Anthony “Tony” Fazio was one of the most respected political consultants in the country, with more than 25 years of experience working on hundreds of campaigns in the political communications industry. He created winning direct mail programs for candidates, labor organizations, and campaigns across America, helping define the role of direct mail in modern political strategy.

A born organizer, Tony’s career traced the modern arc of American political and labor organizing. He started out as a grocery clerk in a union-organized supermarket in his native Providence, Rhode Island. After moving to the Bay Area in 1968, he worked the docks as a longshoreman in Oakland, organized community groups with ACORN in South Dakota and the Citizens Action League in California, served as a union organizer for SEIU, and was COPE director for the San Francisco Labor Council. Whether the cause was labor, community, or candidates, if Tony believed in it, he was there, and as he liked to put it, never afraid of rocking the proverbial boat.

In 1981, Tony launched his first national direct mail company, and in 1989 he founded Winning Directions, the firm that would define much of his professional legacy. Over more than three decades, Winning Directions earned over 100 Pollie Awards, the political industry’s highest honor, and for two consecutive years took home more awards in the Direct Mail category than any competing firm. Tony co-authored Winning Direct Mail, a step-by-step guide to the craft he helped shape. As broadcast advertising rose to dominate campaigns, Tony’s direct mail still ruled many an Election Day with creative messaging and sharp targeting.

Tony joined the AAPC Board of Directors in 1992 and went on to serve as President of the association. He was in demand as a speaker and trainer for political organizations across the country, guiding clients through the intricacies of targeting, messaging, and campaign strategy, and helping mentor a new generation of consultants entering the field. He also helped establish the Direct Mail Archives at American University, ensuring that the history of the craft would be preserved for those who came after him.

Tony’s impact extended well beyond campaigns.  Tony gave generously to mission-driven causes, building MNC Inspiring Success with friend and collaborator Richard Ybarra as a novel approach to working with non-profits.  He was deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of political and strategic professionals and to building a profession grounded in creativity, rigor, and purpose.

Tony passed away after a long battle with cancer.  He is remembered not only for his extraordinary contributions to political consulting, but also for the values he held most dear: being a devoted husband to Marie, a loving father to Amy, Joey, and Becky, and a proud grandfather to Marlowe, Adeline, Tony, and Stevie.