AAPC Announces 2021 Class of 40 Under 40 Award Winners

Contact:
Alana Joyce
Executive Director
703-245-8021

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 19, 2021

 

AAPC ANNOUNCES 2021 CLASS OF 40 UNDER 40 AWARD WINNERS

 

Las Vegas, NV (October 19, 2021) —The American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC)—America’s only bipartisan association of political professionals— today announced the winners of the 2021 40 Under 40 Awards program recognizing the best and brightest young professionals working in the United States. Selected from more than 200 nominations, the winners were recognized at an awards ceremony during the 2021 Pollie Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada on Tuesday, October 19, 2021.
“In an unprecedented campaign cycle due to the global pandemic, this year’s 40 Under 40 class highlights the rising influencers, entrepreneurs, creators and strategists that are shaping the future of political consulting,” said AAPC President Becki Donatelli. “We’re excited to recognize and celebrate them early on in their careers, and we look forward to seeing the incredible work they put forth in the future to further our industry.”
“PayClearly takes great pride and is truly honored to be a part of this celebration of emerging political leaders,” said John Jamieson, SVP of Strategic Sales & Partners at PayClearly. “We wish all winners a huge congratulations and look forward to your sustained successes. You are all a testimony that hard work, a relentless conviction and perseverance make that unassailable difference.”
The AAPC is dedicated to fostering the next generation of political professionals and is proud to recognize leaders and innovators in the political business community (including media, advertising, polling and public affairs) who are making a mark in their organization and their profession.

Winners of the AAPC 2021 40 Under 40 Awards
Democratic Winners
Delilah Agho-Otoghile, Harris County Democratic Party
Luis Alcauter, Solidarity Strategies
Rania Batrice, Batrice & Associates
Michael Charles, Upper Left Strategies
Shasti Conrad, Shasti Conrad Consulting
Carly Cooperman, Schoen Cooperman Research
Emily Kirby Goodman, EMC Research
Anatole Jenkins, Biden for President
Kendall Klingler, Fiona Hutton & Associates
Rosa Mendoza, Global Strategy Group
Vanessa Millán, Con Cultura, LLC
Jill Nelson Golub, Whitehurst/Mosher Campaign Strategy and Media
Charly Norton, Bergmann Zwerdling Direct
Jovita Pardo, GNI Strategies
Jamie Patton, Uplift Campaigns
Christina Sheffey, Bully Pulpit Interactive
Rebecca Slutzky, Sogonex
Brian Stryker, ALG Research
Mary-Patricia Wray, Top Drawer Strategies
Carolyn Xu, Media Fortitude Partners
Republican Winners
Alexander Avetoom, Para Bellum Public Affairs
Titus Bond, Remington Research Group
Ethan Eilon, IMGE
Tyler Foote, Creative Direct
Daria Grastara, National Republican Senatorial Committee
Chad Heywood, Camelback Strategy Group
Kate Holliday, a4 Media
Jackie Huelbig, Centro
Conor Maguire, WPA Intelligence
Tom Newhouse, Convergence Media
Sam Oh, Targeted Victory
Anthony Pileggi, IMGE
Jonathan Ratliff, Palm Strategic Group
Brian Reisinger, Platform Communications
David Seawright, Deep Root Analytics
Scott Stone, Strategic Impact
Austin Stukins, Push Digital
Hope Walker, SCGOP
Joe Williams, Vanguard Field Strategies
Benjamin Yoho, The Strategy Group Company

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About the 2021 AAPC Pollie Conference
As the premier industry event, the 2021 AAPC Pollie Conference is held in Las Vegas, Nevada from October 19 – 21, 2021 and brings the leading political professionals in the world together to network and hear from top technology innovators, pollsters, pundits and service providers. The Conference features cutting-edge programming on key industry trends, designed to empower attendees to leverage the latest techniques in campaign strategy and management. The Conference is widely recognized as the must-attend event for political consultants, media buyers, public affairs specialists, suppliers, industry leaders and journalists. For details, visit www.theaapc.org.

About AAPC

Founded in 1969, the AAPC is a multi-partisan organization of political and public affairs professionals dedicated to improving democracy. The AAPC has more than 1,600 members hailing from all corners of the globe. The Board of Directors is comprised of 32 members, evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats. It is the largest association of political and public affairs professionals in the world. For more information, see www.theaapc.org.

Biden for President and Young Kim for Congress (CA-39) Named “Campaigns of the Year”

Contact:
Alana Joyce
Executive Director
703-245-8021

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 20, 2021

 

BIDEN FOR PRESIDENT AND YOUNG KIM FOR CONGRESS (CA-39) NAMES “CAMPAIGNS OF THE YEAR”
AAPC Announces Campaign Excellence Awards for the 2020 Cycle
Las Vegas, NV (October 20, 2021) —The American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC)—America’s largest and only bipartisan network of political professionals— today announced the winners of the AAPC Campaign Excellence Awards for exceptional work during the 2020 cycle. These awards were presented at a special ceremony in conjunction with the annual AAPC Pollie Awards & Conference in Las Vegas, NV.
The Campaign Excellence Awards are a longstanding tradition of the AAPC and recognize those individuals who have significantly contributed to the success of a candidate or public affairs campaign and whose conduct has been consistent with the Professional Code of Ethics of the AAPC.
“Our Campaign Excellence winners showed true dedication to the craft of political campaigning throughout one of the most difficult campaign cycles we’ve ever seen,” said AAPC President Becki Donatelli. “The COVID-19 pandemic forced us all to rethink how we reach voters online and offline and these professionals embody some of the best examples of innovation during this challenging time,” added AAPC Vice President Larry Huynh.
AAPC Campaign Excellence Award Winners
Ballot Measure Campaign of the Year: Yes on 802 — Oklahomans Decides Healthcare
Public Affairs Campaign of the Year: COVID-19 Relief for the Restaurant Industry
Campaign Manager of the Year, Non-Statewide: Shelbi Dantic, Carolyn Bourdeaux for Congress
Independent Expenditure Campaign of the Year: Fair Fight
Fundraiser of the Year-Republican: Team McCarthy – House Republican Leader
Fundraiser of the Year-Democratic: Lara Henderson, Democratic Party of Wisconsin
Campaign Manager of the Year, Statewide-Republican: Scott Farmer, Lindsey Graham for US Senate
Campaign Manager of the Year, Statewide-Democratic: Ellen Foster, Jon Ossoff for Senate
Polling & Analytics Pro of the Year: Michael Podhorzer, AFL-CIO
Most Valuable Player of the Year-Republican: Dan Conston, Congressional Leadership Fund/AAN
Most Valuable Player of the Year-Democratic: Christie Roberts, DSCC
Campaign of the Year-Republican: Young Kim for Congress (CA-39)
Campaign of the Year-Democratic: Biden for President
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About the 2021 AAPC Pollie Conference
As the premier industry event, the 2021 AAPC Pollie Conference is held in Las Vegas, Nevada from October 19 – 21, 2021 and bring the leading political professionals in the world together to network and hear from top technology innovators, pollsters, pundits and service providers. The Conference features cutting-edge programming on key industry trends, designed to empower attendees to leverage the latest techniques in campaign strategy and management. The Conference is widely recognized as the must-attend event for political consultants, media buyers, public affairs specialists, suppliers, industry leaders and journalists. For details, visit www.theaapc.org.

 

About AAPC

Founded in 1969, the AAPC is a multi-partisan organization of political and public affairs professionals dedicated to improving democracy. The AAPC has more than 1,600 members hailing from all corners of the globe. The Board of Directors is comprised of 32 members, evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats. It is the largest association of political and public affairs professionals in the world. For more information, see www.theaapc.org.

Ross Bates, Linda DiVall, and Luis A. Miranda Jr. Receive Lifetime Achievement Award

Contact:
Alana Joyce
Executive Director
703-245-8021

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 20, 2021

 

ROSS BATES, LINDA DIVALL AND LUIS A. MIRANDA JR. RECEIVE LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
AAPC Announces Hall of Fame & President’s Award Recipients
Las Vegas, NV (October 20, 2021) —The American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC)—America’s largest and only bipartisan network of political professionals— announced Ross Bates and Linda DiVall as this year’s inductees into the AAPC Hall of Fame. Luis A. Miranda Jr. was also recognized for lifetime achievement with AAPC’s first ever President’s Award. The Awards were presented at a special ceremony in conjunction with the annual AAPC Pollie Awards & Conference in Las Vegas, NV.
Each year the AAPC selects accomplished industry professionals who have amassed a career of achievements that distinguish them amongst their peers for induction into its Hall of Fame, the highest honor that working members of the profession can bestow upon a colleague. Factors such as the honoree’s influence on other political consultants and public affairs professionals, length and depth of career and the body of work, innovation and commitment to ethical business practices are taken into consideration. AAPC’s President’s Award recognizes lifetime achievement in public service and lasting contributions to the fields of political consulting and issue advocacy. Luis A. Miranda Jr. is the first recipient of this prestigious award.
Previous Hall of Fame inductees include Lee Atwater, David Axelrod, Paul Begala, Charlie Black, James Carville, Alex Castellanos, Joseph Cerrell, Wally Clinton, Roger Craver, Morris S. Dees, Thomas Edmonds, Arthur Finkelstein, Joseph Gaylord, David Garth, Bob Goodman, George Gorton, Stanley Greenberg, William Hamilton, Peter D. Hart, Allen Hoffenblum, Gale Kaufman, Eddie Mahe, Jr., Ellen Malcolm, Hal Malchow, Jim Margolis, Minyon Moore, Joe Napolitan, Lyn Nofziger, David Plouffe, Matt Reese, Ed Rollins, Karl Rove, Robert Shrum, Lionel Sosa, Stuart Spencer, Bob Squire, Greg Stevens, Ray Strother, Tony Schwartz, V. Lance Tarrance, Jr., Robert Teeter, Nancy Todd, Paul Tully, Richard Viguerie, F. Clifton White and Dick Woodward.
“We are very excited to announce and honor true visionaries in the field, Linda and Ross, as our Hall of Fame inductees, and Luis as our inaugural President’s Award recipient” said AAPC President Becki Donatelli. “Their accomplishments in the industry set a high bar of achievement for the rest of political consultants to reach for,” added AAPC Vice President Larry Huynh.
Ross Bates (1950-2015) was a pioneer in persuasion mail and modern political consulting. His campaign and advocacy consulting firm developed strategy for clients ranging from local to Presidential campaigns and included advocacy work for environmental and health causes. Ross built strong professional relationships and earned a reputation as a talented, fair, humble advocate for Democratic candidates and causes.
As American Viewpoint’s founder, Linda DiVall has provided effective strategies to both political and corporate clients for 30 years. Linda has conducted research on behalf of the RGA, NRCC, NRSC, RNC as well as NRSC and NRCC IE efforts. Her strategic insight has been utilized on policy issues of Social Security, Medicare, retirement security and healthcare as well as providing guidance to the GOP on strategies to counter the gender gap. Linda has also worked as consultant and analyst for CBS Election Night coverage since 1988.
Luis A. Miranda Jr. is Founding Partner of The MirRam Group, a government affairs, lobbying and political consulting firm in New York City. He has previously served in three New York City mayoral administrations. Mr. Miranda is the Founding President of the Hispanic Federation and past chairman of the NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation. He is board chair of the Latino Victory Fund and the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance. He and his family have supported the relief efforts in Puerto Rico following the destruction of Hurricane Maria in September 2017. They have actively fundraised for the Hispanic Federation’s UNIDOS for Puerto Rico program, raising over $43M to date for community organizations throughout the island.
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About the 2021 AAPC Pollie Conference
As the premier industry event, the 2021 AAPC Pollie Conference is held in Las Vegas, Nevada from October 19 – 21, 2021 and bring the leading political professionals in the world together to network and hear from top technology innovators, pollsters, pundits and service providers. The Conference features cutting-edge programming on key industry trends, designed to empower attendees to leverage the latest techniques in campaign strategy and management. The Conference is widely recognized as the must-attend event for political consultants, media buyers, public affairs specialists, suppliers, industry leaders and journalists. For details, visit www.theaapc.org.
About AAPC
Founded in 1969, the AAPC is a multi-partisan organization of political and public affairs professionals dedicated to improving democracy. The AAPC has over 1,500 members hailing from all corners of the globe. It is the largest association of political and public affairs professionals in the world. For more information, see www.theaapc.org.

Haley Barbour, Alexander Gage and Mandy Grunwald Receive Lifetime Achievement Award

Contact:
Alana Joyce
Executive Director
703-245-8021

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 9, 2022

 

HALEY BARBOUR, ALEXANDER GAGE AND MANDY GRUNWALD RECEIVE LIFETIME ACHEIVEMENT AWARD
AAPC Announces 2022 Hall of Fame Inductees
Washington, D.C. (May 9, 2022) — The American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) — America’s largest and only bipartisan network of political professionals — announced Haley Barbour, Alexander Gage, and Mandy Grunwald as this year’s inductees into the AAPC Hall of Fame. The awards will be presented at a ceremony on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, sponsored by Home Team Sports, Playfly and Political Marketing + Media in conjunction with the annual AAPC Pollie Awards & Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
AAPC annually selects accomplished industry professionals for induction into its Hall of Fame. This is the highest honor that working members of the profession can bestow upon a colleague. The award recognizes honorees’ influence on other political consultants and public affairs professionals, the length and seriousness of their careers and their commitment to ethical business practices.
“It’s a privilege to honor such innovative and high-achieving individuals and firms in the industry,” said AAPC President Becki Donatelli.
“The impact that this year’s Hall of Fame inductees have had on the political consulting industry is immeasurable. We are excited to celebrate their achievements in person at the Pollie Conference,” added AAPC Vice President Larry Huynh.
“Home Team Sports, Playfly Sports and Political Marketing + Media are thrilled to take part in honoring this year’s Hall of Fame inductees,” said Stephen Ullman, Managing Partner of Political Marketing + Media. “The impact Alex, Haley and Mandy have had on this industry is outstanding and is well deserving of celebration.”
Previous Hall of Fame inductees include Lee Atwater, David Axelrod, Ross Bates, Paul Begala, Charlie Black, James Carville, Alex Castellanos, Joseph Cerrell, Wally Clinton, Roger Craver, Morris S. Dees, Linda DiVall, Thomas Edmonds, Arthur Finkelstein, Joseph Gaylord, David Garth, Bob Goodman, George Gorton, Stanley Greenberg, William Hamilton, Peter D. Hart, Allen Hoffenblum, Gale Kaufman, Donna Lucas, Eddie Mahe, Jr., Ellen Malcolm, Hal Malchow, Jim Margolis, Minyon Moore, Joe Napolitan, Lyn Nofziger, David Plouffe, Matt Reese, Ed Rollins, Karl Rove, Robert Shrum, Lionel Sosa, Stuart Spencer, Bob Squire, Greg Stevens, Ray Strother, Tony Schwartz, V. Lance Tarrance, Jr., Robert Teeter, Nancy Todd, Paul Tully, Richard Viguerie, F. Clifton White and Dick Woodward.
About the 2022 AAPC Hall of Fame Inductees
Haley Barbour, Founding Partner of BGR Group, returned to BGR in January 2012 after serving two consecutive terms as Governor of Mississippi, including two years as the Chairman of the Republican Governors Association. At BGR, he heads advocacy coalitions, lobbies on behalf of clients and remains a major force in Republican party politics and elections. Gov. Barbour began his political career in 1968, dropping out of college to work on Richard Nixon’s presidential campaign; he later served as Political Director of the Reagan White House. From 1993 to 1997, Gov. Barbour served as Chairman of the Republican National Committee. In 2003, he was elected Governor of Mississippi, assuming office in January 2004. After Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in 2005, Gov. Barbour received national recognition from the bipartisan American Legislative Exchange Council for his swift response to the worst natural disaster in American history. For his efforts to rebuild the Mississippi Gulf Coast, he received the Thomas Jefferson Freedom Award. The Hill newspaper has listed Gov. Barbour as one of Washington’s top lobbyists annually since his return to the firm in 2012.
Alexander Patton Gage began his professional career in 1974 as a survey research analyst at Market Opinion Research (MOR), where Robert M. Teeter, considered one of the founders of modern political campaign research, tapped Gage to be a part of the 1976 campaign for President Gerald R. Ford. Gage has participated in various capacities in every GOP presidential campaign since then. In 2003, Gage left MOR and founded TargetPoint Consulting, Inc., where he was a pioneer in the emerging field of microtargeting. Today, TargetPoint remains a leader in microtargeting and public opinion research. A constant innovator, Gage left TargetPoint in 2016 to focus his attention on G2 Analytics, a market research firm he co-founded to revolutionize how video content is measured and analyzed. Under his leadership, G2 Analytics has become a leader in political video testing.
Mandy Grunwald is the founder and president of Grunwald Communications, one of the leading Democratic media firms in the country and the most successful woman-owned media consultancy ever. Mandy is one of the few women at the top of the field, has elected numerous Senators and Governors and is the only woman in history to run the advertising for a successful presidential campaign (Bill Clinton’s). Mandy has helped elect six current Senators — Senator Tammy Baldwin, Senator Richard Blumenthal, Senator John Hickenlooper, Senator Amy Klobuchar, Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Senator Elizabeth Warren, and worked on successful independent expenditures for Senators Sherrod Brown, Maggie Hassan, Mark Kelly, Chris Murphy and Jackie Rosen. She is also known for her work for all Hillary Clinton’s Senate and Presidential campaigns.
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About the 2022 AAPC Pollie Conference
As the premier industry event, the 2022 Pollie Awards & Conference is held in San Juan, Puerto Rico from May 17-19, 2022, and brings the leading political professionals in the world together to network and hear from top technology innovators, pollsters, pundits and service providers. The Conference features cutting-edge programming on key industry trends, designed to empower attendees to leverage the latest techniques in campaign strategy and management. The Conference is widely recognized as the must-attend event for political consultants, media buyers, public affairs specialists, suppliers, industry leaders and journalists. For details, visit www.theaapc.org.
About AAPC
Founded in 1969, the AAPC is a multi-partisan organization of political and public affairs professionals dedicated to improving democracy. The AAPC has over 1,500 members hailing from all corners of the globe. It is the largest association of political and public affairs professionals in the world. For more information, see www.theaapc.org.
About Political Marketing + Media
Founded in 2021, Political Marketing + Media specializes in matching political candidates, committees + advocacy groups with the best local, regional + national sports, news and entertainment programming and events. For more information, see politicalmarketingandmedia.com.

AAPC Announces 2022 Class of 40 Under 40 Award Winners

Contact:
Alana Joyce
Executive Director
703-245-8021

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 17, 2022

 

AAPC ANNOUNCES 2022 CLASS OF 40 UNDER 40 AWARD WINNERS
San Juan, Puerto Rico (May 17, 2022) —The American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC)—America’s only bipartisan association of political professionals— today announced the winners of the 2022 40 Under 40 Awards program recognizing the best and brightest young professionals working in the United States. Selected from more than 200 nominations, the winners were recognized at an awards ceremony during the 2022 Pollie Awards & Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Tuesday, May 17, 2022.
“The judging process was especially difficult this year, with such high volume of outstanding young professionals nominated. We are encouraged to see so many high achieving young politicos rise up within the industry, and salute this year’s winners,” said AAPC President Becki Donatelli. “We have no doubt that the 2022 Class of 40 Under 40 will continue to even greater successes as political consultants and help educate and inspire other rising stars in the industry, ”added AAPC Vice President Larry Huynh.
“We are thrilled to congratulate this year’s winners of the 40 Under 40 Awards. As a leader in the political text message marketing industry, it’s our pleasure to watch these individuals succeed in their profession and to contribute in a small way in their digital marketing journey,” added Kevin Fitzgerald, Tatango CEO.
The AAPC is dedicated to fostering the next generation of political professionals and is proud to recognize leaders and innovators in the political business community (including media, advertising, polling and public affairs) who are making a mark in their organization and their profession.

Winners of the AAPC 2022 40 Under 40 Awards
Democratic Winners
  • Ryan Berni, Berni Consulting
  • Mollie Binotto, Sena Kozar Strategies
  • Kati Bumgardner, Counterpoint Messaging
  • Marshall Cohen, Democratic Governors Association (DGA)
  • Seferiana Day, Upper Left Strategies
  • Katelynd Duncan, KJD Strategies
  • Zandria Haines, SBDigital
  • Joshua Handelman, Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee
  • Danny Kazin, American Bridge
  • Adam Kirsch, Change Research
  • Angela Kuefler, Global Strategy Group
  • Byron LaMasters, InFocus Campaigns
  • Ben Lazarus, TargetSmart
  • Alesa Mackool, ACM Strategies
  • Henri Makembe, Do Big Things
  • Ishanee Parikh, Future Forward USA Action
  • Marilyn Báez Rodríguez, 303 Digital
  • Tess Troha-Thompson, New Blue Interactive
  • Bryan Boo Yuen, Putnam Partners
Independent Winner:
  • Stephen Miller, Kivvit
Republican Winners
  • Michael McCollum Adams, TAG Strategies
  • Sarah Clamp, Prime Media Partners
  • Chazz Clevinger, OneClickPolitics
  • Lindsay Shuba Donnelly, TLC Political
  • Kaeley Gemmill, Targeted Victory
  • Joseph Goetz, NRCC
  • Amanda Iovino, WPA Intelligence
  • Matt Kenney, Camelback Strategy Group
  • Danny Laub, POOLHOUSE
  • Caeli Mahon, Targeted Victory
  • Katie Martin, Big Dog Strategies
  • George Nassar, Public Opinion Strategies
  • Joey Parr, Murphy Nasica
  • Sean Philbin, Smart Media Group
  • Christiana Purves, Push Digital & Laurens Group
  • Martin Rini, Targeted Victory
  • Jeffrey Snow, 936 Media
  • Edith Jorge-Tuñon, Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC)
  • Phil Vangelakos, Push Digital, LLC
  • Adam Wise, National Media
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About the 2022 AAPC Pollie Conference
As the premier industry event, the 2022 Pollie Awards & Conference is held in San Juan, Puerto Rico from May 17-19, 2022 and brings the leading political professionals in the world together to network and hear from top technology innovators, pollsters, pundits and service providers. The Conference features cutting-edge programming on key industry trends, designed to empower attendees to leverage the latest techniques in campaign strategy and management. The Conference is widely recognized as the must-attend event for political consultants, media buyers, public affairs specialists, suppliers, industry leaders and journalists. For details, visit www.theaapc.org.
About AAPC
Founded in 1969, the AAPC is a multi-partisan organization of political and public affairs professionals dedicated to improving democracy. The AAPC has over 1,400 members hailing from all corners of the globe. It is the largest association of political and public affairs professionals in the world. For more information, see www.theaapc.org.
About Tatango
Since 2007, Tatango has provided easy-to-use SMS marketing software and industry expertise to political and nonprofit organizations and causes looking to achieve their fundraising goals. Tatango has become a market leader powering SMS and MMS campaigns designed to drive fundraising results. With billions of messages sent, Tatango’s marketing software has been time-tested to deliver positive fundraising outcomes.

AAPC Announces Campaign Excellence Awards for the 2021 Cycle

Contact:
Alana Joyce
Executive Director
703-245-8021

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 18, 2022

 

AAPC ANNOUNCES CAMPAIGN EXCELLENCE AWARDS FOR AWARDS FOR THE 2021 CYCLE
Youngkin for Governor named Campaign of the Year and Stop the Republican Recall of Gavin Newsom named Digital Campaign of the Year
San Juan, Puerto Rico (May 18, 2022) —The American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC)—America’s largest and only bipartisan network of political professionals— today
announced the winners of the AAPC Campaign Excellence Awards for exceptional work during the 2021 cycle. These awards were presented at a special ceremony in conjunction with the annual AAPC Pollie Awards & Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The Campaign Excellence Awards are a longstanding tradition of the AAPC and recognize those individuals who have significantly contributed to the success of a candidate or public affairs campaign and whose conduct has been consistent with the Professional Code of Ethics of the AAPC.
“The 2022 Campaign Excellence Award winners far surpassed the high bar of scrutiny set out in our standards of judging. The effort, dedication and masterful skills these individuals employed during the 2021 campaign cycle deserves tremendous recognition, and AAPC is proud to provide just that,” said AAPC President Becki Donatelli. “It’s a privilege to celebrate these outstanding political practitioners together at the Pollie Conference,” added AAPC Vice President Larry Huynh.
“Political Marketing + Media and our affiliates PlayFly Sports and Home Team Sports would like to offer congratulations to the 2022 Campaign Excellence Award winners,” said Stephen Ullman, Managing Partner of Political Marketing + Media. “We are honored to share in their celebration at the 2022 Pollie Conference.”
AAPC Campaign Excellence Award Winners
Ballot Measure Campaign of the Year (Local): Save Austin Now – Proposition B
Ballot Measure Campaign of the Year (Statewide): Cannabis Community for Fairness and Safety (CCFS) – No on 119
Public Affairs Campaign of the Year: Every Bottle Back
Independent Expenditure Campaign of the Year: All of Mpls
Campaign Manager of the Year, Non-Statewide (Democratic): Katie Moore, Eric Adams for Mayor
Campaign Manager of the Year, Non-Statewide (Republican): Matt Brownfield, Jake Ellzey for Congress
Fundraiser of the Year (Democratic): Darren Rigger, Dynamic SRG – NYC Campaigns for Borough Presidents and Speaker
Fundraiser of the Year (Republican): Jenniffer Ortiz Alzieri, Campaign Solutions, CDI Ads and Winning Tuesday – Larry Elder for Governor
Digital Campaign of the Year: Stop the Republican Recall of Gavin Newsom
Campaign Manager of the Year, Statewide (Democratic): Juan Rodrigiez, Stop the Republican Recall of Gavin Newsom
Campaign Manager of the Year, Statewide (Republican): Klarke Kilgore, Jason Miyares for Virginia Attorney General
Most Valuable Player of the Year (Democratic): Kendra-Sue Derby, Howard Franklin & Candice Franklin, Andre Dickens for Atlanta Mayor
Most Valuable Player of the Year (Republican): Kristin Davison, Youngkin Campaign
Pollster of the Year (Democratic): Tulchin Research, Eric Adams for Mayor of New York City 2021
Pollster of the Year (Republican): WPAi AND Tarrance Group – Youngkin for Governor
Campaign of the Year: Youngkin for Governor
About the 2022 AAPC Pollie Conference
As the premier industry event, the 2022 Pollie Awards & Conference is held in San Juan, Puerto Rico from May 17-19, 2022 and brings the leading political professionals in the world together to network and hear from top technology innovators, pollsters, pundits and service providers. The Conference features cutting-edge programming on key industry trends, designed to empower attendees to leverage the latest techniques in campaign strategy and management. The Conference is widely recognized as the must-attend event for political consultants, media buyers, public affairs specialists, suppliers, industry leaders and journalists. For details, visit www.theaapc.org.
About AAPC
Founded in 1969, the AAPC is a multi-partisan organization of political and public affairs professionals dedicated to improving democracy. The AAPC has over 1,400 members hailing from all corners of the globe. It is the largest association of political and public affairs professionals in the world. For more information, see www.theaapc.org.
About Political Marketing + Media
Founded in 2014, Political Marketing + Media specializes in matching political candidates, committees + advocacy groups with the best local, regional + national sports, news and entertainment programming and events. For more information, see politicalmarketingandmedia.com.
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About AAPC

Founded in 1969, the AAPC is a multi-partisan organization of political and public affairs professionals dedicated to improving democracy. The AAPC has more than 1,600 members hailing from all corners of the globe. The Board of Directors is comprised of 32 members, evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats. It is the largest association of political and public affairs professionals in the world. For more information, see www.theaapc.org.

AAPC Announces 2022 Pollie Award Winners

Contact:
Alana Joyce
Executive Director
703-245-8021

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 19, 2022

 

AAPC ANNOUNCES 2022 POLLIE AWARD WINNERS
Political advertising’s largest and most prestigious Awards program has record-breaking year
San Juan, Puerto Rico (May 19, 2022) – The American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) today announced the winners of the 2022 Pollie Awards, the premier awards competition for the political advertising industry. This cycle, over 200 firms submitted a 1,100+ entries across 10 mediums, including television, digital, direct mail/print, radio and phones. Despite the large number of entries received, given AAPC’s stringent standards for trophy eligibility, only 11% of entries earned Pollie Gold, the industry’s top honor.
“The 2021 campaign cycle featured no less challenges than 2020, and continued to test long-standing campaign tactics and force innovation,” said Becki Donateli, AAPC President. “The firms honored with a Pollie Award this year developed new strategies and campaign tools whose impacts were felt in the results of elections across the country. AAPC offers our most fervent congratulations for their wins.”
The Strategy Group Co, a Republican firm based in Columbus, Ohio took home the most Pollie wins this year at 18, while Bergmann Zwerdling Direct, headquartered in Washington, D.C., commanded the top spot among Democratic firms with 12 wins. Republican firm The Strategy Group Co. and Democratic firm Putnam Partners tied for the most Pollie Gold wins, both earning 5 coveted trophies.
“The Pollie Contest could not have been a success without the help of more than 120 AAPC members who volunteered to serve as judges,” said Larry Huynh, AAPC Vice President. “In addition to evaluating the political effectiveness and execution of each piece, our judges assessed whether or not each entry met AAPC’s higher standards on citations and the requirements of AAPC’s Professional Code of Ethics. We sincerely appreciate all of our judges who helped to uphold AAPC’s values.”
About the Pollie Awards
The Pollie Awards (Pollies) are bipartisan honors awarded annually by the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) to members of the political advertising and communications industry who have demonstrated superior work on behalf of their candidates and causes. A blind jury of their professional peers selects AAPC award winners. Esquire magazine has dubbed the Pollies “…the Oscars of political advertising.”
The full list of 2022 Pollie Contest winners can be found in the 2022 Winners Book, and the winning work can be viewed in the 2022 Pollie Gallery.
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About AAPC

Founded in 1969, the AAPC is a multi-partisan organization of political and public affairs professionals dedicated to improving democracy. The AAPC has more than 1,600 members hailing from all corners of the globe. The Board of Directors is comprised of 32 members, evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats. It is the largest association of political and public affairs professionals in the world. For more information, see www.theaapc.org.

AAPC Announces 2023 Class of 40 Under 40 Award Winners

Contact:
Alana Joyce
Executive Director
703-245-8021

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 18, 2023

 

AAPC ANNOUNCES 2023 CLASS OF 40 UNDER 40 AWARD WINNERS
La Quinta, California (April 18, 2023) —The American Association of Political
Consultants (AAPC), America’s only bipartisan association of political professionals, announced today the winners of the 2023 40 Under 40 Awards program recognizing the best and brightest young professionals working in the United States. Selected from more than 250 nominations, the winners were recognized at an awards ceremony during the 2023 Pollie Awards and Conference in Palm Springs, California on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.
“We are elated to welcome a new class of gifted political consultants who will continue to make an impact in our industry,” said AAPC President Becki Donatelli. “As AAPC continues to support young professionals to grow within the industry, we look forward to their contributions both now and in the future,” added AAPC Vice President Larry Huynh.
“Ampersand and its owner companies, would like to offer congratulations to the 2023 class of 40 Under 40 award winners,” added Tim Kay, Vice President of Political Strategy.
The AAPC is dedicated to fostering the next generation of political professionals and is proud to recognize leaders and innovators in the political business community (including media, advertising, polling, and public affairs) who are making a mark in their organization and their profession.

La Quinta, California (April 20, 2023) —The American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC), America’s only bipartisan association of political professionals, announced today the recipients of the AAPC Campaign Excellence Awards for exceptional work during the 2022 cycle. These awards were presented at a special ceremony in conjunction with the annual AAPC Pollie Awards and Conference near Palm Springs, California.

The Campaign Excellence Awards are a longstanding tradition of the AAPC and recognize those individuals who have significantly contributed to the success of a candidate or public affairs campaign and whose conduct has been consistent with the Professional Code of Ethics of the AAPC.
“We were delighted to provide recognition to the outstanding work in political consulting in 2022,” said AAPC President Becki Donatelli. “The 2023 Campaign Excellence Award winners have set a high bar for recognition in future years,” added AAPC Vice President Larry Huynh.
Winners of the AAPC 2023 40 Under 40 Awards
Democratic Winners
  • Allyson Marcus, The Hub Project
  • Brendan McPhillips, Hilltop Public Soultions
  • Brett “Coop” Cooper, SWAY
  • Cassi Peters, Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee
  • Daniel Barash, SKDK
  • David Bergstein, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
  • Ilana Kaplan, SWDC Organizing Group
  • Jenna Fullmer, Blue Compass Strategies
  • John Padua, Trilogy Interactive
  • Lindsay Vermeyen, Breakthrough
  • Megan Jacobs, League of Conservation Voters Campaigns
  • Morgan Miller, Left Coast Strategies LLC
  • Patrick Brown, FOGLAMP
  • Pili Tobar, Fireside Campaigns
  • Ryan Irvin, Change Media Group
  • Samantha Greene, Sena Kozar Strategies
  • Shannon-Janean Currie, Benenson Strategy Group
  • Terrance Woodbury, HIT Strategies
  • Tommy McDonald, The Win Company
  • Trip Yang, Trip Yang Strategies
Republican Winners
  • Adam Scheidler, TAG Strategies
  • Ashleigh Pisarcik, Ivory Political Strategy
  • Ben Mitchell, Jamestown Associates
  • Bobby Saparow, Kemp for Governor
  • Brendon DelToro, Guidant Polling and Strategy
  • Domenic Re, Congressional Leadership Fund
  • Jack Pandol, NRCC
  • Jon Black, Data Trust
  • Jonathan Duke, Deep Root Analytics
  • Jordan Root, Texans for Greg Abbott
  • Jordan Wiggins, Owner
  • Matthew W Cohen, HBS+
  • Nicholas Maddux, Axiom Strategies
  • Paul Shashy, SR Communications LLC
  • Robert Schmidt, McLaughlin & Associates
  • Thaddeus Rupp, Targeted Victory
  • Theresa Winegar, National Republican
  • Congressional Committee
  • Tommy Knepper, In Field Strategies
  • Senate Leadership Fund and One Nation
  • Will Ritter, POOLHOUSE Agency LLC
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About the 2023 AAPC Pollie Conference
As the premier industry event, the 2023 Pollie Awards and Conference, held near Palm Springs, California from April 18-20, 2023, brings the leading political professionals together to network and hear from top technology innovators, pollsters, pundits, and service providers. The conference features cutting-edge programming on key industry trends, designed to empower attendees to leverage the latest techniques in campaign strategy and management. The conference is widely recognized as the must-attend event for political consultants, media buyers, public affairs specialists, suppliers, industry leaders, and journalists. For details, visit www.theaapc.org.

About AAPC

Founded in 1969, the AAPC is a multi-partisan organization of political and public affairs professionals dedicated to improving democracy. The AAPC has more than 1,600 members hailing from all corners of the globe. The Board of Directors is comprised of 32 members, evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats. It is the largest association of political and public affairs professionals in the world. For more information, see www.theaapc.org.

About Ampersand
Ampersand is Moving TV ForwardTM. As the industry’s largest source of combined multiscreen TV inventory and viewership insights, we are changing the way TV is bought and measured. Powered by aggregated and authenticated audience data insights from 42 million households, and with a commitment to protecting personal information, Ampersand gives advertisers true audience first planning, scale in execution, and advanced measurement of their TV investments. Ampersand represents 116M households and over 75% of addressable households in the US. Whether a local or national advertiser, we help clients reach their unique target audience and deliver their stories – anytime, anywhere and on whatever device. Ampersand is owned by Comcast Corporation, Charter Communications, Inc. and Cox Communications.

AAPC Announces Campaign Excellence Awards for the 2022 Cycle

Contact:
Alana Joyce
Executive Director
703-245-8021

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 20, 2023

 

AAPC ANNOUNCES 2023 CAMPAIGN EXCELLECE AWARDS FOR THE 2022 CYCLE 
Fetterman for Pennsylvania and Joe Lombardo for Governor named Campaigns of the Year
La Quinta, California (April 20, 2023) —The American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC), America’s only bipartisan association of political professionals, announced today the recipients of the AAPC Campaign Excellence Awards for exceptional work during the 2022 cycle. These awards were presented at a special ceremony in conjunction with the annual AAPC Pollie Awards and Conference near Palm Springs, California.
The Campaign Excellence Awards are a longstanding tradition of the AAPC and recognize those individuals who have significantly contributed to the success of a candidate or public affairs campaign and whose conduct has been consistent with the Professional Code of Ethics of the AAPC.
“We were delighted to provide recognition to the outstanding work in political consulting in 2022,” said AAPC President Becki Donatelli. “The 2023 Campaign Excellence Award winners have set a high bar for recognition in future years,” added AAPC Vice President Larry Huynh.
AAPC Campaign Excellence Award Winners
Ballot Measure Campaign of the Year (Local): Measures J and K
Ballot Measure Campaign of the Year (Statewide): Defeat of “Value Them Both” Ballot Initative in Kansas
Public Affairs Campaign of the Year: Passage of Respect for Marriage Act
Independent Expenditure Campaign of the Year (Republican): Protect Ohio Values
Independent Expenditure Campaign of the Year (Democratic): Nevada IE for Senate Majority PAC
Campaign Manager of the Year, Non-Statewide (Democratic): Kevin Lata – Maxwell Alejandro Frost for Congress (FL-10)
Fundraiser of the Year (Democratic): Haley Barbour and Lara Henderson – Tony for Wisconsin (Governor)
Fundraiser of the Year (Republican): Heather Barker – Ron DeSantis for Florida
Digital Campaign of the Year: Ron Johnson for Wisconsin (US Senate)
Campaign Manager of the Year, Statewide (Democratic): Quentin Fulks, Warnock for Senate
Campaign Manager of the Year, Statewide (Republican): Bobby Saparow, “Georgians First” (Brian Kemp for Governor)
Most Valuable Player of the Year (Democratic): Kim Rogers, Democratic Association of Secretaries of State (DASS)
Pollster of the Year (Democratic): Margie Omero and Mike Bocian, GBAO Strategies
Pollster of the Year (Republican): Randy Gutermuth, American Viewpoint
Campaign of the Year (Democratic): Fetterman for Pennsylvania
Campaign of the Year (Republican): Joe Lombardo for Governor
About the 2023 AAPC Pollie Conference
As the premier industry event, the 2023 Pollie Awards and Conference, held near Palm Springs, California from April 18-20, 2023, brings the leading political professionals together to network and hear from top technology innovators, pollsters, pundits, and service providers. The conference features cutting-edge programming on key industry trends, designed to empower attendees to leverage the latest techniques in campaign strategy and management. The conference is widely recognized as the must-attend event for political consultants, media buyers, public affairs specialists, suppliers, industry leaders, and journalists. For details, visit www.theaapc.org.

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About AAPC

Founded in 1969, the AAPC is a multi-partisan organization of political and public affairs professionals dedicated to improving democracy. The AAPC has more than 1,600 members hailing from all corners of the globe. The Board of Directors is comprised of 32 members, evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats. It is the largest association of political and public affairs professionals in the world. For more information, see www.theaapc.org.

AAPC Announces 2023 Pollie Award Winners

Contact:
Alana Joyce
Executive Director
703-245-8021

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 21, 2023

 

AAPC ANNOUNCES 2023 POLLIE AWARD WINNERS
Political advertising’s largest and most prestigious awards program has record-breaking year
La Quinta, California (April 20, 2023) —The American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC), announced today the winners of the 2023 Pollie Awards, the premier awards competition for the political advertising industry. This year marked the largest Pollie Awards Contest in history. This cycle, AAPC received over 3,000 entries from over 530 entrants across 10 mediums, including television, digital, direct mail/print, radio, and phones. Despite the large number of entries received, only 5% of entries earned Pollie Gold, the industry’s top honor. Given AAPC’s stringent standards for trophy eligibility, less than 21% of entries earned an award reviewed by 304 judges.
“The 2022 campaign cycle continued to challenge traditional outreach and encourage new strategies and tactics. The firms honored with Pollie Awards this year advanced efforts and challenged the status quo. AAPC offers a very enthusiastic congratulations for their wins,” said Becki Donatelli, AAPC President.
Change Media Group, a Democratic firm based in Okemos, Michigan took home the most Pollie wins this year at 17. FP1 Strategies, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, commanded the top spot among Republican firms with 16 wins.
“Our passionate volunteer judges within the AAPC had the pleasure and responsibility of reviewing a multitude of submissions to evaluate political effectiveness and execution as well as their ability to meet AAPC’s Professional Code of Ethics. We sincerely appreciate all of our judges who help to advocate and maintain AAPC’s values,” said Larry Huynh, AAPC Vice President.
About the Pollie Awards
The Pollie Awards (Pollies) are bipartisan honors awarded annually by the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) to members of the political advertising and communications industry who have demonstrated superior work on behalf of their candidates and causes. A blind jury of their professional peers selects AAPC award winners. Esquire magazine has dubbed the Pollies “the Oscars of political advertising”.
The full list of 2023 Pollie Contest winners can be found in the 2023 Winners Book and the winning work can be viewed in the 2023 Pollie Gallery.

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About AAPC

Founded in 1969, the AAPC is a multi-partisan organization of political and public affairs professionals dedicated to improving democracy. The AAPC has more than 1,600 members hailing from all corners of the globe. The Board of Directors is comprised of 32 members, evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats. It is the largest association of political and public affairs professionals in the world. For more information, see www.theaapc.org.