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.

Data Privacy Webinar Recap

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AAPC Condemns Use of Deceptive Generative AI Content in Political Campaigns

Contact:
Alana Joyce
Executive Director
703-245-8021

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 3, 2023

 

AAPC CONDEMNS USE OF DECEPTIVE GENERATIVE AI CONTENT IN POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS

AAPC Board of Directors Unanimously Votes to Adopt New Policy for its Members

 

MCLEAN, VA – At its recent Pollie Awards & Conference last month, the bipartisan Board of Directors of the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) unanimously agreed to condemn the use of generative AI “deep fake” content in political campaigns and today issued a policy statement to guide how the Association applies this purposefully deceptive technology within its current Professional Code of Ethics, which governs members’ actions and enforces any violations of the code.

“The Board unanimously agreed that the use of ’deep fake’ generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) content is a dramatically different and dangerous threat to democracy,” said AAPC President R. Rebecca Donatelli. “AAPC is proud of and committed to upholding our Code of Ethics and believed we needed to address this burgeoning technology and make it clear to our members that its use is a blatant violation of our existing Code of Ethics.”

The policy statement highlights that the current AAPC Professional Code of Ethics clearly condemns false and misleading statements: “…Deep fake” generative AI is contrary to the Code of Ethics because, at its core, “deep fake” content is a deception and has no place in legitimate, ethical campaigns. Therefore, AAPC’s Code of Ethics prohibits the use of “deep fake” generative AI content.

AAPC Vice President Larry Huynh added, “AAPC will continue to protect members and voters who rely on straightforward political communications to make informed decisions while ensuring free speech, including the use of satire or parody, thrives within the $9 billion political advertising industry that our members represent.”

Donatelli also noted that the policy establishes a new industry standard for its members by prohibiting any advertising using “deep fake” generative AI content from being eligible for AAPC Awards. Additionally, the AAPC is also encouraging all media, advertising platforms, and delivery systems to refuse to carry or deliver ads using “deep fake” generative AI content.

 

The Full AAPC Policy Statement on Generative AI Can Be Read Here:

“The rise of so-called ’deep fake’ content generated by AI in political campaigns presents a troubling challenge to the free and fair debate of political ideas. With the use of generative AI, so-called “deep fake” technology can make distinguishing between reality and deception difficult. Citizens must have confidence in the basic truthfulness of political campaigns. While the public’s trust in institutions and campaigns has been shaken in recent decades, the use of “deep fake” generative AI content is a dramatically different and dangerous threat to democracy.

The AAPC Professional Code of Ethics currently clearly condemns false and misleading statements. “Deep fake” generative AI is contrary to the Code of Ethics because, at its core, “deep fake” content is a deception and has no place in legitimate, ethical campaigns. Therefore, AAPC’s Code of Ethics prohibits the use of “deep fake” generative AI content.

Further, no advertising using “deep fake” generative AI content will be eligible for AAPC Awards. The AAPC also encourages all media, advertising platforms, and delivery systems to refuse to carry or deliver ads using “deep fake” generative AI content.

The AAPC will use a broad standard to review, condemn, and, if necessary, sanction its members for using “deep fake” ads produced with generative AI technology. This broad prohibition includes deploying “deep fake” generative AI for non-advertising purposes in a political contest. AAPC members are advised that issuing a warning or disclaimer that the audience is viewing a “deep fake” video created using generative AI is insufficient and will not be accepted as a method to avoid this standard.

We will continue to closely monitor these technological evolutions in ad-making while protecting satire and the free discussion of ideas. At this point, “deep fake” imagery used in political ads can be defined as synthetic, computer-generated video, stills, or audio elements derived from a person’s likeness, voice, or image that is so near realistic that it is intended to lead voters to deceptive conclusions alternative to reality about a candidate, party, or issue.

The AAPC does not believe “deep fake” generative AI content as defined above qualifies as satire. AAPC believes there is a strong distinction between parody and an intent to deceive. Satire and even comedic impersonation have a long tradition in democracies and have always been presented with the audience being fully aware and “in on the joke.” The AAPC will continue to stand by its members who exercise their right to free speech with humor and satire when they use truthful and accurate images and quotes.”

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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.

2023 Pollie Awards & Conference

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Scholarship Recipients Share Impressions of Pollies ’22

Thanks to your generous donations, the AAPC Foundation provides scholarships to students who have shown a career interest in political consulting and public affairs an opportunity to attend the annual AAPC Pollie Awards & Conference.

In 2022, the AAPC Foundation selected Sandra Bustamante, Aidan Levinson, and Kevin Zhang. We caught up with them to talk about her experience at the 2022 Pollie Conference.

 

“I wanted to reconnect and express my gratitude and appreciation to receive the scholarship for the 2022 AAPC Pollies Awards & Conference! I was able to attend breakout sessions with highly anticipated and educated speakers to learn about issues facing the political consulting and public affairs realm. The AAPC Conference introduced many different career possibilities (which may take an individual decades to find) and for that I am also grateful.

I also simultaneously made meaningful connections with professionals that were working in spaces that I found interesting to pursue in my future career. In fact, I am still scheduling one-on-one’s with attendees to this day! 

I am forever grateful for the opportunity, the work of AAPC, and your guidance while there!”

Sandra Bustamante 

 

“I am very thankful to AAPC for the opportunity to attend the Annual Conference & Pollie Awards! Aside from meeting a whole host of professionals in the political consulting space, I gained valuable insight into the trends of the day in the political consulting world. Also, hearing from professionals in areas of political consulting I have not worked in before was especially interesting, which I hope will allow me to eventually expand my work into those fields. I made new friends and was able to meet new colleagues for which I am very grateful.”

Aidan Levinson

 

“During the AAPC Pollie Conference, I had the chance to absorb different aspects of the political campaign and consulting industry from leading experts with decades of experience and first-hand knowledge of how the industry has been involved in the recent decade. I learned about how emerging technologies and innovation have influenced political advertising, voting methods, and campaigning. Insights provided by industry-leading experts have given me a better understanding of the American political process and the importance of campaigns and fundraising in politics. Many speakers and attendees were incredibly approachable and helpful to scholarship recipients and took the time to learn about our background and interests. While the overwhelming number of conference participants may seem intimidating initially, the staff was supportive. I had no trouble connecting with other participants since they were all welcoming and willing to help, which made networking so much easier. My favorite part of the conference was the Caucus Sessions, divided by Republicans and Democrats, where I got to hear exclusive insights into my Party’s strategy in the 2022 midterm elections. I also developed friendships with other scholarship recipients and their interests in politics and campaigning. I recommend anyone interested in campaigning apply for the AAPC Scholarship. Attending the AAPC Pollie Conference can provide new insights, opportunities, and lasting relationships!”

Kevin Zhang

2023 Southern Regional Conference

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2023 Pollie Contest Regular Deadline is January 27

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AAPC Applauds Twitter’s Decision To Allow For Political Speech and the Democratic Process

CONTACT:
Alana Joyce
Executive Director
703-245-8021

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 5, 2023

 

AAPC Applauds Twitter’s Decision To Allow For Political Speech and the Democratic Process

 

MCLEAN, VA – The American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) applauds Twitter’s decision
to allow cause-based ads and the return of political advertising on the platform. Social media platforms
are a critical means for campaigns to reach a broad audience of voters, especially young and diverse
audiences who may not access traditional forms of media.

“Twitter’s plans to reinstate cause-based advertising on its platform is a major win for the democratic
process and the ability for campaigns to inform voters about issues they care about,” said Becki Donatelli,
Republican consultant and President of AAPC.

AAPC also applauds Twitter for stating their advertising policy will align with that of TV and other
media outlets.

“Leveling the playing field for political advertising allows candidates and issue organizations to clearly
communicate with voters across all demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds, especially as
consumer media habits change. Newer platforms, like streaming tv and radio, should follow Twitter’s
example to allow direct communication with voters,” said Larry Huynh, Democratic consultant and Vice
President of AAPC.

AAPC steadfastly supports the foundational principles of political free speech enshrined in the U.S.
Constitution and urges full access to social media networks, email service providers, texting platforms,
and digital news and content publishers for all official campaigns and political and non-profit
organizations.

AAPC believes that suppression of political advertising ultimately reduces the ability of people to
participate and learn about the democratic process – including the candidates, and political organizations,
and policy issues that matter to them. Suppressing advertising is restricting free speech and an official
campaign's ability to reach a broad community online.

AAPC stands ready to work with all media partners to develop strong policies to uncover and stop
misinformation while protecting free speech for campaigns and issue advocacy efforts.

 

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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 over 1,600 members hailing from all corners of the
globe. It is the largest association of political and public affairs professionals in the world. The AAPC
Foundation supports efforts to protect free speech, defend democracy, and prepare the next generation of
political consultants to thrive. For more information, see www.theaapc.org.