Republican Governors Association Announces Senior Staff

RGA Announces Senior Staff
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Republican Governors Association Chairman Bill Haslam announced the hiring of the following individuals who will comprise the organization’s senior staff, effective today.
 
“Each of these individuals is an extraordinarily qualified professional with a wealth of experience winning gubernatorial races and providing strong support to Republican governors and candidates,” said RGA Chairman Bill Haslam. “As we work to build upon our momentum and grow our majority, their talent and leadership will serve our governors and the organization well. We are proud to welcome them as senior members of this high-impact team and are eager to draw upon their expertise to continue to promote the records and accomplishments of our 31 Republican governors.”
 
Political Director: David Rexrode
 
David brings a wealth of campaign experience to the RGA as Political Director, which will be crucial in providing assistance and counsel to Republican governors and candidates. Prior to joining the RGA, David served as Campaign Manager for Ken Cuccinelli for Governor, Executive Director of the Republican Party of Virginia, Deputy Campaign Manager for Bob McDonnell for Governor, National Coalitions Director for the Republican National Committee, and Campaign Manager for Congressman Bob Goodlatte.  David is a graduate of James Madison University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science and public administration.
 
Communications Director: Jon Thompson
 
Jon is being promoted to RGA Communications Director after serving for the past four years as the RGA’s Press Secretary, a role in which he focused on raising the national profiles of Republican governors and the RGA. Prior to joining the RGA, Jon served as Director of Radio and Television for the National Republican Congressional Committee during the 2010 cycle, and in the press office of the Republican National Committee during the 2008 cycle. Jon is a graduate of UNC Wilmington and a native of North Carolina.
 
Finance Director: Mary Ann Laconte
 
Mary Ann is stepping into the RGA Finance Director role after serving as the Deputy Finance Director for the RGA and Director of the RGA’s Statesmen and Cabinet membership programs. Prior to joining the RGA four years ago, Mary Ann was the Major Donor Director at the National Republican Congressional Committee, and also worked with the major donor programs at the National Republican Senatorial Committee, the 55th Presidential Inaugural Committee, and the Republican National Committee. Mary Ann is a native of Houston, Texas and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Duke University.
 
Executive Roundtable Director: Caitlin Schroder
 
Part of the RGA team since 1999, Caitlin will be leading the RGA’s Executive Roundtable, a membership program that brings together governors with business owners and executives.  Prior to this role, Caitlin served as the RGA’s Director of Recruitment, RGA Finance Director from 2002-2008 and RGA Deputy Finance Director from 1999-2002.  Prior to her time at the RGA, she worked on the National Republican Senatorial Committee and National Republican Congressional Committee joint fundraising dinners as well as in the finance department of the Republican National Committee.  Caitlin attended the Catholic University of America, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in politics.
 
General Counsel: Mike Adams
 
A graduate of the University of Louisville and Harvard Law School, Mike has served the RGA as General Counsel since January 2007. In addition to law firm practice, Mike has served in a number of political and governmental positions, including Deputy General Counsel to a Republican governor, and Counsel to the U.S. Deputy Attorney General.
 
Governors Liaison: Justina Rusch
 
Justina is assuming the role of RGA Governors Liaison after spending the past two years as the RGA Events Coordinator, helping organize numerous RGA events, meetings and conferences. Justina is a graduate of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge with a Bachelor’s Degree in mass communication. She is a native of Gulfport, Mississippi.
 
Director of Operations: Laura Ciciarelli
 
Laura is assuming the role of Director of Operations after spending the past two years at the RGA, organizing the internship program and assisting the Governors Liaison with the coordination of meetings and conferences. Laura is a graduate of Wake Forest University in Winston Salem, NC with a Bachelor’s Degree in political science and Spanish. She is a native of Wall, New Jersey.