Republican National Committee – 2019-20

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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 ("the 168")

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.

Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel (MI)

(announced Dec. 14, 2016; elected Jan. 19, 2017, re-elected Jan. 25, 2019) Previously chair of the Michigan Republican Party, elected Feb. 21, 2015. Has "worked as a manager for the staffing firm Ajilon, as a business manager for the video company Mills James Productions, and as a production manager for SRCP Media." B.A. in English from Brigham Young University. First campaign was as a driver on her mother Ronna Romney's 1994 run for U.S. Senate. Resident of Northville. (She is Mitt Romney's niece; daughter of Ronna Romney who married G. Scott Romney, Mitt Romney's brother). twitter

Co-Chair Tommy Hicks, Jr.

(elected Jan. 25, 2019) Chairman of America First Action PAC and America First Policies. National finance co-chairman for Trump’s 2016 campaign, then vice chairman of the finance committee for the presidential inauguration. Partner of Hicks Holdings LLC (from 2015), "a family investment firm looking for opportunistic control, co-control or growth equity investments of all sizes." Also founding partner of Scout SSG, LLC, "an investment firm looking primarily to deploy capital into distressed and other special situations." An analyst at Greenhill, a New York-based merchant banking firm. Graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2001. See also: Tarini Parti. "Trump's 'Low-Profile' 'Ulitimate Loyalist' Now Has More Power Ahead Of 2020." BuzzFeed, Feb. 11, 2019. twitter

Treasurer Ron Kaufman (MA)

(elected Jan. 25, 2019) Senior advisor at Denton's. Senior advisor to Mitt Romney's 2012 presidential campaign. At Dutko Grayling; joined the firm in 1994. Top advisor in the White House during George H.W. Bush's presidency, initially White House Personnel Director and then Assistant to the President and the White House Political Director. Founded Vice President Bush's PAC and ran his 1988 primary campaign in New Hampshire. National campaign director for Vice President Bush's 1984 reelection campaign. Regional then national political director of the Republican National Committee under President Reagan. Started his career in national politics in 1978 with George H. W. Bush's campaign for president.

Secretary Vicki Drummond (AL)

(elected Jan. 25, 2019)

General Counsel

Finance Chairman Todd Ricketts

(approved by the full RNC on Feb. 2, 2018) Ricketts is co-owner of the Chicago Cubs, and son of Joe Ricketts the founder of Ameritrade. With his wife owns Higher Gear bike shop in Wilmette. Served as director and CEO of Ending Spending, Inc., a group founded by his father in 2010. Also of note, on Nov. 30, 2016 President-elect Trump nominated Ricketts to be Deputy Commerce Secretary, but he withdrew from consideration on April 19, 2017.

Chairman of the Budget Committee (12 members)

Chairman of the RNC Standing Committee on Resolutions (9 members)

Chairman of the RNC Standing Committee on Rules (56 members)

Chairman of the State Chairmen

Executive

Chief of Staff Richard Walters

(reported as interim on Aug. 31, 2017 by Politico) Walters succeeded Sara Armstrong; he had been serving as finance director (announced Feb. 6, 2017) and was a four-year veteran of the RNC finance team, including as regional finance director for the Northeast and Midwest. Part of the Mitt Romney for President and Romney Victory fundraising operations. Fundraising experience for statewide campaigns and other national political organizations.

Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications Mike Reed

(announced Mar. 1, 2019) Research director and deputy director of communications at the RNC in the 2018 cycle (announced Mar. 8, 2017). Founder and president of Rive Delta Strategies LLC in Baton Rouge, LA, Feb. 2016-Feb. 2017. Communications director (Feb. 2014-Jan. 2016) and deputy communications director (Feb. 2013-Feb. 2014) to Gov. Bobby Jindal (LA),. Research director (Jan. 2011-Dec. 2012) and senior research analyst (2010 cycle) at the NRSC. Researcher at McCarthy Marcus Hennings, April-Dec. 2008. Research analyst on former Gov. Mitt Romney's presidential campaign, Jan. 2007-Feb. 2008. B.A. in public policy from Hobart College, 2006. Boston native. twitter

Chief Operating Officer Tinna Jackson

(announced Mar. 1, 2019) Chief human resources officer for the 2018 cycle (from Nov. 2017) and director of human resources and deputy director of the administration division (from March 2015) at the RNC. 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.

TRUMP VICTORY

- Trump Victory is the merged field/fundraising operation of the RNC and the Donald J. Trump for President campaign -

Trump Victory Political Director Chris Carr

(announced Mar. 1, 2019) Pollitical director for Donald J. Trump for President re-election announced May 23, 2018. Political director at the RNC in the 2016 cycle, 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.

NIne Regional Political Directors:
Northeast (ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, RI and VT) Elissa Voccola

(from Mar. 2017) New Hampshire deputy state director on Marco Rubio for President, May 2015-Mar. 2016. Executive director of the New Hampshire Republican Party, Feb.-May 2015. Executive director of the Connecticut Republican Party, May 2013-Jan. 2015. Colorado field director on Romney for President in the fall campaign; during the primaries served as the Romney campaign's Utah and Wyoming director, from Nov. 2011. Political director at the Connecticut Republican Party, Aug.-Nov. 2011. Field manager on Tim Pawlenty for President, May-Aug. 2011. Legislative aide in the Connecticut House, Dec. 2010-May 2011. Political director on Sam Caligiuri for Congress, June-Nov. 2010. Field representative on Simmons for U.S. Senate, Nov. 2009-May 2010. Degree in political science, history, communications from Western Connecticut State University, 2010; earlier studied at Clarkson University. twitter

Mid-Atlantic (DE, MD, MI, PA and DC) Jon Black

(from Apr. 2017) [Based in Harrisburg] Director of turnout and targeting for the RNC, May 2013-Apr. 2017. 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.

Southern Atlantic (KY, NC, SC, TN and VA) Jason Simmons

(Mar. 2019) Associate Administrator at the U.S. Small Business Administration, Nov. 2017-Mar. 2019. Chief of staff (Apr.-Nov. 2017) and senior White House advisor (Jan.-Apr. 2017) for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. North Carolina state director for the Trump campaign, Aug.-Nov. 2016. Comes to the campaign from the Office of Gov. Pat McCrory. Senior advisor to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, April 2013-Dec. 2015. Worked in Office of Gov. Pat McCrory, Jan.-April 2013. Regional manager for Charlotte on RNC Victory in North Carolina; during the South Carolina primary campaign, Simmons was field director assistant at Mitt Romney for President and executive director of South Carolina Students for Mitt Romney. M.A. in international studies, international relations and foreign policy analysis (2012) and B.A. in political science, Islamic studies (2010) from University of South Carolina-Columbia. Combat medic/mental health specialist in the U.S. Army Reserve, 1996-2004.

Florida Alex Garcia

(Apr. 2019) Chief of staff to Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez, Nov. 2018-Apr. 2019. Political director for House campaigns for the Republican Party of Florida, Jan. 2017-Nov. 2018. RNC deputy state director (July 2015-Nov. 2016) and director of Hispanic initiatives (from Oct. 2013) in Florida.Legislative aide to state Rep. Michael Bileca, Jan. 2011-Sept. 2013. Campaign manager on Michael Bileca for State Rep., May-Nov. 2012. Legislative aide (Nov. 2010-Jan. 2011) and district aide (Jan.-Nov. 2010) to state Sen. Anitere Flores. Deputy campaign manager on Anitere Flores for State Senate in 2010. B.S. in health science from Florida International University, 2008. twitter

Ohio Valley (IL, IN, OH, WV and WI) Clayton Henson

(reportd by Cleveland.com on May 2019) Most recently a regional political director at the White House. Ohio coalitions director on Trump's 2016 campaign. Manager of regional services for Sec. of State Jon Husted and deputy campaign manager on Husted's 2014 re-election campaign. Marine Corps veteran. Pickaway County, OH native.

Midwest (IA, KS, MN, NE, ND, OK, SD and TX) Stephanie (Milligan) Alexander

Founding partner (Sept. 2015) at 26/7 Lifestyle Management in Oklahoma City and president of HERA Consulting from June 2014. Battleground states director on Trump's 2016 campaign from June; previously Midwest regional political director, promotion announced March 3, 2016, and earlier served as state director in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Vice president of government relations at Capitol Insight, Nov. 2010-June 2014; vice president at Alexander Companies, May 2010-Dec. 2014. State chairman of the Oklahoma Federation of Young Republicans, June 2010-July 2013. Finance director on several campaigns. Legislative assistant in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, Nov. 2009-June 2010. Loan officer at the Oklahoma Employees Credit Union, Oct. 2008-May 2009. twitter

Southern Gulf (AL, AR, GA, LA, MS, MO and Carribean territories) Brian Barrett

State strategist for Majority Strategies from Feb. 2017. RNC Victory director in Florida in the 2016 cycle, started as RNC state director in July 2015. RNC Victory director for Georgia in 2014. Chief of staff to the Montana Senate President during the 2013 session. Deputy chief of staff at Montanans for Rehberg, Jan. 2011-Dec. 2012. Campaign manager on Jeff Miller for Congress, Feb.-Dec. 2010. Absentee ballot director for the Republican Party of Virginia, 2009. B.S. in political science and government from Rollins College, 2007. twitter

West (AZ, CO, MT, NM, UT and WY) Brian Seitchik

Owner of RDP Strategies in Scottsdale. Campaign manager on Steve Gaynor's 2018 campaign for Arizona Secretary of State, a narrow loss to Kate Hobbs (D). Arizona state director on Donald J. Trump for President, July-Nov. 2016. Campaign manager on Christine Jones for Governor (AZ), 2014. Chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Dan Lungren (CA), July 2012-Jan. 2013. Campaign manager on George LeMieux for Senate (FL), June 2011-July 2012. Communications consultant/spokesman for the California Republican Party, July-Nov. 2010. Campaign manager on Danny Tarkanian for U.S. Senate, Oct. 2009-June 2010. Campaign manager on Poizner for Insurance Commissioner, March 2007-May 2009. Communications director on Mike DeWine for U.S. Senate, Jan.-Nov. 2006. Campaign manager on Redistrict California/Yes on Prop. 77, Sept.-Nov. 2005. Director of communications/spokesman for U.S. Rep. Dan Lungren, Dec. 2004-Sept. 2005. Campaign manager on Gary Podesto for State Senate, April-Dec. 2004. Campaign manager on Dan Lungren for Congress, Dec. 2003-March 2004. Deputy director of policy and opinion research on Bill Simon for Governor, Jan. 2001-Dec. 2002. Director of research for the polling company TM, Feb. 1999-June 2001. Research associate at Dresner, Wickers & Associates, Dec. 1997-Jan. 1999. Undergraduate degree from University of Michigan, 1997.

Pacific (AK, CA, HI, ID, NV, OR and WA) Jeremy Hughes

(Mar. 2019) [Based in Las Vegas] Consultant at November Inc., Dec. 2014-Mar. 2019. Nevada state director on Marco Rubio for President, May 2015-Apr. 2016. Campaign manager on Gov. Brian Sandoval's 2014 re-election and a consultant on Mark Hutchison's 2014 campaign for lieutenant governor. Political director on U.S. Sen. Dean Heller's 2012 campaign. Nevada state director on Gov. Rick Perry's campaign (announced Oct. 5, 2011). Worked on Mississippi State Treasurer Tate Reeves' campaign for Lt. Governor, Aug. 2011 primary. In Fall 2010 served as treasurer for "Citizens for a Working America," a group active in the SC-5 U.S. House race (reported by HuffPo's Sam Stein). Political director on Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson's U.S. Senate campaign in the May 2010 primary election. Campaign manager for Kentucky Congressman Geoff Davis. Managed managed Jack Ditty’s campaign in the Aug. 25, 2009 state senate special election in northeastern Kentucky. Staffer of the Northern Kentucky Republican Victory Office. Executive director of Freedom Vote, an Ohio-based non-profit, focusing on voter turnout efforts in the state. Graduate of Morehead State University. Kentucky native. twitter

See: Michael C. Bender. "Republicans Hire Nine Regional Directors for Trump 2020 Election. Wall Street Journal, May 8, 2019.

In the States

Director of Strategic Partnerships and Faith Engagement 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. twitter

Director of Targeted Engagement Juan O'Leary

(May 2017) Senior field director for Americans for Prosperity, Dec. 2016-May 2017. Virginia field director for The LIBRE Initiative, Aug. 2014-Dec. 2015. Studied political science at Salisbury University. twitter

Director of Military and Veteran Engagement

Director of Asian Pacific American Engagement Adi Sathi

(Nov. 2017) Also chief of staff at the YRNF from Sept. 2017. Experience on more than a dozen campaigns since 2010. Most recently in 2017 he served as as a field manager on Gillespie for Governor (VA) via In Field Strategies; served as a senior advisor on Lena Epstein for U.S. Senate Mackinac operations; and managed Kevin Tatulyan's campaign for MIGOP vice chair of coalitions. APAICS legislative fellow in the office of Sen. Orrin Hatch (UT), Sept. 2016-Sept. 2017. One of six vice chairs of the Michigan Republican Party, Feb. 2015-Feb. 2017. Deputy executive director of the Republican Hindu Coalition, Nov. 2015-July 2016. M.S.W. in community organization (2014) and B.A. in political science (2013) from University of Michigan. twitter

Director of Hispanic Engagement Sandra Benitez

(Mar. 2018...started as deputy director in Aug. 2017) Director of government affairs and policy at the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Mar.-Aug. 2017. Virginia field director for The LIBRE Initiative, June 2015-Aug. 2016. Deputy political diirector for the NJ Republican State Committee, Jan. 2014-June 2015. NJ director of Hispanic initiatives for the RNC, July 2013-Jan. 2014. B.A. in political science from Ramapo College of New Jersey. twitter

Deputy Director of Hispanic Engagement Jesus Rodriguez

(May 2018) Started as Hispanic initiatives coordinator at the RNC from May 2015; also served as political intern (Sept.-Nov. 2014) Studied at The George Washington University. twitter

Director of Youth Engagement Mitchell Freckleton

(Nov. 2017) Legislative correspondent (June-Nov. 2017) and staff assistant (June 2016-June 2017) to U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch (UT). RNC field organizer for the Nevada GOP in the Reno area, Jan.-June 2016. H.B.A. in political science from University of Utah, 2015. twitter

Urban Engagement Coordinator Gina Barr

(Aug. 2017) Regional field director for the Michigan Republican Party from Feb. 2014. Security supervisor at G4S International from Jan. 2012.

POLITICAL

Political Strategy Director Matt Dailer

Previously national field director in the 2018 cycle from Mar. 2017 and deputy director for political training, Sept. 2015-Mar. 2017. 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. twitter

National Field Director Elliott Echols

Has worked for the RNC since Oct. 2013; deputy national field director in the 2018 cycle (from Dec. 2017), Virginia state director (July-Dec. 2017), GA-06 district director (Feb.-June 2017), director of the Republican Leadership Initiative (Jan. 2015-Feb. 2017), and national youth director (Oct. 2013-Jan. 2015). Additionally Echols served as a regional political director for the CRNC, June-Nov. 2012; and as state chairman of Georgia College Republicans, March 2011-April 2012. B.S. in economics from Berry College, 2013. twitter

Deputy Director of State Party and Campaign Resources Joseph Cueto

(2019) Communications director on John Kingston for U.S. Senate, Inc. (MA), July-Sept. 2018. Campaign manager on Newman for Congress, Dec. 2017-June 2018. Press secretary (June-Dec. 2017) and public information (Jan. 2015-June 2017) in the Office of Gov. Susana Martinez. Regional political on Susan Martinez for Governor, Mar.-Nov. 2014. Statewide campaign coordinator for the NM House Republican Leadership PAC, Mar.-Dec. 2013. Policy analyst for New Mexico House Republican leadership, Jan.-Mar. 2013. Statewide campaign coordinator for the NM House Republican Leadership PAC, May-Dec. 2012. B.A. in history from New Mexico State University, 2012. twitter

COMMUNICATIONS

Communications Director Michael R. Ahrens

(announced Mar. 1, 2019) RNC rapid response director in the 2018 cycle. Spokesman on Sen. Marco Rubio's re-election campaign. Worked on Romney for President, 2012. twitter

Deputy Communications Director and Spokesperson Cassie Smedile

(Aug. 2017) Director of communications for U.S. Sen. Todd Young (IN), Jan.-Aug. 2017. Communications director for U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy (WI), May 2013-Dec. 2016. Director of digital content for the Republican National Convention, May-Aug. 2016. Communications director for 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 in the Office of the House Republican Whip, May-Nov. 2007. B.A. in broadcast and electronic communication from Marquette University, 2007. twitter

Deputy Communications Director Rick Gorka

(promotion reported by Politico, April 13, 2017 "regional comms., 2018, day to day") RNC regional communications director in 2016. 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

National Spokesperson Elizabeth Harrington

(announced Apr. 11, 2019) Senior writer at the Washington Free Beacon. Staff writer for CNSNews.com. twitter

National Press Secretary Mandi Merritt

(Jan. 2020; previously RNC regional communications director, Mar. 2019-Jan. 2020 and Ohio communications director, July 2018-Mar. 2019) Press secretary (Jan. 2016-July 2018) and deputy press secretary (Jan.-Dec. 2015) in the Ohio Treasurer's Office. Senior account manager (Feb.-Dec. 2014) and operations specialist (Aug. 2012-Feb. 2014) for Front Porch Strategies (Ohio). B.A. in political science, international studies from The Ohio State University, 2013. twitter

Assistant National Press Secretary Allie (Alexandra) Carroll

(Mar. 2019) Started as a press assistant in Sept. 2017. Staff assistant on Meehan for Congress (PA), Jan.-Nov. 2016. Interned at the RNC, May-Aug. 2016. Undergraduate degree from Villanova University, 2017. twitter

Press Assistant Abigail Marone

(Apr. 2019) Bachelor's degree in political science and government from The George Washington University, 2019. Internships include communications/research at the RNC, Aug.-Dec. 2016, and finance on Marco Rubio for President, Jan.-Mar. 2016. twitter

Deputy Director of Regional Communications Christiana Purves

(Apr. 2019) Started as a regional communications director in Apr. 2017. Campaign manager and communications director on Justin Fareed for Congress (CA), Feb. 2016-Jan. 2017. National deputy press secretary on Lindsey Graham 2016 presidential campaign, June 2015-Jan. 2016. Staff in Office of Sen. Graham, July 2014-May 2015. Communications assistant on Team Graham, Inc., Aug. 2013-July 2014. B.A. in public relations from University of South Carolina-Columbia, 2014. twitter

Director of Hispanic Media Yali Nunez

(May 2017) Director of Hispanic communications on Marco Rubio for U.S. Senate, June 2016-Jan. 2017. News reporter in Miami (April 2014-2016) and sports anchor and segment and field producer in Fresno (July 2013-Feb. 2014) for Univision. Programming coordinator/on air talent/production associate for Fox Networks Group, June 2012-2013. Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in mass communication, telecom.-news from University of South Florida, 2011. Freelance reporter for Azteca America, 2012. Field reporter/anchor for WFLA-TV, June-Dec. 2011. twitter

@RNC Latinos

Director of Media Affairs and Surrogates Johanna Persing

(Mar. 2017) RNC New Hampshire communications director, Jan. 2016-Mar. 2017. Communications director to U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello (PA), 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-Apr. 2013) and intern (Aug.-Nov. 2011) at the RNC. B.A. in political science and religious studies from Gettysburg College, 2011. twitter

Senior Communications Advisor for Black Media Affairs Paris Dennard

(2020) On leave from position as senior director of strategic communications at the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Founded PD Consulting Group in 2013. Director of public affairs for a South Carolina law firm; director of events at the McCain Institute. Associate director of coalitions for the RNC, 2009-11. B.A. in political science and public relations from Pepperdine University, 2005. Chaired Arizona Teenage Republicans and spoke at the 2000 Republican National Convention. twitter

Rapid Response Director Steve Guest

(announced Mar. 1, 2019) Promoted from deputy rapid response director (from April 2017) and deputy press secretary (Aug. 2016-April 2017) at the RNC. Media reporter for The Daily Caller, Aug. 2015-Aug. 2016. Associate producer for The Hugh Hewitt Show, April-July 2015. B.A. in political science from UCLA, 2015; Associate's degree from Orange Coast College, 2013. twitter

Chief Speechwriter Andrew Brennan

(Dec. 2019) Communications assistant to U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX), Jan. 2018-Nov. 2019. B.A. in political science, rhetoric and communications from University of Richmond, 2017.

Communications-RESEARCH

twitter

Research Director Joe Ascioti

(announced Mar. 1, 2019) Assistant research and rapid response director at the RNC for the 2018 cycle from July 2017. Director of special projects (July 2016-June 2017), war room director (May 2015-July 2016) and deputy research director (Jan. 2014-May 2015) and staff assistant (Sept. 2013-Jan. 2014) at FP1 Strategies, LLC. B.A. in political science from Colgate University, 2013. twitter

TECHNOLOGY, DIGITAL And Data

TECHNOLOGY ....software developers, operations, DevOps, and security
Chief Technology Officer Puran Nebhnani

(announced Mar. 17, 2017 and Mar. 1, 2019) RNC 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.

DIGITAL ....marketing, social media

Chief Digital Officer Kevin Zambrano

(announced Mar. 1, 2019) Deputy digital director (from Mar. 2017) and senior manager for online fundraising (Mar. 2016-Mar. 2017). Digital strategist at the NRCC in the 2014 cycle. Account manager at Conservative Connector, announced May 2013. Deputy data analyst on Romney/Ryan. Graduate of Syracuse University. New Hampshire native. twitter

DATA twitter
Chief Data Officer Ellen Bredenkoetter

(announced Mar. 1, 2019; also held this role in the 2018 cycle from late July 2017) Chief data officer at Data Trust, Oct. 2015-July 2017. Deputy chief data officer at Scott Walker Inc., June-Sept. 2015; deputy chief data officer at Our American Revival, March-June 2015. National data director (April 2014-March 2015) and regional data director (Dec. 2013-March 2014) at the NRCC. Deputy director of political analytics (March-Nov. 2012) and political (April 2011-Feb. 2012) on Romney for President. Political on Friends of Roy Blunt, May-Nov. 2010. B.A. in political science from University of Alabama, finsihed degree in Dec. 2013. twitter

Director of Analytics Caleb Walker

(Jan. 2019) Previously RNC deputy director of analytics (May 2018-Jan. 2019) and analytics manager (Oct. 2017-May 2018). Messaging and message research associat at In Pursuit Of, May-Oct. 2017. Senior research assistant (Feb. 2015-Apr. 2017) and junior research assistant (May-Nov. 2014) at Public Opinion Strategies B.A. in politics from Washington and Lee University, 2014 Internships include RNC in summer 2013 and Romney for President in summer 2012.

Deputy Director of Analytics Alexi Donovan

(Jan. 2019) Polling director (Jan. 2017-Dec. 2018) and polling coordinator (Feb.-Dec. 2016) and assistant to the executive director (Feb. 2015-Dec. 2016) at the NRCC. Staff assistant on the Committee on Education and the Workforce, June 2014-Jan. 2015.

Analytics Manager Benjamin Horton

(Apr. 2019) Started at the RNC as a data analyst, Aug. 2018-Apr. 2019. Junior associate at Axiom Strategies, Jan.-Aug. 2018. B.A. in political science and government from University of Texas at Austin, 2018.

Director of External Supprt–Data Kristian D. Hemphill

(Feb. 2019) Previously West regional data director (from Aug. 2017) and RNC Colorado data director (Jan. 2015-Dec. 2016). Field director for the Colorado Republican Committee, May 2014-April 2015. B.A. in political science and government from Hastings College, 2014. twitter

Information Technology

IT Director/Director of Network Operations

FINANCE

Finance Director Sarah K. Robinson

(also finance director in the 2018 cycle) Previously RNC deputy finance director. Experience includes deputy finance director at Marco Rubio for President.

Deputy Finance Director Elise Dickens (Dietsch)

(Jan. 2019) Previously South regional finance director, Feb. 2017-Dec. 2018. Principal at EMD Consulting LLC in Camden ME from Mar. 2016. Deputy finance director on Chris Christie for President, Inc., June 2015-Feb. 2016; a regional finance director at Christie's Leadership Matters for America PAC, Feb.-June 2015. Finance director on Ed Gillespie for Senate (VA), March-Dec. 2014. Executive director of Inaugural 2014, Inc., Christie's inaugural committee, Nov. 2013-Feb. 2014. Deputy finance director on Chris Christie for Governor, Feb.-Nov. 2013. Comptroller for the Republican Party of Wisconsin, March 2011-Jan. 2013. Scheduler to U.S. Rep. Sean P. Duffy (WI-7) Nov. 2010-March 2011. Finance on Sean Duffy for Congress, May-Nov. 2010. B.A. in political science from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Regional Finance Directors include:
South Adrienne Gamez

(Jan. 2019) Previously South regional deputy finance director, Feb. 2017-Dec. 2018. Associate at Sentinel Strategic Advisors, LLC, Aug. 2016-Feb. 2017. Donor fundraising in Austin, June 2015-June 2016. B.S. in corporate communications from the University of Texas at Austin, 2015.

South Deputy McKenna Skeeters

(Jan. 2019) Previously South regional finance coordinator from May 2018. Bachelor's degree in international relations and global studies from the University of Texas at Austin, 2018.

Major Donor Programs

Administration

CFO Josh Fisher

(announced Mar. 1, 2019) CFO and vice president of finance and administration at Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce.

MEMBER Services

Director of Member Services Mariana Herrera

(Sept. 2019, previously deputy director from June 2017) Finance coordinator at The Larrison Group, Sept. 2015-Jan. 2017. Executive assistant/scheduler of the Office of the Co-Chairman at the RNC, June 2014-Sept. 2015. B.A. in government and world affairs from University of Tampa, 2014.

Member Services Coordinator Callie Estes

(Sept. 2019, previously member services manager from Mar. 2019 and member services coordinator from June 2017) Staff assistant in the U.S. Senate, Sept. 2016-June 2017. Public relations manager (March-May 2016) and account executive (Aug. 2015-May 2016) for Roxo. B.S. in strategic communication from Texas Christian University, 2016.

Member Services Manager Anna Dorsey

(Sept. 2019, previously member services coordinator from Feb. 2019 and member services assistant from Mar. 2018) Administrative assistant at Grand Valley Consulting LLC, Oct. 2017-Jan. 2018. Undegraduate degree in government from University of Virginia, 2017.

and Sarah Valdez

LEGAL

Chief Counsel Justin Riemer

(announced Mar. 1, 2019) Deputy general counsel for postsecondary education at the U.S. Department of Education. Deputy chief counsel for the RNC during the 2016 presidential election cycle. 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. twitter

FORMER STAFF

National Press Secretary Blair Ellis ...moved over to director of communications for Republican National Convention COA

Deputy national press secretary at the RNC in the 2018 cycle from Aug. 2017. Press secretary and digital coordinator for the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, July 2016-July 2017. Communications director (Nov. 2015-June. 2016), press secretary (Oct. 2014-Oct. 2015), and press assistant (Oct. 2013-Sept. 2014) to U.S. Rep. Renee Elmers (NC). Research assistant to NC Speaker Thom Tillis, June-Sept. 2013. B.A. in political science and public relations from UNC Chapel Hill, 2013. twitter

Deputy Chief Counsel Eric S. Brown ...to Apr. 2020 moved to compliance risk management lead at USAA

(Apr. 2019) Counsel, legal and policy advisor to Commissioner at the Federal Election Commission, Jaly 2016-Mar. 2019. General counsel to Cruz for President, June 2015-May 2016. Legal and policy advisor to Commissioner at the FEC, June 2008-May 2015. Associate at Patton Boggs LLP, Apr. 2005-June 2008. Special assistant to the Solicitor at the Department of the Interior, Feb.-Apr. 2005. Associate counsel for the 55th PIC, Dec. 2004-Jan. 2005. Deputy counsel at the RNC, Mar.-Nov. 2004. Reports analyst/law clerk/counsel at the FEC, July 1990-Mar. 2004. J.D. from George Mason University; B.A. political communication from The George Washington University.

Associate Counsel Jenna Kirsch

(Feb. 2019) Previously policy analyst for the RNC, Nov. 2017-Feb. 2019. J.D. from Drake University Law School, 2017; bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communications from University of Iowa, 2012.

Director of Member Services Emily (Keech) Threadgill

(April 2017) Executive director of the Republican Secretaries of State Committee, RSLC, from April 2015. Manager of government relations at LEVICK, Sept. 2014-Mar. 2015. Deputy director of Member Services under Majority Leader Eric Cantor, Jan. 2012-July 2014; and staff assistant in the Office of the Majority Leader, Jan. 2011-Feb. 2012. Graduate of Rollins College, 2010.

Notes:
2020 Winter Meeting - Miami, FL (Trump National Doral Miami), Jan. 2020 (+).
2019 Summer Meeting - Charlotte, NC, Aug. 1-2, 2019 (+).
2019 Winter Meeting - Albuquerque, NM, Jan. 23-25, 2019 [PDF].
2018 Summer Meeting - Austin, TX (Fairmont Austin), July 18-20, 2018 (+).
2018 Spring Meeting - Miami, FL (Trump National Doral Miami), May 2-5, 2018 (+).
2018 Winter Meeting - Washington, DC (Washington Hilton), Jan. 31-Feb. 3, 2018 (report).
2017 Summer Meeting - Nashville, TN (Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center), Aug. 23-25, 2017 (+).
2017 Spring Meeting - San Diego, CA (Hotel del Coronado), May 10-13, 2017 (+).
2017 Winter Meeting - Washington, DC (Omni Shoreham Hotel), Jan. 17-21, 2017 (+).

Committee on Arrangements
Chair Toni Anne Dashiell (TX)
Co-Chair Glenn McCall (SC)
Vice Chairs Jane Timken (OH) and Luis Fortuño (PR)
Treasurer Ron Kaufman (MA)
Secretary Vicki Drummond (AL)

President and CEO Marcia Lee Kelly

Director of operations for the 2016 Republican National Convention from mid-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.

Trump Make America Great Again Committee

a joint fundraising committee authorized by and composed of Donald J. Trump for President, Inc. and the Republican National Committee