies from East Tennessee State University, 2000.  twitter

Communications-RESEARCH

  twitter  

Research Director and Deputy Director of Communications  Raj Shah

(announced Feb. 23, 2015)  Previously managing director at America Rising LLC from April 2013.  Deputy research director at the RNC from Jan. 2012-March 2013.  Research/communications consultant, 2010-11.  In the 2010 cycle Shah did research on the Carly for California campaign, very briefly was communications director on the Martinez for Governor campaign in New Mexico, and was communications director on Simmons for Senate in Connecticut.  Senior public policy specialist at Akin Gump.  Senior research analyst at the RNC in 2007-09.  Director of vetting on John McCain 2008 in 2007.  A research assistant at the White House, early 2007.  Junior research analyst at the RNC in 2006.  B.A. in government from Cornell University, 2006.  twitter

Deputy Research Director  Jeff Brownlee

(April 2015)  Senior research analyst at the RNC from May 2014.  Communications manager at the Online Lenders Alliance, July 2013-April 2014.  Senior communications associate at the Howard Consulting Group, Oct. 2012-June 2013.  Research director at WWP Stratgies, Jan. 2010-Sept. 2012.  Junior research analyst at the RNC, June-Dec. 2008.   B.A. in public relations from Westminster College  (PA), 2007.

Deputy Research Director for Policy  Adam Kennedy

(Jan. 2016)  Senior research analyst (May-Dec. 2015) and research analyst (Dec. 2013-May 2015) at the RNC.  Research analyst at the Center for American Freedom, Jan.-Dec. 2013.  B.A. in economics from Beloit College, 2010.

TECHNOLOGY, DIGITAL And Data 


TECHNOLOGY   ....software developers, operations, DevOps, and security
Chief Technology Officer  Darren Bolding

(Nov. 2015)  Chief technology officer on Scott Walker for America presidential campaign, March-Oct. 2015.  Director of DevOps at the RNC, March 2014-March 2015.  Network architect at Gazillion, Dec. 2012-Jan. 2014.  Director of systems engineering and infrastructure at Nebula, Inc., Nov. 2011-Dec. 2012.  Director of network engineering, information technology/security for Intellus, Nov. 2006-Sept. 2011.  Principal network architect at Digeo, Sept. 2002-Nov. 2006.  Director of professional services at Threshold Networks, 2000-02.  Manager, consulting at F5 Networks, 1998-2000.  Studied computer science and linguistics at Rice University.  twitter

Deputy CTO - Engineering  Puran Nebhnani

(Deputy CTO from Jan. 2016; started as director of engineering in Feb. 2014)  CTO/co-founder of BritSoft, May 2011-Aug. 2015.  Principal engineer  for various clients including National Geographic Society, US Marine Corps via SSG, Dec. 2007-Jan. 2014.  Technical lead at Pharad, LLC, March 2006-Dec. 2007.  Senior software architect and engineer at Corvis/Broadwing Communications (acquired b Level 3 Communications).  Member of technical staff at Bell Labs Lucent Technologies, 2000-01.Software engineer, 1996-2000.  M.S. in computer science and software engineering from Monmouth University 1996; B.S. in electronics engineering from University of Mumbai.

Deputy CTO - DevOps  Jonathan Dietz

...

Senior Front-End Engineer  Michio Aida

(Jan. 2016)  Senior front-end engineer at Data Trust, Aug. 2014-Jan. 2016.  Founder of Tactical Farm, Jan. 2007-Aug. 2014.  Co-founder of Aidacase, April 2010-Jan. 2014.  Marketing director at Benchmark Media Systems, June 2009-Sept. 2013.  Voter data consultant for several campaigns.  B.A. in art history from Syracuse University, 2004.

Para Bellum Labs (announced Feb. 4, 2014) "create a culture to allow the RNC to innovate faster and recruit more talented people who can build digital platforms to understand public opinion, engage voters and power elections." >


DIGITAL     ....marketing, social media
Chief Digital Officer  Gerrit Lansing

(announced May 1, 2015)  Digital director at the NRCC in the 2012 and 2014 cycles.  Press secretary at the House Budget Committee from June 2011.  New media director to U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam, 2010-11.  Blogger at the Heritage Foundation, 2008-10.  B.A. in classical languages from Sewanee-The University of the South, 2007.  twitter

Deputy Digital Director  Samantha Osborne

(Aug. 2016)  Digital director for the Committee on Arrangements of the 2016 Republican National Convention from 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.

Digital Operations Manager  Katlyn Karnes

(Dec. 2015)  Political account executive at FLS Connect, Jan. 2014-Nov. 2015.  A field director for the Republican Party of Virginia, July-Nov. 2013.  Northern Virginia regional field director on Corey Stewart for Lieutenant Governor, Feb.-May 2013.  Project manager at Romney for President, June-Nov. 2012.  B.S. in communications from James Madison University, 2010.

Senior Advisor for Digital  Mindy Finn

(announced as senior advisor on Jan. 28, 2015)  Senior advisor and consultant in residence at IMGE from Feb. 2016.  Founder (2015) of MissChief Media and president (from 2013) of Mindy Finn, Inc..  Director of strategic partnerships at Twitter, late 2011-2013.  Joined Patrick Ruffini at the digital consultancy Engage following the 2008 campaign; work while at Engage included consultant on online strategy to McDonnell for Governor and to Tim Pawlenty's Freedom First PAC.    Director of eStrategy on Mitt Romney's 2008 campaign.  Director of new media and technology on Sen. Rick Santorum's 2006 campaign.  Deputy eCampaign director at the RNC starting in early 2005.  Deputy webmaster on Bush-Cheney '04.  Worked on Capitol Hill for Congressman Lamar Smith (R-TX), as legislative correspondent and webmaster, and for Sen. Michael Enzi (R-WY).  Prior to entering politics, Finn was a congressional correspondent for the Connecticut Republican-American (Waterbury).  M.S. in political management from The George Washington University, 2007; B.A. from Boston University, 2002.  Originally from Houston, Texas. twitter

Digital Strategy  Tyler Brown

(announced as deputy communications director on June 6, 2011)  During the 2010 cycle Brown was director of rapid response at the RNC and earlier served as northeast regional press secretary.  In the 2008 general election campaign Brown served as communications director for Victory 2008 in Virginia.  Field representative (Hillsborough County) on Mitt Romney's NH primary campaign.  Staff assistant, then legislative correspondent, then press secretary then communications director to Rep. Thelma Drake (VA), 2005-07.  B.A. in government and economics from the University of Virginia in 2003.  Originally from Charlottesville, VA.  twitter


Senior Director Digital Advertising  Gary Coby

(July 2015)  Senior sales executive at Intermarkets, Inc., May 2014-July 2015.  Director of account strategy at The Prosper Group, March 2012-May 2014.  Washington DC manager at Donor Circle (a fundraising startup), July 2011-Jan. 2012.  Project director at Engage, LLC, Feb. 2009-Dec. 2010.  New media operations manager at TownHall.com, April 2008-Jan. 2009. Director of email strategy on Romney for President, April 2007-Feb. 2008.  Campaign manager on Anne McCarthy for State Comptroller (MD), Sept.-Nov. 2006.  Campaign manager on Kerry King for Lt. Gov. (RI), July-Sept. 2006.  Director of operations at Michael Steele for U.S. Senate, July 2005-June 2006.

Director of Marketing Technology  Michael Babyak

(July 2015)  Digital director at American Action Forum, April 2014-July 2015.  Digital media and communications manager for Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America, Aug. 2013-April 2014.  Political analyst at Targeted Victory, Dec. 2011-July 2013.  Press secretary (Nov. 2010-Dec. 2011) and director of new media (Nov. 2007-Nov. 2010) to U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry (NC).   A.B. in politics from Princeton University.  From Kernersville, NC.

Director of Analytics & Optimization  Michael Escoto

(Aug. 2016)  Senior digital strategist at the NRCC, March 2015-Aug. 2016.  Manager (March 2014-Jan. 2015) and political analyst (Sept. 2011-March 2013) at Targeted Victory.  Deputy political director for the California Republican Party, Sept.-Dec. 2010.  Deputy field director on Meg Whitman for Governor, March-Aug. 2010.  Director of social media optimization for Monaco Group, April 2009-March 2010.  Absentee ballot/early vote director for the Nevada Republican Party, July-Nov. 2008.  Studied political science at the University of Southern California.

Marketing Strategist  John O'Keefe

(Sept. 2015)  Digital communications specialist at Vertical Strategies, March 2013-Sept. 2015.  Web content producer at The Heritage Foundation, May 2009-March 2013; started as an intern in Jan. 2009.  B.A. in political philosophy from The University of Dallas, 2008.

Project Manager, Digital Optimization & Analytics  Alex Varisco

(Aug. 2016)  Digital operations manager for the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, OH, May-Aug. 2016.  Guest tainer for Apple, June 2010-May 2016.  Production assistant for Oneida Nation Enterprises, Turning Stone Resort and Casino, Jan. 2010-Aug. 2011.  Bachelor's degree in political science and government from Daemen College, 2007.

Digital Advertising Coordinator  Harold Smith



Deputy Digital Political Director/Email Marketing Manager  Jenny Romano

(deputy digital political director from July 2016; started as email marketing manager in March 2015)  Digital political coordinator for the Republican Party of Florida, March-Dec. 2014.  Campaign manager on Colangelo for Congress (Stockton, CA), June-Nov. 2013.  Grassroots coordinator/consultant for RedRock Strategies, Jan.-June 2013.  Co-owner/business manager at Straight Up Theater, March 2011-Jan. 2013.  Field representative for RNC/Team Nevada, June-Nov. 2012.  Office manager, 2011-12.  Field representative (Anaheim and Costa Mesa) for the California Republican  Party, Sept.-Nov. 2010.

Digital Marketing Coordinator  Kelsey Jarrett

(Jan. 2015 to July 2016)   Digital standards at the NRSC, April-Dec. 2014.  Google+ community partnerships political team, May 2013-April 2014.  B.S. in human organization and development from Vanderbilt University, 2013.

Senior Digital Marketing Strategist  Russ Estreito

(June 2015; and from May 2016 chief copywriter/senior digital marketing strategist for Trump Make America Great Again Committee)  Communications director at Harden Global, Feb.-Sept. 2014.  Management assistant at HMMY Property Management, Aug. 2013-Jan. 2014.  Regional field manager for the RNC in NC and WI, July-Nov. 2012.  B.A. in philosophy and political science from Loyola Marymount University,  2012.


GOP Store Manager and Membership Coordinator  Alex Sarp

(started in April 2014 as a staff assistant)  Special assistant to the president/development coordinator at the Institute for Justice, Feb. 2013-April 2014.  Advance on Romney for President, July-Nov. 2012.  B.A. in political science and government from Texas State University-San Marcos, 2012.  Working toward a Master's degree in forensic psychology from Marymount University.


Social Media Director  Lara Barger

(Dec. 2015; started as social data manager in March 2015)  Strategic communications coordinator (March 2014-March 2015) and marketing coordinator (May 2012-Feb. 2014) at The Heritage Foundation; started as an intern in Jan. 2012.  Master's degree from The George Washington University; bachelor's degree from Boston College.

Digital Coordinator  Mallory Blount

(Aug. 2016)  Bachelor's degree in digital and broadcast journalism from The University of Georgia, 2016.


Director of GIS Coordinator  Bradley Walp

(Dec. 2013)  Promoted from GIS coordinator, Jan. 2007-Nov. 2013; started at the RNC as a data analyst, April 2004-Dec. 2006.  Staff assistant at PhRMA, Sept. 2003-March 2004.  B.A. in political science/sociology from Bucknell University, 2001.

Special Projects Director  Adam Kincaid

(April 2013)  National data director (May 2012-March 2013). Southeast regional political director (Sept. 2011-Sept. 2012) and redistricting coordinator (Feb. 2011-Aug. 2012) at the NRCC.  Director of policy and research and deputy political director at the RGA, Jan. 2007-Jan. 2011.  Voter programs director at the Georgia Republican Party, Sept. 2005-Dec. 2006.  Attended law school at the College of William and Mary, 2012-13; M.P.A. from the University of Georgia, 2006; B.A. in history and religion from Florida State University, 2003.


DATA  
...At the Jan. 2016 RNC Winter Meeting, Chairman Priebus reported the RNC has over 25 data staff.
Chief Data Officer  Jesse Kamzol

(announced Jan. 28, 2015) Deputy data director in the 2014 cycle; deputy strategy director from April 2012; list development director, May 2010-April 2012; and voter registration coordinator/election data analyst, May 2008-May 2010.  Legislative assistant at Kessler and Associates, June 2007-May 2008.  Field staffer at Vern Buchanan for Congress, May-Nov. 2006.  B.A. in economics and political science from University of Michigan, 2007.

Deputy Chief Data Officer  Liam O'Rourke

Previously worked on voter file development, as election data coordinator, and as a data analyst; started at the RNC in June 2009  B.A. in government from Georgetown University, 2009.

Director of Data Science and Analytics  Nicholas Sharkey

(Sept. 2015)  Director of data science at Scott Walker for America, July-Sept. 2015, and at Our American Revival, March-July 2015.  Senior data analyst at the RNC, March 2014-March 2015.  Director of reporting services at Georgetown University, Sept. 2012-March 2014.  Program analyst at the Transportation Security Administration (US DOT), Jan. 2011-May 2012.  CRM database manager for the Phoenix Suns, July 2010-Jan. 2011.  Senior analyst at CVS Caremark Corporation, May-Nov. 2009.  Senior analyst at US Airways, Oct. 2007-May 2009.  Business analyst at National Instruments, Nov. 2006-Sept. 2007.  Senior analyst and analyst at US Airways, Oct. 2003-Sept. 2006.   M.P.A. in public administration from Arizona State University, 2010; B.S. in financial management from Northern Michigan University, 2002.

Lead Data Scientist  Hubert Shang

(Feb. 2014)  B.S. degrees in statistics and mathematics from Virginia Polytechnic, 2013.  Interm mathematical statistician at the U.S. Census Bureau in summers 2010 and 2011.

Director of Business Intelligence [Data Visualization]  Patrick C. Stewart

(July 2015)  Business development manager at Nabell USA, Oct. 2013-Feb. 2015.  Client support and software QA manager (May-Sept. 2013) and RNC data connect support technician at FLS Connect, April 2012-May 2013.  Data director for the Republican Party of Iowa, Dec. 2010-March 2012; data coordinator for the Iowa Victory Campaign, May-Nov. 2010.  B.A. in political science from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2010.

Data Integration Coordinator  Brian Parnitzke

(April 2014)  Northern Virginia field director for Americans for Prosperity, June-Dec. 2013.  Deputy campaign manager on Jeannemarie Davis for Lt. Gov., Nov. 2012-May 2013.  SE Wisconsin field coordinator for Americans for Prosperity, Aug.-Nov. 2012.  B.A. in English language and literature from University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2012.

Director of External Support  Conor Maguire

Started at the RNC in Dec. 2011 working on voter data development.  Campaign manager on John Barsa for Delegate, Fall 2011.  Deputy campaign manager on Mara 2011 in mid-2011.  Connecticut Victory Director, 2010-11.  W. Mass. field director on Scott Brown for U.S. Senate.  Victory field director for Northern Colorado in Fall 2008.  Undergraduate degree from Villanova University, 2009.

Director of Political Data Support  Ashley Burns

(2015)  Director of client services at GOP Data Trust, April 2014-April 2015; also senior analyst for Causeway Solutions, LLC from April 2014.  Strategy division at the RNC, June 2012-2014.  Data director (Jan.-June 2012) and IT coordinator (May 2011-Jan. 2012) for the Republican Party of Wisconsin.  B.A. in political science and Spanish from University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2011.


> The Washington Examiner's David Drucker reported on May 24, 2016 that, "The RNC data and digital department employs 44, including data directors employed to each battleground state. Five staff members are focused on technology."


GOP Data Trust

(not part of the RNC, but described by NR's Eliana Johnson as "effectively a subsidiary of the RNC"...maintaining the voter file, data sharing)

See also:
Matea Gold.  "Koch network strikes new deal to share voter data with RNC-aligned firm."  The Washington Post, July 29, 2015. +
RNC press release "RNC Announces 2016 Data Agreements."  May 7, 2015.
Eliana Johnson.  "RNC’s Data Push Greeted with Skepticism."  National Review, Feb. 12, 2014.
Eliana Johnson.  "The GOP's Data Surge."  National Review, Jan. 16, 2014.
Kirsten Andersen.  "Data Wars: As GOP races to catch up with Dems before 2014, will social conservatives be left behind?"  LifeSiteNews, June 11, 2013.
Jon Ward.  "Liberty Works, Karl Rove-Backed Group, No Longer Part Of RNC's Big Data Plans.  Huffington Post, June 6, 2013.

"We're a small team of technologists, data experts, and politicos spread across three time zones." >
President  John DeStefano
(July 2013)  Senior advisor in the Office of the Speaker, Jan. 2011-July 2013.  Deputy executive director at the NRCC, Jan. 2009-Jan 2011.  Political director to House Republican Leader John A. Boehner, Jan. 2007-Jan. 2011; Office of the House Republican Leader at the NRCC, Jan. 2007-Jan. 2009.  Campaign manager at Pryce for Congress, March-Dec. 2006.  Coalitions director at the House Republican Conference, 2001-06.

Data Director  Ellen Brendenkoetter
(Nov. 2015)  Deputy chief data officer at Scott Walker, Inc. from June-Sept. 2015, and at Our American Revival from March-June 2015.  National data director (April 2014-March 2015) and regional data director (Jan.-Mar. 2014) at the NRCC.  B.A. in political science from University of Alabama, Dec. 2013.  Deputy director of political analytics on Romney for President, March-Nov. 2012; political on Romney for President, May 2011-Mar. 2012.

Data  Bill Skelly
Also partner at Causeway Solutions LLC in New Orleans from June 2013.  RNC deputy strategy director for external support from end of 2009 to Jan. 2013.  Project manager/data engineer at Airnet Group Inc, May-Dec. 2009.  Director of voter file development on the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee, May 2007-Jan. 2008.  Voter file development at the RNC, May 2001-May 2007.  B.S. in communications, legal studies, economics and government from American University, 2001.

Data Operations Manager  Dishant Rana
(Nov. 2015)  Data scientist at Scott Walker Inc., April-Sept. 2015.  Risk management data analyst at M3 Insurance, Jan.-May 2015.  B.S. in statistics and economics from University of Wisconsin Madison, 2014.

Technology Manager  Tyler Satre
(Sept. 2015) Started as a regional data coordinator, Sept. 2014-Sept. 2015.  Worked as a loan officer from April 2012-Sept. 2014.  Studied at Virginia Polytechnic.

COO  Matthew Lakin
(July 2015)  Started as director of business development for Data Trust, Sept. 2014-June 2015.  Resident program office in Amman, Jordan (June 2012-April 2013) for the International Republican Institute; acting resident country director (Aug. 2011-May 2012) and resident program officer (Jan. 2008-Aug. 2011) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia for the International Republican Institute.  B.A. double major in economics and biology from Hampden-Sydney College, 2012.

Director of Operations  Mary Kimball Bridgers
(Aug. 2014)  Audit associate at KPMG US, July 2013-July 2014.  Master of Accountancy from University of Mississippi, 2013; Bachelor of Accountancy from Mississippi State University, 2012.

Client Services Director - Polling  Brynna McCosker
(July 2015)  Field operations director at Fabrizio, Lee & Associates, June 2010-June 2015.  Director of operations at Clarus Research Group (division of Qorvis), Sept. 2006-June 2010.  Senior field manager at Wirthlin Worldwide/Harris Interactive, May 2001-Sept. 2006.


Information Technology

IT Director/Director of Network Operations  Dirk Eyman

(since Jan. 2005)  IT director for Bush-Cheney ’04. Network architect at the RNC, 2000-03. University of Arizona.

Deputy Director of IT  Mike Gilding

(at the RNC since Feb. 2006)  Studied at Catawba College.

FINANCE

Finance Director  Cara Mason

(announced March 2, 2014)  Joined the RNC as regional finance director in Jan. 2014.  Previously deputy finance director at the NRSC, Feb.-Dec. 2013.  Vice president at Mercury.  Finance on Jon Huntsman for President, June 2011-Jan. 2012.  Finance director on Dino Rossi for U.S. Senate, July-Nov. 2010.  Regional finance director at the NRSC, March 2009-July 2010.  PAC manager at the National Association of Home Builders, 2007-09.  Account representative at Commonwealth Consultants, 2006-07.  Legislative correspondent in the U.S. House, 2005-06.  M.A. in government from The Johns Hopkins University; B.S. in administrative management from Missouri State University.

Deputy Finance Director-Direct Marketing  Jim Rowley

(2007)  Deputy finance director for direct mail and phones on Bush-Cheney '04.  B.A. in history from Mary Washington College, 1991.


Direct Mail  Katie Phillips

(Feb. 2003; director of the Chairman's Advisory Board and the President's Club from April 2010-Jan. 2013, and direct marketing staff assistant, July 2009-April 2010)  Studied diplomacy and foreign affairs, political science at Miami University.

Major Donor Programs

Regents  (Director - )
Team 100  (Director - Annie Baker)
Eagles  (Director - Kirstin Hopkins)
Chairman's Advisory Board  (Director - Megan Novak)
President's Club  (Director - Megan Novak)
Majority Fund (PAC)  (Director - Matt Welsh)

and

Presidential Trust
Chairman  Rep. Paul Ryan (announced Jan. 13, 2015)  "money that will be spent in direct coordination with the Republican presidential nominee’s campaign." 

and


Joint Fundraising Committees (announced May 17, 2016)

Trump Victory - RNC, Donald J. Trump for President, and State Republican Parties in AR, CT, LA, MS, NJ, NY, SC, TN, VA, WV and WY.

Leadership (announced May 24, 2016)  - State Victory Finance Chairs (announced July 1, 2016)
Trump Make America Great Again Committee - RNC and Donald J. Trump for President


Director for Finance Events  Ramsey Ratcliffe

(Aug. 2015)  Special events coordinator in the office of Speaker John Boehner, June 2012-Aug. 2015.  Studied at the University of Kansas.


Director of Operations  Mallory Hunter

Special projects coordinator (May-Oct. 2013), political coordinator (Jan. 2012-May 2013) and direct marketing coordinator (June 2011-Jan. 2012) at the NRCC.  B.S. in family and consumer sciences, child and family development from the University of Georgia, 2011.

Administration

CFO/Director of Administration  Robert Owens, CPA

(Sept. 2014)  Chief financial officer and executive vice president of finance and administration at Cassidy & Associates Inc, from June 2001.   Regional controller/CFO at Weber Shandwick-CMG, June 2005-June 2007.  Senior vice president of operations and finance at Powell Tate, March 1998-June 2001.  Director of finance at Hill & Knowlton, July 1996-March 1998.  Vice president of finance and administration at Hoffman Morrison & Fitzgerald, 1995-96.  Financial advisor at American Express Financial Advisors, 1994-95.  Director of finance for the National Victims Center, 1993-94.  Audit manager at Hoffman, Dykes & Fitzgerald, 1998-93.  Audit senior at Aronson & Company 1985-88.  B.B.A. from The College of William and Mary 1985.

Chief Accounting Officer  Steve Corder, CPA, CGMA, and MBA

(Aug. 2013)  Senior director of business operations at Citizenlink, May-Aug. 2013.  CFO at Americans for Prosperity Foundation, Jan. 2011-April 2013.  Executive director of finance at Focus on the Family, Dec. 1997-May 2010.  B.S.B.A. in management and M.B.A. in finance from the University of Denver, 1982.

Manager of Budgeting and Forecasting  Charlie Dankert

(from May 2016; previously senior accountant and budget analyst from Mar. 2015)  B.S. in political science and accounting from Belmont University, 2014.

Director of Human Resources  Tinna Jackson 

(March 2015)  Director of administration at Equal Justice Works, July 2013-Mar. 2015).  Executive administrator for the Entertainment Software Association and Aegis Defense Services, Feb. 2012-July 2013.  Deputy chief of staff (Oct. 2007-July 2011) and director of administration, executive assistant (Feb. 2001-May 2007) to U.S. Sen. John Ensign.  Assistant to the managing partner and office scheduler at Ball Janik LLP.  B.A. In management from National Louis University.

MEMBER Events and Relations

Director of Member Events and Relations  Tory Maguire

Deputy director of member services in the 2010 cycle; started at the RNC in 2006.  Graduate of Villanova University, 2005.

Deputy Director of Member Relations  Rebecca Heilig

(May 2011)  Scheduler for U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise (LA), Dec. 2009-May 2011.  Staff assistant in the Office of Appointments and Scheduling at the White House, Aug. 2007-Jan. 2009.  B.A. in English, history from the College of William and Mary, 2007.

Constituent Services


LEGAL

Chief Counsel  John Phillippe

(July 2009)  Counsel to the McDonnell for Governor campaign in mid-2009. Associate at Latham & Watkins LLP, Dec. 2005-March 2009. J.D./M.B.A. from the University of Virginia Darden Graduate School of Business Administration, 2005; undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1996.

Deputy Chief Counsel  Justin Riemer

(Nov. 2014)  Elections and political consultant at JJR Consulting, LLC, Jan 2014-Jan. 2015.  Deputy Secretary of the State Board of Elections of Virginia, Nov. 2010-Jan. 2014.  Deputy director of the Republican National Lawyers Association, April 2009-Nov. 2010.  Associate counsel on John McCain 2008, Sept. 2007-Jan. 2009.  J.D. from University of Baltimore School of Law, 2007; bachelor's degree, double major in history and religion from Gettysburg College, 2003.

Associate Counsel  S. Cooper Hawley

(June 2014; started at the RNC as a law clerk from Aug. 2013-June 2014)  J.D. from Wake Forest University School of Law, 2013.  B.S. in natural resources management and policy from Cornell University, 2019.  Experience includes campaign director on Hawley for New York State Assembly, March-Nov. 2010.

Associate Counsel  Christina Schaengold

(June 2015)  Manager of Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Dec. 2012-June 2015.  J.D. from George Mason School of Law, 2012; B.A. in political science and government from University of Florida, 2009.

AND

Committee on Arrangements (responsible for planning and managing convention activities)
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.



Standing Committee on Presidential Primary Debates +
Chairman  Steve Duprey

(announced Aug. 8, 2014)  President at The Duprey Companies and Foxfire Property Management.  Key advisor on John McCain's 2008 presidential campaign.  Duprey served for about nine years in two stints as chairman of the NH GOP, during the 2000 cycle (elected Jan. 1997, re-elected Jan. 1999 and served through Jan. 2001) and earlier from 1993 to Oct. 1995.  Ran for Congress in 1992.  Real estate developer in Concord.  Attorney.  While in college in 1972 at age 19 elected to the NH state legislature  and served two terms.  J.D. from Cornell Law School, 1978.  Bachelor's degree in public policy from New College, 1974.  Grew up in North Conway.


Notes:
2016 Winter Meeting - Charleston, SC (Belmond Charleston Place), Jan. 12-16, 2016.  Schedule
2016 Spring Meeting
- Hollywood, FL (Diplomat Resort), April 20-22, 2016.  Priebus remarks

2015 Winter Meeting - San Diego, CA (Hotel del Coronado), Jan. 14-16, 2015.  Schedule, releases
2015 Spring Meeting - Scottsdale, AZ (The Phoenician Hotel), May 13-15, 2015.  Priebus remarks
2015 Summer Meeting - Cleveland, OH (Renaissance Cleveland Hotel), Aug. 7-10, 2015.

2014 Winter Meeting - Washington, DC (Renaissance Downtown), Jan. 22-24, 2014.  Report
2014 Spring Meeting - Memphis, TN (Peabody Hotel), May 7-9, 2014.  Schedule, developments, Priebus remarks
2014 Summer Meeting - Chicago, IL (Westin Michigan Avenue), Aug. 6-9, 2014.  Schedule, development, Priebus remarks

2013 Winter Meeting -
Charlotte, NC (Westin Charlotte), Jan. 23-26, 2013.  Priebus remarks
2013 Spring Meeting
- Hollywood, CA (Loews Hollywood), April 10-13, 2013.  Priebus remarks  |  Rules change? (2)
2013 Summer Meeting - Boston, MA (The Westin Boston Waterfront), Aug. 14-16, 2013.  Priebus remarks  |  Clinton films  |  Rising Stars program  |  Rules change?



FORMER STAFF


Hispanic Media Communications Director  Ruth Guerra

(late Aug. 2014, succeeded by Helen Aguirre Ferré June 2016)  Communications director  to U.S. Rep. Sam Johnson from March 2013.  Press secretary at the LIBRE Initiative, May 2012-March 2013.  Press secretary to U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, Jan 2011-May 2012.  Staff assistant to U.S. Rep. Sam Johnson, June 2010-Jan. 2011.  B.S. in political science, general business from Texas Christian University, 2010.  twitter

National Field Director for African-American Initiatives  Kristal Quarker-Hartsfield   ...to director of intergov. affairs for Gov. Larry Hogan

(announced May 14, 2013 to April 1, 2016)  Experience includes professional staff for the House Foreign Affairs Committee, director of business outreach and communications for the House Republican Policy Committee, senior legislative advisor to Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, and state minority coalitions director for the Tennessee Republican Party.  Master's in public administration/international relations from Troy University, 2006; B.A. in political science/international relations from University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2004.

Communications Director for Black Media  Orlando Watson

(announced Oct. 9, 2013 to Mar. 4, 2016)  Communications director/press secretary for U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar (AZ), Jan.-Oct. 2013.  Deputy press secretary (2011-Jan. 2013) and press assistant (Jan.-June 2011) to U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (KY); started working for Paul as an aide on his 2010 campaign.  B.A. in public policy from The College of William and Mary, 2010.  twitter


also former

Liaison from the Trump Campaign  Ed Brookover
(announced June 15, 2016 and announced earlier by the Trump campaign on March 11)  Campaign manager (from Jan. 1, 2016) and senior strategist (from beginning of March 2015) on Ben Carson's campaign.  Chairman of Greener and Hook’s political practice, has over 30 years experience in campaign politics.  Political director for the NRCC from 1995-99.  Political director for the NRSC during the 1988 campaign cycle.  National field director for the RNC in the 1986 cycle serving under then RNC political director Bill Greener.  twitter



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