RNC Committee on Arrangements
"charged with putting together the Republican National Convention that will be held in Tampa, FL in the week of August 27, 2012"  Filed Statement of Organization with the FEC on June 21, 2010.                 <

(page updated April 30, 2012)

On April 30, 2012 the COA announced hotel assignments.


RNC 2012 Committee on Arrangements Executive Committee

Alec Poitevint, GA – Chairman (announced Feb. 2, 2011)
National Committeeman from Georgia, elected May 1989.  Poitevint served as chairman of the Georgia Republican Party from 2003-07 and from 1989-1993.  He was co-chairman/treasurer of the COA for the 2000 Republican National Convention and treasurer of the COA for the 1992 and 1996 Conventions.  Chairman and President of Southeastern Minerals, Inc. and its affiliated companies headquartered in Bainbridge.

Jan Larimer, WY – Vice Chairman

Mary Buestrin, WI – Vice Chairman

Tony Parker, DC – Treasurer

Christine Toretti, PA – Secretary

Debbie Joslin, AK
Paul Reynolds, AL
Reta Hamilton, AR
Amata Radewagen, AS
Sharon Giese, AZ
Shawn Steel, CA
Mark Hillman, CO
John Frey, CT
Betsy Werronen, DC
Priscilla Rakestraw, DE
Sharon Day, FL
Paul Senft, FL
Lenny Curry, FL
Linda Herren, GA
Donna Jones, GU
Miriam Hellreich, HI
Kim Lehman, IA
Damond Watkins, ID
Pat Brady, IL

As of Oct. 14, 2011.  (as announced March 29, 2011)
RNC Chairman appoints at least one member from each state.
 Dee Dee Benkie, IN
Amanda Adkins, KS
Gail Russell, KY
Ruth Ulrich, LA
Jody Dow, MA
Joyce Terhes, MD
Charlie Webster, ME
Saul Anuzis, MI
Tony Sutton, MN
David Cole, MO
Bo Palacios, MP
Jeanne Luckey, MS
Will Deschamps, MT
David Lewis, NC
Sandy Boehler, ND
Mark Fahleson, NE
Steve Duprey, NH
Bill Palatucci, NJ
Rosie Tripp, NM 		Heidi Smith, NV
Jennifer Rich, NY
Bob Bennett, OH
Carolyn McLarty, OK
Donna Cain, OR
Bob Asher, PA
Zori Fonalledas, PR
Joseph Trillo, RI
Glenn McCall, SC
Mary Jean Jensen, SD
Peggy Lambert, TN
Borah Van Dormolen, TX
Bruce Hough, UT
Kathy Terry, VA
Herb Schoenbohm, VI
George Schiavone, VT
Fredi Simpson, WA
Steve King, WI
Mike Stuart, WV
Greg Schaefer, WY


Chief Executive Officer  Bill Harris

(announced May 31, 2011)  Harris has been involved in the planning and management of RNC conventions since 1984, when he served as Sergeant at Arms, and has assisted every Republican presidential campaign since 1972, when he attended his first convention.  He is a partner at the MITA Group and president of William D. Harris and Associates.  In 2008, Harris served as convention director for the McCain-Palin campaign where he coordinated all convention-related activities for the campaign, including program, political, logistics, and communications.  CEO of the 2004 Republican National Convention.  Executive director of the NRSC in the 1994 cycle.  Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party from 1977-84.  B.A. from the University of Alabama.


Chief Operating Officer  Mike Miller

(announced May 31, 2011)  Miller has held key positions in the past ten Republican National Conventions.  He was overall director of operations for the 2008, 2004 and 1992 Conventions and was director of media operations for seven others.  He has served as a consultant to several site selection committees.  Between conventions, Miller manages his own consultancy, MVM Public Affairs.  He covered the 1964 and 1968 conventions as a correspondent for the Scripps-Howard newspaper chain.


Executive Secretary  Erica Carson

(from Aug. 2011; announced Feb. 7, 2012)  Previously executive assistant at Davis Manafort Inc. in Alexandria, VA.  Assistant on the McCain campaign, 2007-08.  Field consultant for the Leadership Institute, 1999-2001.  B.A. in political science from Ashland University in Ohio, 1999.  Originally from Cincinnati.

Operations

Director of Operations  Ryan Price

(announced Jan. 30, 2012)  Co-founder (with Christian Ferry) of The Trailblazer Group, a political consulting firm.  Price worked on John McCain's 2008 presidential campaign from its inception in Dec. 2006, serving as deputy political director  During the primaries he handled ballot access as national delegate and state convention director; he was director of delegate and caucus operations for the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis; and in the Fall he served as director of the national surrogates and coalitions divisions.  Political director on Tom Gallagher's 2006 gubernatorial primary campaign in Florida.  Worked on George W. Bush's 2000 campaign.  Southeast field director for gubernatorial candidate Jeb Bush in his 1998 campaign for governor of Florida.  Law degree from the University of Miami School of Law.  Served in the U.S. Army's First Ranger Battalion.  B.S. in communications from Appalachian State University.  Originally from West Palm Beach, FL. 


Communications

Director of Communications and Chief Spokesman  James Davis

(beginning of Oct. 2011)  Associate at the Brunswick Group, 2010-11.  Manager of digital communications at Gibraltar Associates, 2009-10.  Founder of The Surge Strategies, which advocated for funding for a Pentagon program.  Deputy director of media affairs at the RNC, Sept.-Dec. 2008.  Associate director of communications at the 2008 Republican National Convention.  Worked at the Department of Defense from 2003-07, first as director of congressional research/legislative liaison, then as Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs.  MPA (2008) and undergraduate degree (2003) from Georgia College and State University.

Deputy Communications Director  Paul Morrell

Vice president of Systems Media Group at S4, Inc., a defense consulting firm, 2009-10.  Chief of staff at NASA, 2005-09.  Director for communications planning at the National Security Council, 2004-05.  Deputy chief of staff for strategic planning at the U.S. Department of Energy, 2003-04.  Previously two decades working on Capitol Hill.  From 1995-2002 he worked for House Majority leader Dick Armey in a variety of positions including chief of staff; previously he was Washington staff director for U.S. Rep Jonh Doolittle, chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Bob Dornan (CA), and he started as a communications specialist to U.S. Rep. Andy Ireland (FL).  B.S. in journalism from University of Maryland College Park.

Press Assistant  Caroline Gonzmart

(from Oct. 2011)  Previously a general assignment reporter for Tallahassee station WCTV-TV.  B.S. in communications and media studies from Florida State University, 2010.

Director of Digital Integration  Jonathan Torres

(started beginning of Feb. 2012) 

Media Operations

Director of Media Operations  Julie Shugar

(announced Jan. 2012)  Director of the Media Center in the 2008 and 2004 Republican National Conventions.  Worked on roles supporting media operations in the 2000 and 1996 conventions.  First convention was the 1988 convention when she worked for convention manager Bill Phillips.  Other experience includes assistant clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives, work in the political division of the RNC, and political appointee at the Department of Health and Human Services during the George H.W. Bush administration.

Special Press Coordinator  Katherine Lyons

Started as receptionist.


Delegate Services

Director of Delegate Services  Anne Stewart

(announced May 31, 2011)  Most recently program manager, executive development at the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.  Deputy director of delegate services, hotels, venues and master calendar for the 2008 Republican National Convention.  Special assistant in White House Social Office, 2005-07.  Managing director of special services on the 2005 Presidential Inaugural Committee.  Worked at the RNC from July 2003-Nov. 2004, starting as a staff assistant, then scheduler in the chairman's office, and deputy events director for the Northeast on Victory 2004.  Degree in business administration from Meredith College, 2003.  From Fayetteville, NC.


Transportation

Director of Transportation  Paul Sorenson

(announced Feb. 15, 2012)  Executive director of the North Dakota Republican Party in 2009.  Deputy director of operations for the 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul.  Veteran of a number of congressional campaigns.  Began his career working for U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert in Washington, D.C. as a legislative assistant.  Indiana native.

Security

Director of Security  Al Concordia

(announced Feb. 15, 2012)  A U.S. Secret Service agent for 20 years.  Other experience includes Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms for the U.S. Senate, and work for the Philadelphia Eagles and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals.  B.A. in modern languages from Villanova University.  Philadelphia native.

External affairs

Director of External Affairs  Jason Osborne

(from July 2011; announced Jan. 26, 2012)  A principal at The MITA Group, joined the firm in 2006.  Senior federal liaison (a senior lobbyist) for the National Rifle Association (NRA), 1999-2006.  Senior associate at the Carmen Group, 1996-99.  Director of governmental affairs in the transportation and environment division at the American Consulting Engineers Council, 1994-96.  Legislative aide to Sen. Ted Stevens, 1992-94.  M.A. in political science/congressional studies from Catholic University, 1995; B.A. in political science from the University of Alabama, 1992.  Experience also includes member of the floor operations team at the 2008 Republican National Convention.

Community Outreach / Special events

Director of Community Outreach/Special Events  Holly McGovern Barber

(announced Feb. 21, 2012)  Moved back to Tampa in 1997.  Experience includes director of public affairs and special events at the International Republican Institute starting in 1989.  Worked in the communications department for the 1988 Republican National Convention in New Orleans and as deputy director of the international program at the 1992 Republican National Convention in Houston.  Tampa native.

FinanciaL services and Administration

Director of Financial Services and Administration  Thomas Maxwell

(announced Feb. 8, 2012)  Principal at MAXimum Compliance, LLC, a campaign finance consulting firm.  Deputy director for financial services for the 2008 Republican convention in St. Paul.  FEC director at the NRSC.  Reports analyst at the FEC.  B.A. in history from Southern Methodist University.  From Bridgeport, CT.


Official Wireless Provider  AT&T

(announced April 24, 2012) "will support convention planners’ overall mobility efforts by providing voice and data communication services and a variety of mobile devices to help maintain fully integrated communications throughout the convention process."

Official Innovation Provider  Microsoft

(announced April 19, 2012) "The relationship includes a host of pioneering Microsoft solutions such as natural user interface in Microsoft's Kinect, and video communications technology in Microsoft's Skype. In addition, collaboration will be streamlined and improved through the use of the Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint technologies and consulting services."

Official Social Platform and Live Stream Provider  Google

(announced April 13, 2012) "will provide a range of technology support and services, including streaming high-quality, live video of convention events and programs...  Using a host of new technologies and communications platforms including "Google+ Hangouts" (a new multi-party videoconferencing feature), convention organizers hope to provide voters a virtual front-row seat to convention proceedings and activities."

Official Telecommunications Provider  Bright House Networks

(announced Feb. 22, 2012) "the exclusive vendor and provider of video, high-speed data and wireline voice services to the COA and convention attendees, vendors, and media. The company will offer a broad range of video and communications options, including dedicated access Internet services scalable from ten megabits per second (Mbps) to one gigabit per second (Gbps) and metro Ethernet."

Official Newswire Service  PRNewswire

(announced Dec. 13, 2011) "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."

Transportation Services  SP Plus Gameday

(announced Oct. 13, 2011) "will contract, both locally and regionally, and manage a fleet of 300 modern, air-conditioned buses that will carry 5000 delegates, alternate delegates and guests between the estimated 95 official convention hotels in the Tampa Bay area and the convention site."


Old News: The Rough Start
One contributing factor to the Jan. 2011 ousting of RNC Chairman Steele after one term was his appointment of longtime aide Belinda Cook as "RNC Liaison to the Convention" for a $15,000 per month contract plus a $25,000 signing bonus from July 1, 2010.  Cook in turn brought various friends and relatives on and paid them very generously, and the party was also paying rent on a 3,200 square foot waterfront mansion in Treasure Island.  (See for example: Jonathan Strong.  "There are more Cooks in the RNC's kitchen."  The Daily Caller, Nov. 30, 2010).  According to Strong's article nine people were being paid.  According to the FEC report, expenditures through Dec. 31, 2010 totaled  $939,666.55.  One of newly elected RNC Chairman Reince Priebus' first actions (first press release) was to announce the end of this arrangement.

January 16, 2011 WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus issued the following statement regarding the 2012 Republican National Convention:

“We are committed to holding a world-class 2012 Republican National Convention that will be worthy of the next President of the United States.  There are some changes that need to be made to ensure a successful convention.  Those changes start today.  I have discontinued the employment of the convention liaison and the employees of the Committee on Arrangements, effective immediately.  I look forward to bringing on top-notch staff and planning a convention that all Republicans, especially our 2012 Presidential nominee, can be proud of.”


Steele announcements

Treasurer  Louis Pope

(announced June 29, 2010)

Members

(announced Dec. 3, 2010)
Linda Ackerman, NCW California
Amanda Adkins, State Chairman Kansas
Dee Dee Benkie, NCW Indiana
Bob Bennett, NCM Ohio
David Cole, State Chairman Missouri
Sharon Day, NCW Florida, RNC Secretary
Luke Esser, State Chairman Washington
Sue Everhart, State Chairman Georgia
John Frey, NCM Connecticut
Holly Hughes, NCW Michigan
Pat Longo, NCW Connecticut
Glenn McCall, NCM South Carolina
Lilly Nunez, NCW Colorado
Randy Ruedrich, State Chairman Alaska
Herbert Schoenbohm, State Chairman Virgin Islands
Norm Semanko, State Chairman Idaho
Paul Senft, NCM Florida
Fredi Simpson, NCW Washington
Joyce Terhes, NCW Maryland
Bob Tiernan, State Chairman Oregon
Joe Trillo, NCM Rhode Island
Helen Van Etten, NCW Kansas
Charlie Webster, State Chairman
Maine Betsy Werronen, NCW District of Columbia
Ginny Haines, NCW New Jersey
Amata Radewagen, NCW American Samoa
Bora Van Dormolen, NCW Texas
Heidi Smith, NCW Nevada

(announced Jan. 6, 2011)
Peter Ada, NCM Guam
Jonathan Barnett, NCM Arkansas
Will Deschamps, State Chairman Montana
Jody Dow, NCW Massachusetts
Errol Galt, NCM Montana
Reta Hamilton, NCW Arkansas
Miriam Hellreich, NCW Hawaii
Mary Jean Jensen, NCW South Dakota
Bob Kabel, State Chairman District of Columbia
Carol Mumford, NCW Rhode Island
Holland Redfield, NCM Virgin Islands
Pat Rogers, NCM New Mexico
Rosie Tripp, NCW New Mexico
Steve Robertson, State Chairman Kentucky