2012 Presidential Campaign Blog

2012 Republican National Convention Committee on Arrangements Announces Al Concordia as Director of Security

2012 Republican National Convention Committee on Arrangements Announces Director of Security
Concordia brings decades of Federal, private sector experience to convention team

TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Philadelphia, Pa., native Al Concordia has been named director of security for the 2012 Republican National Convention to be held in Tampa, Fla., August 27-30.

Concordia was selected for the position after spending over three decades in public and private sectors of security planning, emergency preparedness and response. He has worked with the Eagles Football Organization and conducted security risk management for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. He has also served as the Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms at the U.S. Senate.

Concordia was a U.S. Secret Service agent for 20 years and provided protection for multiple Presidents of the United States.

"I am confident in our ability to ensure the highest level of protection for the planning and execution of the 2012 Republican National Convention. The safety of our nominee, guests and the surrounding community environment is a priority for our team," Concordia said.

CEO William Harris says convention leaders feel confident tasking Concordia with the job of security planning.

"We know [Concordia] will work side-by-side with the U.S. Secret Service to execute a protected convention. His extensive background in planning and implementing these types of measures speaks volumes to his ability to fill this role," Harris said.

Concordia graduated from Villanova University with a Masters Certificate in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages. He also is a Certified Protection Professional with the American Society of Industrial Security.

2012 Republican National Convention Committee on Arrangements Announces Director of Transportation

2012 Republican National Convention Committee on Arrangements Announces Paul Sorenson as Director of Transportation

Sorenson brings experience in Republican National Convention operations

TAMPA, Fla. - Indiana native Paul Sorenson has been named director of transportation for the 2012 Republican National Convention to be held in Tampa, Fla., August 27-30.

Sorenson comes to the position having served in a number of roles during his career in Republican politics; among these includes working as the deputy director of operations for the 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn.

Sorenson began his career working for U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert in Washington, D.C. as a legislative assistant. He is a veteran of numerous congressional campaigns and served as a Republican State Party executive director in 2009.

Sorenson says he is ready for his second convention.

"The convention is such a dynamic event and changes every four years, depending on the city and venue. I am looking forward to helping plan another successful convention and nominating our Republican presidential candidate. I am excited to help create a welcoming atmosphere to enable our participants to enjoy the convention."

Convention CEO William Harris is thankful to have Sorenson heading up transportation.

"Sorenson understands what needs to get done and how a Republican convention functions efficiently - he will be invaluable when the thousands of delegates, media and guests descend upon the Tampa Bay area in August," he said.

A native of Greentown, Ind., Sorenson graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Manchester College. He has moved temporarily to Tampa for his new role.

2012 Republican National Convention Committee on Arrangements Announces Julie Shugar as Director of Media Operations

2012 Republican National Convention Committee on Arrangements Announces Director of Media Operations
Shugar is assuming role in her seventh Republican Convention

TAMPA, Fla. – Julie Shugar, a long-time resident of San Francisco, Calif., has been named director of media operations for the 2012 Republican National Convention to be held in Tampa, Fla., August 27-30.

Shugar comes to the position after having previously served as the director of the convention’s Media Center during the 2008 and 2004 Republican National Conventions, as well as in key roles supporting media operations in 2000 and 1996. Shugar began her convention tenure in 1988 working for Convention Manager Bill Phillips when it was held in her hometown.

“Shugar brings valuable experience, both within and apart from conventions, that will be valuable in accommodating the needs of the 15,000 members of the media who will cover the Republican Convention,” said Chief Executive Officer William Harris. “I have great confidence in her ability to maxmize our convention coverage needs, allowing for the message of our nominee to reach voters from coast to coast.”

Shugar has experience working in Republican politics, having served as assistant clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives, in the political division of the Republican National Committee and as a political appointee at the Department of Health and Human Services in the George H. W. Bush administration.

“I am thrilled to be a part of the team that is putting on this year’s convention,” Shugar said. “It is an honor to be given the responsibility of creating an environment, including workspace access and camera positions, that allows the media to comprehensively cover the 2012 event.”

Shugar holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Louisiana State University. She has moved temporarily to the Tampa Bay area for her new role.

About the 2012 Republican National Convention

The 2012 Republican National Convention will be held at the Tampa Bay Times Forum from August 27-30, 2012.  Nearly 50,000 visitors are expected to come to the Tampa Bay area for the event, including delegates, alternate delegates, members of the media and other guests.  For more information about the 2012 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2012.com.  The convention website is in its early stages and will be updated regularly.

2012 Republican National Convention Launches @GOPconvention on Twitter

2012 Republican National Convention Launches @GOPconvention on Twitter
Convention Commits to Engage in 140 Characters or Less

Tampa, Fla. -- The 2012 Republican National Convention has officially launched a “verified” Twitter account, @GOPconvention, at http://twitter.com/GOPconvention.

The 2012 Republican National Convention official Facebook page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GOPconvention.

About the 2012 Republican National Convention:  The 2012 Republican National Convention will be held at the Tampa Bay Times Forum from August 27-30, 2012.  Nearly 50,000 visitors are expected to come to the Tampa Bay area for the event, including delegates, alternate delegates, members of the media and other guests.  For more information about the 2012 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2012.com.  The convention website is in its early stages and will be updated regularly.

2012 Republican National Convention Committee on Arrangements Announces Thomas Maxwell as Director of Financial Services and Administration

2012 Republican National Convention Committee on Arrangements Announces Director of Financial Services and Administration
Maxwell brings dynamic background in campaign finance to convention team

TAMPA, Fla. – Thomas Maxwell, of Bridgeport, Conn., has been named the director of financial services and administration for the 2012 Republican National Convention to be held in Tampa, Fla., August 27-30.

Maxwell is the principal of MAXimum Compliance, LLC, a full service campaign finance consulting firm. He has worked on campaign finance issues in a variety of roles.

Maxwell served as deputy director for financial services for the 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn. Prior to that, he was the FEC director at the National Republican Senatorial Committee and a reports analyst at the Federal Election Commission.

He says he is happy to further his relationship with the Republican National Convention this year.

“I look forward to working with all of the departments within the Committee on Arrangements to ensure the office is run in an efficient and fiscally smart way.”

Convention CEO William Harris says Maxwell’s experience in handling complex campaign finance matters will be an invaluable asset during the months leading up to and through the convention next August.

“[Maxwell] will keep us on-budget and make sure we are where we need to be fiscally all around. He takes his responsibility seriously and everyone in the office appreciates his conscientiousness.”

Maxwell graduated from Southern Methodist University with a Bachelor of Arts in History. He has moved temporarily to the Tampa Bay area for his new role.

About the 2012 Republican National Convention

The 2012 Republican National Convention will be held at the Tampa Bay Times Forum from August 27-30, 2012.  Nearly 50,000 visitors are expected to come to the Tampa Bay area for the event, including delegates, alternate delegates, members of the media and other guests. 

For more information about the 2012 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2012.com.  The convention website is in its early stages and will be updated regularly.

2012 Republican National Convention Committee on Arrangements Announces Erica Carson As Executive Secretary

2012 Republican National Convention Committee on Arrangements Announces Executive Secretary

Individual brings strong organizational skills, corporate experience to the convention

TAMPA, Fla. – Cincinnati, Ohio native Erica Carson has been named as the executive secretary for the 2012 Republican National Convention to be held in Tampa, Fla., August 27-30.

Prior to this position, Carson worked for Davis Manafort Inc., a public affairs firm based in Alexandria, Va. She also previously worked with the McCain-Palin 2008 presidential campaign and at the Leadership Institute. Carson enjoys putting her skills to work in the fast-paced convention environment. “I am honored to be in the Tampa Bay area for the 2012 Republican National Convention. Planning for an event of this magnitude requires leadership and teamwork in order to be successful,” she said. Convention CEO William Harris says Carson’s role ensures convention leaders and staff members are working together in the most expeditious manner possible. “Everyone is so busy and [Carson] really helps us manage the flow of information between departments to make sure everyone is in sync,” he said. Carson holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Political Science from Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio.

About the 2012 Republican National Convention The 2012 Republican National Convention will be held at the Tampa Bay Times Forum from August 27-30, 2012. Nearly 50,000 visitors are expected to come to the Tampa Bay area for the event, including delegates, alternate delegates, members of the media and other guests. For more information about the 2012 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2012.com . The convention website is in its early stages and will be updated regularly.

2012 Republican National Convention Committee on Arrangements Announces Ryan Price as Director of Operations

2012 Republican National Convention Committee on Arrangements Announces Director of Operations
Individual brings political planning and consulting experience to convention team

TAMPA, Fla. - Ryan Price, originally from West Palm Beach, Fla., has been named director of operations for the 2012 Republican National Convention to be held in Tampa, Fla.

Price comes to the position from his role as a co-founder of The Trailblazer Group, a full-service public affairs and political consulting firm.  Previously he had served as deputy political director for John McCain's 2008 presidential campaign.  In 2008 he also served as director of delegate and caucus operations for the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis.

Price is ready for the tasks presented in planning the historic event.

"The convention presents unique challenges, if only in sheer scale of operations. There is no other way to pull off an event with thousands of attendees without the convention team working together," he said.

Convention CEO William Harris agrees with Price.

"The operations team is crucial in executing a well-planned convention. [Price] is a natural leader for that department, and he is a great addition to our burgeoning staff," he said.

In addition to civilian positions, Price also served in uniform with the U.S. Army's First Ranger Battalion. He holds a Bachelor of Science in communications from Appalachian State University, as well as a law degree from the University of Miami School of Law. Price has moved temporarily to the Tampa Bay area for his new role.

2012 Republican National Convention Committee on Arrangements Announces Director of External Affairs

2012 Republican National Convention Committee on Arrangements Announces Director of External Affairs
Individual brings outreach skills to sixth convention stint

TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Jason Osborne, of Anchorage, Alaska, has been named director of external affairs for the 2012 Republican National Convention to be held in Tampa, Fla., August 27-30.

Osborne's experience prior to this position includes working for the late Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska, the National Rifle Association and, most recently, the MITA Group. 

Osborne developed and ran special operations within the Sergeant-at-Arms program for the 2004 and 2008 conventions. He also served as a caucus team director in 2008, as well as a senior advisor on Senator John McCain's presidential campaign. 

He says working on conventions is unique and rewarding.

"There is nothing like being a part of this monumental event. Despite having worked at a half a dozen conventions, I learn something new each time."

CEO William Harris says Osborne's comprehensive understanding of the event's structure is an asset to the team.

"[Osborne] is a convention veteran in every sense of the phrase—he knows the ins and outs of this production and has the know-how to build successful relationships within the community. I am glad he is on board for the 2012 Republican National Convention."

The external affairs department of the convention serves as the primary point of contact for everyone who falls outside the categories of delegate, media and security operations. This includes all federal, state, and local elected officials, the international community, political organizations, businesses and affiliated groups.

Osborne graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He holds a Masters degree from Catholic University.

2012 Republican National Convention Names PR Newswire Official Newswire Service

2012 Republican National Convention Names PR Newswire Official Newswire Service

TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The 2012 Republican National Convention today announced that PR Newswire will serve as the Official Newswire for the Republican Party's 40th presidential nominating convention, to be held in the Tampa Bay area August 27-30, 2012.

PR Newswire will distribute news and information released by the 2012 Republican National Convention to its worldwide network of over 27,000 news outlets and 6,000 web sites, increasing the visibility of the convention in online media. Additionally, PR Newswire will provide simultaneous, electronic distribution of materials during the convention to the estimated 15,000-member press corps that will be on site covering the event.

"We are pleased to welcome PR Newswire back to the convention team," said 2012 Republican National Convention Chief Executive Officer William Harris. "They are a strong partner in our strategic communications efforts. Their unparalleled distribution network to both traditional and new media audiences, as well as innovative social media tools, will strengthen our ability to engage the news media and online audiences like never before."

PR Newswire will offer a Breaking-News-On-Demand service for registered media, providing customized delivery of convention news releases, media advisories and other materials directly to their computers, smartphones and tablets.  Releases and announcements will also be delivered to print, broadcast and online news outlets nationwide via direct wire feed, as well as via PR Newswire for Journalists, a media-only website at http://media.prnewswire.com.

"We welcome the opportunity to again work with the Republican National Convention," said Brian Taylor, Vice President of PR Newswire's Public Interest Markets. "We look forward to building upon our successful experiences in 2004 and 2008, and putting our new and expanded resources to work to help provide greater accessibility, community and engagement for people across the country and around the world."

About PR Newswire

PR Newswire (www.prnewswire.com) is the premier global provider of multimedia platforms that enable marketers, corporate communicators, sustainability officers, public affairs and investor relations officers to leverage content to engage with all their key audiences. Having pioneered the commercial news distribution industry 57 years ago, PR Newswire today provides end-to-end solutions to produce, optimize and target content – from rich media to online video to multimedia – and then distribute content and measure results across traditional, digital, mobile and social channels. Combining the world’s largest multi-channel, multi-cultural content distribution and optimization network with comprehensive workflow tools and platforms, PR Newswire enables the world’s enterprises to engage opportunity everywhere it exists. PR Newswire serves tens of thousands of clients from offices in the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region, and is a UBM plc company.

About the 2012 Republican National Convention

The 2012 Republican National Convention will be held at St. Pete Times Forum from August 27-30, 2012. Nearly 50,000 visitors are expected to come to the Tampa Bay area for the event, including delegates, alternate delegates, members of the media and other guests. For more information about the 2012 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2012.com.

ONE & POLITICO to Co-Host Evening Events At 2012 Presidential Conventions

ONE & POLITICO to Co-Host Evening Events At 2012 Presidential Conventions
 
WASHINGTON, Nov 17, 2011 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- ONE, the global anti-poverty organization co-founded by Bono, and POLITICO, the nation's leading source for political news, announced today that the two organizations will co-host evening events at the Republican National Convention during the week of Aug. 27, 2012 in Tampa, Fla., and at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., the week of Sept. 3, 2012.

The events will be held the Wednesday night of each convention week and feature performances by well-known musicians, bringing together some of the conventions' most high-profile attendees.

"The conventions are great opportunities for people to connect -- or reconnect -- around some of the most important issues confronting our nation and the world," said Sheila Nix, U.S. executive director of ONE. "Our national convention activities are an extension of our nonpartisan ONE VOTE 2012 activities that engage all of the presidential candidates on issues of importance to ONE. Many of the people attending make the decisions that make the news -- and we are delighted to partner with such a dynamic news organization as POLITICO."

Boasting one of the largest teams of political reporters, POLITICO will have a prominent presence at both conventions, offering several events and complete coverage online, in print and via mobile devices.

"We're thrilled to partner with ONE on what will undoubtedly be the most exciting set of events at the conventions," said Roy Schwartz, Vice President of POLITICO. "With the combined power of ONE and POLITICO, these events will be the ideal setting for politicos, artists and convention-goers to come together."

The events are by invitation only.

About ONE:

ONE is an advocacy organization dedicated to the fight against extreme poverty and preventable disease around the world, particularly in Africa. Backed by more than 2.5 million members, we work with government leaders to support proven, cost-effective solutions to save lives and build sustainable futures.

About POLITICO:

POLITICO is a nonpartisan, Washington-based political journalism organization that serves as the one-stop shop for the fastest, deepest coverage of the president, Congress and the 2012 presidential race. POLITICO's journalists break news and drive conversation about the White House, Capitol Hill and Washington lobbying, plus the intersection of politics with Wall Street, the media and personalities.

Disclaimer: ONE and POLITICO are delighted to partner on great events at the DNC and RNC 2012 conventions. This partnership does not constitute an endorsement of the other or its activities. No proceeds from these events will be used to support any lobbying.