Sherwin Hughes
Executive Director | Leaders for a Better Community, Inc.
This month, AAPC caught up with new Member, Sherwin Hughes.
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Sherwin Hughes’ career spans two decades in government, media, politics, and the nonprofit sector.
Hughes has served as:
- Community Organizer for the YMCA of Metro Milwaukee
- Field representative for Congressman Tom Barrett (WI-5)
- State of Wisconsin constituency director for Kerry/Edwards ‘04
- Chair of the Wisconsin State Elections Board
- Director of communications for state senator Lena C. Taylor
- Business analyst for the City of Milwaukee
- Chief strategist for STH & Associates, LLC
- Consultant to Democrats for Education Reform
“The Forum” a political talk radio show hosted by Hughes since 2012, has been named as one of the best morning shows by The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association.
In 2015, Sherwin founded the grass roots, nonprofit organization Leaders for a Better Community, Inc—where he currently serves as executive director.
AAPC: Tell us how you first got involved in politics.
Sherwin: I was a young, idealistic community organizer who had recently received a bachelors degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. One Friday at 5pm, I received a call from then congressman Tom Barrett(WI-5). He heard about the work I was doing in the community and he asked me to join his congressional staff. That was 17 years ago. The rest is history.
AAPC: What has surprised you most about working in politics?
Sherwin: The people you’ll meet. Dignitaries, national figures, candidates, and maybe even a president or two.
AAPC: If you could change one thing about working in the political consulting industry, what would it be?
Sherwin: I would change the rhetoric. It’s become quite vitriolic. While negative messaging has it’s place, I think it turns too many voters in to “would be voters”
AAPC: What do you wish other people knew about political consulting?
Sherwin: It is exceptionally challenging, and at times, very stressful work. Issues change. Messaging differs by region, demographics. Even a campaign that’s victorious inevitably makes mistakes.
AAPC: Why did you join AAPC?
Sherwin: I joined the AAPC to connect with other professionals and to explore best practices. Also, AAPC helps its members stay abreast of industry trends in an ever changing, technologically advanced digitized industry.
Our newly launched Member Spotlight feature puts you in front of the AAPC community so that you can expand your personal and professional network! We encourage all AAPC members, new and veteran, to take advantage of this opportunity to connect with other members. To be featured in our next Member Spotlight, contact AAPC at info@theaapc.org.
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